Events
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Thu13Aug20269:00 amAmbleside
The Rydal Show also has over 20 trade stands offering country life shopping including clothing and accessories, art and displays. A licensed bar will be open from 11am – 7pm and food will include full catering using local produce from a seated catering tent, as well as sandwiches, cakes, Cumberland sausage and burgers. -
Sat15Aug202610:00 amRusland
The marquees are filled with exhibits of horticulture, home produce, handicrafts, photography and film. On the sports field there are fell races, track races plus many other events such as egg throwing and tug-of-war. There are also many children’s competitions covering everything above and much more including fancy dress and a pet competition. There is the possibility you could win one of thirty trophies which are presented each year and of course one of many cash prizes.
There are many other activities for all, including craft and local interest stalls, catering and beer tents. Rusland Show is set up and run by the local community. We work hard to give you a great day out. Something we have done for over 130 years now.
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Sun30Aug202610:00 amGrasmere
The Grasmere Sports & Show takes place on Bank Holiday Sunday 30th August 2026 at The Showfield in Grasmere. It’s one of the longest-running Lake District sports events and is now in its 173rd year. Grasmere Sports features traditional sports from Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling to fell running and hound trailing.
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Sat05Sep20268:00 amWindermereChillswim Windermere 2026 will take place on Saturday 5th September. It’s the longest swim in England and a unique chance to swim the full 11 mile length with all of your swimming friends whilst knowing you are safe in the hands of the highly experienced management team at Chillswim.
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Wed09Sep2026Thu10Sep20268:00 amKendalLocated on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 30,000 visitors every year. A major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horses too, there’s plenty to see.
Come and meet the foxhounds, get up close to magnificent cattle, marvel at the show jumping, discover the interactive displays in our Learning for Life Marquee, get inspired by the WI’s crafty creations, or cheer on your favourites in the Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling.
Be tempted by artisan chocolates, cheeses, pies, gins and much more in the North West’s largest local Food Hall, or drop the children off at our creche and enjoy the Show at your own pace.
With the chance to discover the best of farming and the countryside, as well as seeing some of the country’s top quality livestock, shop till you drop amongst hundreds of trade stands or get involved with our Rural Craft have-a-go areas, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this year’s Show.
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Sun11Oct20267:30 amGrasmereThe Cumbrian Cracker is one of the original Lakeland cycle sportives. It’s a 60 miles route which starts and finishes in Grasmere village and climbs ‘Red Bank’ within the first mile! The route continues round the back of Coniston Water to reach the food stop at Cartmel scout hut. The return leg then weaves it’s way through fantastic country lanes, via Grizedale forest, Hawkshead and Ambleside. The route is undulating but does not climb any of the major passes. The roads in South Lakeland are some of the best you will ever ride and well worth the trip! This is a classic Autumn sportive and an EPIC day out on the bike, make sure you join us!
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Sat21Nov202610:30 amAmblesideThe event starts around 10.30 am with the first steamer ready to set off on the lake in search of Santa. Other events happening throughout the day in the village. From about 3.45 pm, lantern bearers gather outside the Gables Hotel at the bottom of Compston Road, where the lantern bearers will turn on their LED LIGHTING.
Santa arrives to head the procession which leaves at 4.30 pm, all lanterns lit up. Off we go up Compston Road with Father Christmas switching the lights on and weaving a spell with his magic dust as we parade around the village.
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Sat28Nov2026Sun29Nov202610:00 amUlverstonUlverston’s Dickensian Christmas Festival is managed and operated by an independent local committee of unpaid volunteers on a non-profit making basis; it is funded by fund raising efforts throughout the year and income from stalls and mulled wine sales of the previous year.
Founded in 2000 the festival has grown in size and duration over the past 25 years and has established itself as one of the busiest and most popular Dickensian festivals in the country. Customers enjoy the festive atmosphere and the quality and variety of products on offer.
Ulverston is a beautiful historic market town with cobbled streets situated in a spectacular location on the edge of the Lake District.
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Sat12Dec202610:00 amGreat LangdaleThe Christmas Pudding 10K is a popular start to the festive season in the Lake District for locals and visitors alike. With over 1000 entered at its peak, this race appeals to all who enjoy the fun side of running, with festive fancy dress encouraged! Every finisher receives a Christmas pudding and there’s a prize for the best dressed to help get you into the Christmas spirit!
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Sat20Mar202711:00 amConiston
The Coniston 14 is probably the most beautiful road race in Britain. Each year it attracts some 1600 runners and has a reputation for being one of the best organised small races in the country. The Race is organised by an enthusiastic committee of volunteers from Coniston village.
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Sat10Apr202710:00 amHawksheadStarting and finishing at Hawkshead, the 16K Hawkshead Trail Race, 16K Hawkshead Trail Challenge and 10K Hawkshead Trail Run follow circuits along fully marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways, taking in panoramic views of Windermere and the surrounding peaks of the Coniston Hills, the Langdales and most of the Lakeland fells. All of the routes take in the infamous, mile long, near vertical, killer climb of the “Coffin Trail”! Underfoot conditions are generally good, particularly for those used to off-road running.
