Autumn 2025 brings festivals, film, food, and dark-sky nights across the Lakes, and that mix usually pairs well with a snug hotel and a simple plan. This guide filters the season month by month, adds nearby areas to stay, and drops quick booking nudges so you can turn a date into a weekend in seconds.
Table of Contents
September highlights
Westmorland County Show, 10–11 September 2025, Crooklands
A huge agricultural showcase with food halls, rural crafts, and arena events. The second day adds even more classes, which makes it one of the UK’s largest countryside shows. Stay near Kendal or Windermere for easy road links and dining choices.
Lakes International Comic Art Festival, 26–28 September 2025, Bowness-on-Windermere
Live draws, workshops, talks, and a busy marketplace fill lakeside venues. The town buzz carries into the bars, so a stroll after the programme often feels like part of the event. Stay in Bowness or on the Windermere ridge for lake views and an easy walk home.
Taste Cumbria, Cockermouth, late September 2025
Food and drink stalls, demos, and family fun take over the Georgian streets. Stay near Bassenthwaite or Keswick for a foodie weekend that still includes fell views.
October highlights, with a half-term focus
Windermere Lake Cruises, full autumn timetables
Regular sailings keep lake days flexible even with showers. Families value the covered decks and frequent departures that match nap windows. Stay in Bowness, Ambleside, or near Lakeside Pier for walkable jetties.
Cumbria Dark Sky Festival, 24 October and 21 November 2025
Stargazing events at wild sites deliver a rare sense of hush. Clear nights can be astonishing this far from city glare. Stay in quieter valleys or near Keswick for easy access to northern viewpoints.
Family staples, Brockhole and Wildlife Park
Brockhole’s playground, cafés, and seasonal activities keep energy high without long drives. The Lake District Wildlife Park near Bassenthwaite suits a half-day with talks and encounters. Stay near Windermere for Brockhole or Keswick for the park.
November highlights, cosy and culinary
Kendal Mountain Festival, 20–23 November 2025
Films, speakers, and live sessions take over Kendal, and the town’s bars and halls give the weekender real buzz. Tickets roll out in waves through autumn, so book early for headline shows. Stay in Kendal for foot access or on Windermere’s south shore for a quieter base.
Theatre by the Lake, autumn programme, Keswick
Drama, comedy, and visiting companies run straight through the season. The post-show stroll by Derwentwater is part of the charm. Stay in Keswick or along Borrowdale for late-night ease.
Taste Cumbria, late-season dates
Pop-up tastings, markets, and festive-leaning events appear across the network into winter. Cockermouth and the Solway towns usually lead the way.
Best places to stay near each event
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Windermere and Bowness – perfect for Comic Art Festival, cruise days, and foodie wandering, with hotels that range from modern suites to classic lake-view rooms.
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Kendal – best for the Mountain Festival and Westmorland Show, with rail links and a short hop to Windermere if you want lakeside calm after the screenings.
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Keswick and Derwentwater – strong for wildlife days, dark-sky events, and Theatre by the Lake, with clear paths and welcoming pubs for cold evenings.
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Ullswater and the Eden side – calmer stays for couples who want stargazing, glamping-style extras, and hotel suites that face straight across the water.
FAQs
How busy is the October half-term in the Lakes?
Visitor numbers rise compared with the surrounding weeks, yet they stay below summer levels. Boat timetables and indoor attractions keep days smooth. Booking dinner and key activities a little ahead pays off, especially around Bowness and Ambleside.
Which lakes suit festivals versus quiet escapes?
Windermere and Kendal work well for events and nightlife, Keswick and Derwentwater balance theatre with calm walks, and Ullswater or the western lakes often feel quieter even in busy weeks.
Can I plan without a car?
Yes. For Windermere, Bowness, and Kendal trips, you can arrive by train and taxi, then use boats and buses. For dark-sky events or the Showground, a car or pre-booked transfer still works best.