A fell walker in outdoor clothing stood on top of a snowy topped fell looking down onto the valley with sun rays coming out from the moody clouds

Plan your winter visit to the Lake District

Home Explore Plan your visit Plan your winter visit to the Lake District

We have four seasons in one day. Prepare for them all.

This winter, we’re asking visitors to be prepared while enjoying the Lake District. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned visitor, please be #LakeDistrictKind and help us look after the landscape you love. On this page, you’ll find ways to make your visit memorable, while also keeping it a safe and beautiful place to be.

Help us take care of the Lake District all year round

Leave no trace, please take your litter and dog poo home
Do not park where you are blocking gates or road access
Dogs must be on leads anywhere there may be livestock
Fly camping by the side of lakes and in laybys is not allowed
Wild camping is only allowed with the permission of the land owner
Fires and BBQs are not permitted in the Park unless stated on private land
Campervans and motorhomes should stay in designated sites. Discover where you can park.

Winter, weather and walking

rydal water lake surrounded by snow covered grasses, reeds, trees, a close wooden fence, distant woodland and low hill. The snow landscape and evening blue partly cloudy sky is reflected in the still lake water

Lake District weather

three white adult males in waterproof outdoor clothing stood together, taking a wind speed reading using a hand held device. behind them is a slightly misty, moody fell landscape and a small stream

Fell Top Assessors

adult male in winter hiking gear with ice axe and helmet walking on steep rocky helvellyn ridge in the snow with bright sun with snow covered fell and tarn in backdrop

Winter Skills Day Courses

two hands holding folded paper os map and transparent compass

Learn basic map reading

Do you know how to read a map? Learn basic map skills with OS maps to help navigate around the Lake District.

landscape view of arthur's pike with lake Ullswater in the distance. Snow on the ground, on a bright blue sky day. One hiker is on the Pike in orange hiking clothing

Learn how to walk safely

two white adult walkers wearing dark coloured full outdoor kit and walking poles, hiking in autumnal rocky fells

What to pack

Our mountains have been here for years, they’ll be here tomorrow

We asked outdoor enthusiasts at the the Kendal Mountain Festival for their top tips to enjoy the Lakes in the winter. Know your limits, pack the essentials and be prepared for changes in weather were common themes from these seasoned hikers. These videos have some great tips on how to really enjoy winter walking in the Lake District.

Be Lake District Kind

Winter is challenging. Tackling heights takes experience and skill. Know your limits.

Looking for that perfect shot for your socials? Stay safe and know your limits this winter.

A walker with a full rucksack walking along a fell top with text overlay reading Pack for the weather you'll get, not the weather you want. Your backpack should be filled with every essential needed for a winter walk. Plan ahead.

Pack for the weather you'll get, not the weather you want. Your backpack should be filled with every essential needed for a winter walk. Plan ahead.

A thick snowy trail with bright blue sky and sun. Text overlay reads Let there be light. Don't get caught out by fading light. Check how long your walk will take and head out in good time.

Let there be light. Don't get caught out by fading light. Check how long your walk will take and head out in good time.

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Stay safe in and on the water

Swimming in tarns, lakes and rivers is great fun, and a wonderful way to experience the Lake District landscape. It’s always important to stay safe in and on the water, particularly in winter. Use the pages below to find information about swimming safely, the swim safe code and how to stay safe on the water.

focus on adult woman smiling in wetsuit, pink swim cap and clear goggles, surrounded by more adult swimmers

Swimming in the Lake District

Wastwater with bare woodland and boathouse on the shore. Grey cloudy sky.

Boating

Front of a white paddleboard on a lake at sunset.

Paddleboarding and kayaking

Two green canoes on the lake on a dark grey day. People sat in red buoyancy aids paddling

On the water

Explore areas of the Lake District

We all love the Lake District and we want to keep it looking stunningly beautiful. Let’s all do our bit to help by parking sensibly, taking our litter home, avoiding crowded areas and knowing our limits on the hills and in our lakes.

Explore by area

Find out more

Be prepared for your visit

two white adult males stood talking in in front of fell and woodland backdrop

Frequently asked questions

What can you do? Where can you camp? Where can you take your paddleboard? Where do you park? All your questions answered.

women walking alongside a man in a wheelchair bike going along a gravelled path with mighty fells in the distance

Explore low level walks

There's so much to discover down in the Lake District valley. Try one of our accessible Miles without Stiles routes. The fells will always be there another day.

keswick 555 double decker bus driving down road with stone cottage to left and dry stone wall with blossom tree to right

Getting to and around the Lake District

Close up photo from behind of an adult wearing hiking boots, leggings and using walking poles. Walking on a path with dried orange leaves in a woodland.

Respect. Protect. Enjoy

Tips on how to be a caring visitor to the Lake District, from be prepared, to taking your litter home.