Autumn in the Lake District

Ashness Woods in autumn sun, Borrowdale, Lake District

Coming to the Lake District to marvel at the autumn colour? There is nothing more magical than the fells and woodland turning from green to gold. It’s the perfect time of the year to get your walking boots on and enjoy the nip in the Cumbrian fresh air. We think it's one of the best times to visit - here are our top 10 things to do in autumn.

Family walking in the woodland at Castle Ward, County Down

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Following the latest government guidance, all houses in England and Northern Ireland are closed. We're reopening our places in Wales from Monday 9 November for visitors who live in Wales in line with Welsh government guidelines following the firebreak lockdown. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

Gondola steaming across Coniston Water

1. Enjoy a lake cruise 

Take in the autumn colours of the woodlands hugging the lake shore of Coniston Water from the decks of Steam Yacht Gondola, or hop off at Monk Coniston jetty and follow the trail to Tarn Hows.

Aira Force in Ullswater Cumbria

2. See Aira Force thunder 

This waterfall really is at it's best when it's raining. Warm up with a cuppa from the tea room afterwards.

Autumn colour at Sizergh

3. See the acers at Sizergh 

Enjoy an abundance of sights, scents and tastes at Sizergh this autumn – watch the Japanese maples and acers as they turn fiery red, orange and buttery yellow and the riot of colour in the rock garden. Round up your visit by sampling some Sizergh apple recipes in the café. Don't forget to book your visit.

A red squirrel at Allan Bank in Grasmere Cumbria

4. Spot a red squirrel 

One of the best places to spot them is near the feeders in the woodlands at Aira Force.

Autumn colours in Borrowdale, Lake District

5. Instagram Borrowdale 

It's the most wooded and colourful valley in the Lakes. So we also think it's the most Instagramable.

Vegan burger at Sticklebarn in Langdale

6. Eat at Sticklebarn 

Our pub is surrounded by an adventure playground of rugged slopes and craggy summits.

Hill Top house with woods and fells in the background, Cumbria

7. Wander the gardens at Hill Top 

Witness the changing seasons in the garden at Hill Top, home of Beatrix Potter

High Close Wood in Cumbria

8. Go on a woodland walk 

With some of the most wooded valleys in the country, you don't need to look far for a perfect woodland walk.

Autumnal leaves and lakeshore at Fell Foot

9. Enjoy autumn colour at Fell Foot 

Take a gentle walk around the woodlands, meadows and gardens at Fell Foot and enjoy the views across Windermere. Grab a bite to eat and warm up with hot drinks in the cafe.

The interior of the tree tent at Low Wray Campsite, Lake District

10. Stay with us 

From quirky glamping to cosy cottages with spectacular views, you can enjoy the autumn colour in the Lakes from your doorstep. Inspired? Book a last minute trip with us.