Without doubt the Lake District is a top UK summer destination. But the change in seasons brings a new palette of colours to the stunning fells, woodlands and flowing rivers, making autumn a great time to visit the lakes. Better still if you own your own holiday home nearby you can enjoy the area whenever it suits you. Here are 5 reasons why you might consider heading to explore the Lake District in the autumn…
Autumn colours
Take in a transformation of colour that goes from lush green to a warm mix of red, brown and yellow. A few areas to head for where you can feast your eyes on the golden autumn leaves are the dense wooded area at Borrowdale. Similarly, Arnside and Silverdale is an area with a rich tapestry of naturally shifting colours. Take to the water at Coniston, Windermere or Ullswater to see the vibrant colours reflect off the gently moving lakes. Don’t forget to pack your camera as you’ll want to capture the colourful scenery in autumn.
More peaceful
Autumn is a great time to visit the Lake District if you want to avoid the crowds. Benefit from quieter roads, car parks and less time waiting in queues. With the kids all back to school, it’ll be noticeably quieter around the towns and villages. With less people around, you’ll have a higher chance of grabbing a fireside seat in one of the many traditional country pubs after you’ve finished exploring outdoors.
Autumnal Lake District walks
The lakes are a walkers paradise all year round. In the autumn the scenery is arguably at its most stunning. A word of caution though, due to the varying level of difficulty in the terrain, its advisable to check the weather forecast before attempt some of the more challenging walking routes. If you’re less familiar with the lay of the land in the area – see our guide to the top Lake District walks for some of our favourites.
Indian summer weather
As we head into autumn the winds pick up and the temperatures start to drop. However, there will still be days filled with glorious weather in September, and sometimes October too. This means you can explore the lakes and benefit from clear visibility to see mile upon mile of spectacular and uninterrupted views. Find some outside seating, grab a spot of afternoon tea or a pint of local ale and take in the fresh countryside air while you watch the sunset.
Autumn inspiration in the Lake District
If you are a budding creative, either brushstrokes on canvas or putting pen to paper, the lakes make an ideal setting. Follow in the footsteps of some of the UK’s most treasured literary greats such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Both used the Lake District as the backdrop and source for some of their classic works of literature. In autumn, the changing light and dramatic skies come to life – let the lakes form your inspiration!
Main image credit: cattan2011 on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Posted on