When is the best time to visit Ravenglass?

Ravenglass 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 and Cumbria. Lambs are jumping around the countryside, daffodils are blooming and tourists are returning following the quieter winter months. 

  • A visit from Ravenglass to Muncaster Castle is a must during springtime to see the gardens in their new spring coat. Fresh blooms surround the gardens with bluebells, daffodils and rhododendrons making their first appearances of the year. The castle host events in May including floral displays and free tours around the gardens including the unique ‘cooking with flowers’ demonstrations! 

  • Don’t miss the Muncaster Festival taking place annually during May time boasting a weekend of family entertainment including daily shows, outdoor games, storytelling and more.

  • Take a trip on the railway to Eskdale to see the remote valley fill up with spritely new born lambs and blankets of spring flowers. 

  • Summer (June- September) 

Summer is understandably the most popular time for visitors to seaside resorts such as Ravenglass, with warmer weather, longer days and public holidays encouraging tourists. 

  • During summer time, the Hawk & Owl centre hold frequent flying displays at Muncaster Castle, giving guests the opportunity to see their birds of prey in action, soaring across clear, blue skies! 

  • Take a trip on the railway over to Eskdale to take part in the annual EskFest during early July. The festival is all about connecting with nature in a stunning, remote valley away from the hustle and bustle of life, going back to basics with no phone signal. The micro-festival is a camping weekend celebrating music and art with performances from both emerging local artists and other UK acts. The event has a ‘classic, old school festival feel’ enjoying music, food and art in nature with no distractions. 

  • Autumn (September-November) 

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

  • The historic Muncaster Castle is the place to be during the spooky season due to its dark, medieval past and haunted halls. The castle host’s events around ‘Halloween Week’ consisting of haunted castle ghost tours and Twilight Owl displays! 

  • Winter (November- February)

Winter is understandably the quietest time of year in seaside towns and villages such as Ravenglass, with closed amenities and cold weather keeping many tourists away. This doesn’t mean that Ravenglass is off limits though; it’s a great way to explore and enjoy the village without the crowds. Winter in Ravenglass can mean cosy pubs with a roaring fire and festive Christmas days…  

-During December, the La’al Ratty transforms into the Santa Express, where families can join Santa on a journey from Ravenglass to Eskdale, exploring his Dalegarth Grotto at the end of the trip. The railway also offers guests the chance to dine on-board enjoying a festive menu complete with mulled wine and brandy!