Christmas in the Lakes

Christmas might look a little different this year, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the festive season in the Lake District. Plan a day out with the family or find ideas for things to do from the comfort of your own home.

A family enjoying the outdoors in autumn or winter

Visiting information for this winter 

In England and Northern Ireland, our gardens, parks and countryside remain open for local people to exercise. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority and we urge you to book your visits in advance and stay local. All places in Wales are currently closed. Please check the property webpage before you travel.

More details on what's open

Walk off the Christmas pudding

A view from Gowbarrow over Ullswater

Crisp winter walks at Aira Force 

With views like this from Gowbarrow fell, it's hard to resist wrapping up for a winter walk in Ullswater. Be sure to check out Aira Force in full force while the weather is wetter. And make a pit stop for a hot chocolate at the tearoom kiosk.

Lakeshore by Fell Foot

Stretch your legs at Fell Foot 

Get outdoors and make the most of the season with one of our recommended walks.

View from the top of Latterbarrow hill near Hawkshead Cumbria

Walk from Wray Castle to Latterbarrow 

The perfect loop for all the family this Christmas, with the Kitchen Court Café at Wray Castle at the end, open every day (except Christmas Day).

Celebrate the season at home

Visitors make paper chains near the Christmas tree at Attingham Park

Fun for the whole family 

Delve into our garden shed of fun activities for the kids this winter season. Find inspiration for Christmas crafts, games to play and festive recipes to bake. There's plenty of ideas for outdoors in nature or indoors on a rainy day.

Visitors enjoying craft activities, including colouring and drawing

Peter Rabbit activities and games to try at home 

Get stuck into a winter adventure at home, with these downloadable Peter Rabbit™ activity packs. The packs include puzzles, things to make and fun ideas to spark your imagination with your favourite Beatrix Potter characters. We'll be releasing new packs all the time so keep checking back for new things to do.

Visitors making orange pomander decorations at a Christmas event at Attingham Park, Shropshire

Get into the Christmas spirit 

Stop by our virtual grotto to top up on Christmas cheer. Discover our top tips for a greener Christmas and get a head start on festive plant trivia for those family Zoom quizzes that you’ve got coming up. Find out more and join in with our #TreesUp challenge to give back to nature this season.

Give a gift that gives back

People enjoying the snow at Cliff Ridge Woods, Great Ayton, North Yorkshire

Give the gift of adventure 

Whether it's sweeping views of coast and country, space to stop and wonder in a floral garden or the feeling of discovering hidden secrets in historical homes, we know some things are impossible to wrap. Treat someone special to a whole year of unforgettable moments with National Trust membership this Christmas.

A Christmas present wrapped in brown paper

Make every purchase matter this Christmas 

Our online shop is bursting with unique and beautiful gifts. Discover our latest offers, get some inspiration, and track down the perfect treat for your favourite outdoorsy-type, style icon or budding chef. Every penny you spend helps us to continue our vital conservation work.

Child decorating a Christmas tree

Help plant more trees with #TreesUp 

Still enjoying your beautiful Christmas tree? Don't forget, you can join in with our #TreesUp challenge and help plant new trees all across the country by donating £5 when you share your festive creation on social media.

Let's get more #TreesUp