St George’s Day: English traditions to celebrate in the Lake District
St George’s Day takes place on 23 April each year, with the day marking the death of England’s Patron Saint. Legend claims that St George was a heroic knight who promised to slay an evil dragon that was torturing a local town, in return for the townspeople converting to Christianity. However, historical evidence believes St George to have been a man living in Palestine who was executed for his Christian beliefs, marking him as a martyr.
St George’s Day became a national holiday in England during the early 15th century. Despite the holiday now being a low-key celebration compared to the Irish celebration of St Patrick’s Day, there are a few English traditions you can celebrate right here in the beautiful English Lake District…
Start the day with a Full English Breakfast
Start the day off with a traditional full English breakfast in one of Lakeland’s many delicious, award-winning cafes. Fresher’s Café in Ambleside was voted one of the best places to enjoy a full English in the Lake District, winning Trip Advisors Traveller’s Choice award in 2021. The café is renowned for it’s friendly atmosphere and tasty full English breakfasts, with the café also serving vegetarian and vegan versions too!
Visit one of Lakeland’s beautiful churches
St George is the patron saint of England and is highly celebrated in both Western and Eastern Christian churches. Church buildings are a common feature of the Cumbrian landscape and reflect the religious history of the area. However, despite your religion, these archaic buildings hold beautiful architecture and historical interest, which is often appreciated by any visitor. Despite the age of some Lakeland churches, many of them are still in use for worship today. If you practice religion, masses are likely to be taking place on the morning of St George’s Day, with everyone being welcome. Some examples of beautiful Lakeland churches complete with stained glass windows, historic artefacts and architecture include St. Martin’s Church in Bownesss-on-Windermere, Kendal Parish Church and St. James’ Church in Buttermere.
St James’ Church, Buttermere. Credit: @jemma_pearson91
Climb to the highest point of England
Be the highest person in England this St. George’s Day by scaling England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, standing at 978m above sea level. If the skies are clear, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic, extensive views of the surrounding Lakeland fells plus all the way across the sea to the Isle of Man. The summit cairn is also England’s highest war memorial. After the end of World War 1, the summit of Scafell Pike and other surrounding land was gifted to the National Trust by Lord Leconfield as a memorial to the men of the Lake District who fell in the Great War.
Visit an English Heritage castle
English Heritage has been keeping England’s history alive since 1983, looking after the historic homes, castles and ancient structures that play an important part in the country’s identity, reflecting over 6000 years of history. The charity is celebrating St George’s Day 2022 by hosting special family events across some of their sites. Children (and adults) can hear all about the legends of dragons, make their own swords and shields and learn about the legends and history associated with St George. Cumbria is home to a number of English Heritage castles including Carlisle Castle, Brough Castle and Brougham Castle. A visit to one of these ancient sites is a fitting activity to celebrate England’s very own knight.
Brough Castle - @englishheritage
Enjoy a spot of Afternoon Tea
There’s nothing more English than sitting in the countryside with a pot of a tea, some dainty sandwiches and scones; luckily, the Lake District has plenty of places to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea amongst some of the best scenery in England. The stunning Inn on the Lake has been named as one of the best places in the Lake District to enjoy an afternoon tea, according to Trip Advisor. It’s no surprise the hotel is a favourite; the grounds are set beside Ullswater Lake, complete with an outdoor terrace and a light-flooded Orangery. The afternoon tea here is even fit for royalty and was enjoyed by the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge back in 2019.
Have a pint of traditional English beer in a cosy pub
A traditional pint of beer in England usually consists of a hand-pulled ale or pint of bitter. In the Lake District, you are spoilt for choice with traditional, cosy pubs to enjoy locally crafted ale. The Old Dungeon Ghyll is famous for being an unspoilt, traditional Lakeland hikers bar. Some famous faces in the mountaineering world have enjoyed a pint here, including Sir Chris Bonington. Some of the Lake District’s most popular breweries, which often feature in Lakeland pubs, include Jennings, Hawkshead Brewery, Ennerdale Brewery, Coniston Brewing Company and Keswick Brewery Company, plus many more.