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Sat01May20279:00 amKendal
The trails climb out from Staveley above the Kentmere valley, before returning along the valley itself past idyllic tarns and through ancient woodland, climbing Reston Scar before the descent back into Staveley village. Underfoot conditions are quite variable and there’s a bit of everything! Short sections of tarmac, grassy footpaths, stony bridleways with some stiles to climb over near the end, all add to the unique nature of the event.
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Sun09May20276:00 amGrasmereThe Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 113 mile sportive around the Lake District, now a World Heritage Site. Starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, Wrynose and Blea Tarn passes.
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Sat05Jun20277:00 amConistonWe’ll still be using many the same Coniston trails which everyone love, following circuits along well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways, taking in panoramic views of Coniston Water and the surrounding peaks of the Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crags. Underfoot conditions are generally good for those used to off road running, although there is one short section on the 15K routes which only agile mountain goats will be able to run!
A carnival atmosphere is guaranteed for both spectators and competitors, with live music, race commentary, food and drink all available at the start and finish. So, whether you’re new to trail running, an experienced athlete, or simply looking for an unforgettable day out in the Lake District, a family-friendly, festival atmosphere and some amazing trail running awaits you!
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Sat05Jun202711:30 amGrasmereA challenging ‘fun’ run. Initially, the route starts along Red Bank Road alongside the 10km competitors, but on reaching Deer Bolts Wood it descends to the Grasmere lake shore path, and then returns to the village of Grasmere, finishing on the sports field for a grandstand finish. A great event as an introduction to trail running and is popular with children and families wanting to run or walk together. All 5.7km trail run finishers receive free event photographs and more importantly cake
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Fri11Jun2027Sun13Jun202712:00 pmWindermereAttracting around 10,000 participants every year, the Great North Swim is the UK’s biggest open water swimming event. Held on Windermere across three days, participants are offered the chance to take part in half-mile, one-mile, two-mile, or five-kilometer swims, setting off in waves of approximately 300 every half an hour. The course starts and finishes on dry land with a run or walk into the water and swimmers can relax safe in the knowledge that expert kayakers and safety boats are with them, every stroke of the way.
The Rydal Show also has over 20 trade stands offering country life shopping including clothing and accessories, art and displays. A licensed bar will be open from 11am – 7pm and food will include full catering using local produce from a seated catering tent, as well as sandwiches, cakes, Cumberland sausage and burgers.
Chillswim Windermere 2026 will take place on Saturday 5th September. It’s the longest swim in England and a unique chance to swim the full 11 mile length with all of your swimming friends whilst knowing you are safe in the hands of the highly experienced management team at Chillswim.
Located on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 30,000 visitors every year. A major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horses too, there’s plenty to see.
The Cumbrian Cracker is one of the original Lakeland cycle sportives. It’s a 60 miles route which starts and finishes in Grasmere village and climbs ‘Red Bank’ within the first mile! The route continues round the back of Coniston Water to reach the food stop at Cartmel scout hut. The return leg then weaves it’s way through fantastic country lanes, via Grizedale forest, Hawkshead and Ambleside. The route is undulating but does not climb any of the major passes. The roads in South Lakeland are some of the best you will ever ride and well worth the trip! This is a classic Autumn sportive and an EPIC day out on the bike, make sure you join us!
The event starts around 10.30 am with the first steamer ready to set off on the lake in search of Santa. Other events happening throughout the day in the village. From about 3.45 pm, lantern bearers gather outside the Gables Hotel at the bottom of Compston Road, where the lantern bearers will turn on their LED LIGHTING.
Ulverston’s Dickensian Christmas Festival is managed and operated by an independent local committee of unpaid volunteers on a non-profit making basis; it is funded by fund raising efforts throughout the year and income from stalls and mulled wine sales of the previous year.
The Christmas Pudding 10K is a popular start to the festive season in the Lake District for locals and visitors alike. With over 1000 entered at its peak, this race appeals to all who enjoy the fun side of running, with festive fancy dress encouraged! Every finisher receives a Christmas pudding and there’s a prize for the best dressed to help get you into the Christmas spirit!
The Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 113 mile sportive around the Lake District, now a World Heritage Site. Starting at 
We’ll still be using many the same Coniston trails which everyone love, following circuits along well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways, taking in panoramic views of Coniston Water and the surrounding peaks of the Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crags. Underfoot conditions are generally good for those used to off road running, although there is one short section on the 15K routes which only agile mountain goats will be able to run!
A challenging ‘fun’ run. Initially, the route starts along Red Bank Road alongside the 10km competitors, but on reaching Deer Bolts Wood it descends to the Grasmere lake shore path, and then returns to the village of Grasmere, finishing on the sports field for a grandstand finish. A great event as an introduction to trail running and is popular with children and families wanting to run or walk together. All 5.7km trail run finishers receive free event photographs and more importantly cake