When is the best time to visit Cartmel?

Cartmel 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. Cartmel 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 Cartmel’s nearby gardens and woodland provide endless opportunities to spot new wildlife and blooms including bluebells, snowdrops and daffodils. Hampsfell, Eggerslack Wood and Fell Foot Park are particularly beautiful during springtime as the woodland is carpeted with vibrant bluebells. The gardens at Holker Hall are also recommended to be best visited during springtime to see the rare conifers and rhododendrons, which grabbed the interest of Victorian landscaper Thomas Mawson.

  • Spring events…

- The un-missable Holker Spring Fair takes place around early May, brining together a fine selection of home, food, garden and gift exhibitors in the halls bustling courtyard. The event showcases a range of delicious artisan food, glorious flowers and plants and beautiful handmade gifts alongside lively entertainment. The event has also started including a fun Dog Show, so make sure you four-legged friends dress to impress! 

- The race season at Cartmel Racecourse begins in May, hosting over 9 racing days throughout spring and summer.

  • 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. Cartmel is often packed with people during the summertime making it a lively place to be!

  • Outdoor activities

Anything outdoors is best enjoyed when the weather is warm and dry, with water sports and hiking being popular around Cartmel and WIndermere during summer. Water activities such as kayaking, rowing, wild swimming and boat trips are popular on the nearby Windermere Lake; activity centres offering hiring options are dotted around the lake.

  • Camping

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

  • Summer Events

- The Cartmel Show has been a huge event in the Lake District calendar since 1872 and takes place annually during summertime, usually in early August.  The traditional agricultural show consist of competing livestock, a Food Theatre offering cooking demonstrations, shop stalls selling locally handmade gifts, clothing, homewares, outdoor and leisure goods alongside children’s activities including archery, a bouncy castle and birds of prey. 

- Cartmel Village holds a summertime Food Market every third Friday of the month in Devonshire Square beside the front gates of the Priory. For a village known worldwide for the quality of its food and drink, expect lots of locally produced goodies; from fresh fish and meats to sweet treats.

  • 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 Cartmel 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 explore near Carmtel include Fell Foot Park, Hampsfell and Eggerslack Wood.

  • Autumn activities 

-Holker Hall host an annual Autumn Chili Fest in September, which is a two day festival featuring specialist chilli companies from all over the country, local specialist food suppliers, catering featuring cuisine from around the world and a variety of quirky gifts. With entertainment, cookery demonstrations and the much-anticipated chili eating competition, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

- Holker Hall host Halloween fun days during late October time consisting of scary storytelling, mystery and clue solving activities, creepy theatre performances, music and more. A pumpkin trail also takes place in the gardens where children can follow clues in the gardens to find hidden pumpkins!

  • 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 Cartmel is off limits; it’s a great way to explore and enjoy the village without the crowds. Winter in Cartmel 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 Cartmel. Local pubs including The Cavendish Arms and The Royal Oak both have cosy, roaring fires to warm up next to with a locally brewed pint and some seasonal pub grub.

  • Christmas activities

Cartmel is a beautiful, festive town around Christmas time complete with pretty lights and quaint streets. 

  • ‘Christmas in Cartmel’ is an annual celebration hosted by the Cartmel Village Society consisting of festive events such as food and gift stalls, Santa sleigh rides pulled by the beautiful black Friesian horses, live music, reindeers, craft activities and more. 

  • Holker Hall host Winter Markets in November complete with artisan gift and food stalls, live entertainment and pretty decorations!