When is the best time to visit Arnside?

Arnside is a beautiful place to visit all year round, however there are pros and cons depending on which season you visit…

  • Spring  (March- June)

Spring is a beautiful season in the Lake District; lambs are jumping around the fields and fells, daffodils are blooming and tourists are returning following the quieter winter months. Arnside is a great place to be in the spring, with plenty going on as the village begins to open up following winter… 

Vibrantly coloured spring walks… 

Walks around Arnside’s nearby gardens and woodland provide endless opportunities to spot new wildlife and blooms including bluebells, snowdrops and daffodils. Ashmeadow, Arnside Knott Wood and Grubbins Wood are particularly beautiful during springtime as the woodland is carpeted with vibrant spring blooms. Visiting the gardens of Leighton Hall is recommended during springtime to see the hall’s landscape at its best. 

Spring events… 

  • The Arnside Horticultural Society host their Spring Show at the Methodist Hall in Arnside. The first show was held in 1934 and showcases flower displays created by locals.   

  • Gait Barrow National Nature Reserve host spring morning walks to listen out for birdsongs. If you’re lucky, you may hear the elusive Hawfinch! The early morning spring birdsong walks last around 2 hours and are a great introduction into spring.

  • Summer (June- September)

Summer is the most popular time for visitors to the Lake District with warmer weather, longer days and public holidays encouraging tourists. Arnside is often at its busiest during summertime, making the town a lively place to be.

 - Outdoor activities

Anything outdoors is best enjoyed when the weather is warm and dry, and lots of outdoor activity centres only host events in the summer. Ferries and launches on the nearby Windermere Lake run a more frequent timetable and host summer events and deals including parties and dinners on deck. The surrounding marinas on Windermere re-open for the season offering water sports activities and boat hires.  Beach days with fish and chips and ice cream on Arnside and Silverdale beaches is the ultimate summer day activity! 

  • Camping

Campsites in and nearby Arnside such as Hollins Farm re-open for the summer season between March-October. The warmer weather makes camping an ideal way to spend summer nights in Arnside and Silverdale and often the cheapest way, due to hotels and accommodation often peaking in price during this busy time of year.

  • Summer Events

  • The Silverdale and Arnside Art and Craft Trail is a popular summer event in the coastal towns calendar for both locals and visitors. Residents from the villages of Arnside and Silverdale come together to show off their creative skills in a charming trail that spans a good section of the AONB. Taking place usually in June or July, the event consists of open studios, exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations taking place in both villages.

  • Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is a beautiful time in the Lake District, with summer crowds disappearing and autumn leaves falling, its time for wild, wrapped up walks, cosy pubs, hot chocolates and Halloween activities… 

  • Autumn coloured hikes… 

    Hiking around Arnside and Silverdale during autumn is a beautiful time, with woodland walks being a great option to display the leaves changing colours alongside some of the grassier fells which showcase stunning purple heather and orange bracken.  Some vibrant woodland walks to including Arnside Knott,  Ashmeadow and Grubbins Wood. 

  • Halloween activities 

The RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve host a range of fun activities for children during October half term with past events including spooky trails such as the ‘Monsters of the Moss’ family trail which follows the creepy crawlies that live amongst the trees. At dusk, members of the team run a Bats Bones and Broth event where you may be able to spot some real life bats whilst children enjoy a pot of warming broth made in cauldrons.

  • Winter (November- February)

Winter is likely the quietest time of year in the Lake District with closed amenities and cold weather keeping many tourists away. This doesn’t mean Arnside is off limits; it’s a great way to explore and enjoy the town without the crowds. Winter in Arnside can mean stunning snowy hikes, cosy pubs with a roaring fire and festive Christmas days…

  • Cosy pubs

Finding a cosy pub with a fire is a great way to end a winter’s day in Arnside.  Local pubs including the Ye Old Fighting Cocks and The Albion have cosy, roaring fires to warm up next to with a locally brewed pint and some seasonal pub grub.

  • Christmas activities 


The coastal town of Arnside lights up around Christmas time and holds a delightful Christmas Country Market in the town centre consisting of a range of local stalls selling seasonal preserves, fresh eggs, hand-made chocolates, fresh fish, home-grown flowers, fruit & veg and a selection of plants. There are also stalls selling crafts and watercolour, which make an ideal Christmas gift!