Find out what’s going to be on in the area during your stay, or find out what’s happening then plan your stay?
Either way, there’s plenty to see and do!
Starting 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.
The Lakeland Loop Cycle Sportive is a challenging ride which starts from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale. The Loop is approximately 69 miles long, taking in some of the finest views of the Lake District and some its most challenging climbs. The route includes Whinlatter Pass, Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass and if you’re hoping that the rest is flat, then you’re going to be disappointed. It’s one of the oldest events in the North West and remains a classic. If you’re thinking of the Fred Whitton, then this will give you a taste and will serve as an ideal training ride! Make sure you have the right gears and join us for a day of climbing hills!
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.
The route takes the main road to Hawkshead and runs through the center of the village, which is a great vantage point to watch the runners passing through. Or cheer the runners as they cross the finish line on the front lawn of Brathay Hall on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Starting and finishing at Coniston Hall Landing Point on the shores of Coniston Water, the Lakeland Trails Marathon takes in a complete circuit of Coniston Water along fully marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways. Taking in the idyllic beauty spot of Tarn Hows and the elevated Beacon Tarn, the whole course gives panoramic views of Lake Coniston and the surrounding peaks of the Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crags. Described by Runners’ World magazine as ‘the most scenic trail Marathon in Britain’ this event is quickly becoming a classic European trail marathon.
The Aquasphere Epic Lakes Swim Coniston is event 3 of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series. It takes place at Monk Coniston, at the North end of the lake. You can choose either the 500m, the 1 mile or the ‘Iron’ 3.8k distances, depending upon your age and ability. Coniston provides yet another fantastic venue, with stunning views and it’s a great family day out. Visit the famous Bluebird Cafe or take a ride on the Steam Gondola. Coniston is of course famous for Donald Campbell’s speed record, but you can take things a bit more leisurely and enjoy the surroundings. It’s going to be another EPIC day of swimming, come and join us!
Locals and visitors to Ambleside have enjoyed watching and taking part in this traditional Lakeland Sports Day. The attractions for this years event will include: Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, Hound Trails, Foot & Cycle races, Fell races, Children’s races, Catering marquee and Licenced marquee.
The Aqua sphere Epic Lakes Swim Windermere is final event of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series. It takes place from YMCA Lakeside, Newby Bridge. You can choose either the 750m, 1500m, 3k or 10k distances, depending upon your age and ability. Bring the family and join us for the season finale, it’s going to be another EPIC day out in the Lake District.
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.
The Lakeland Country Fair takes place at Torver, near Coniston, in the beautiful countryside looking across to the Coniston fells and Coniston Old Man. It is easily accessible, at Little Arrow, Torver, on the A593, a few miles west of Coniston village.
As well as being a typical Cumbrian show, the Lakeland Country Fair acts as a showcase for traditional Cumbrian skills and activities. There will be sheep on display and demonstrations of hand-clipping will take place during the afternoon.
The Grasmere Sports & Show takes place on Bank Holiday Sunday 25th August 2024 at The Showfield in Grasmere. It’s one of the longest-running Lake District sports events and is now in its 172nd year. Grasmere Sports features traditional sports from Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling to fell running and hound trailing.
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!
A beautiful, challenging marathon course set in England’s most spectacular mountain scenery. The Langdale Marathon has a reputation as the toughest road marathon in the UK. Taking in two laps of the Half Marathon course and reaching gradients of 1:3, this stunning marathon attracts both seasoned runners and a large number of people looking for their next challenge.
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.
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.
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.
Founded in 2000 the festival has grown in size and duration over the past 23 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.
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!