When is the best time to visit Buttermere?
Buttermere is a beautiful place to visit all year round, however there are pros and cons depending on which season you visit…
Spring is a beautiful season in the Lake District; lambs are jumping around the fields and fells, daffodils are blooming and tourists are returning following the quieter winter months. Buttermere is a beautiful place to be in the spring with the Rannerdale ‘Bluebell’ Valley being a highlight…
Walks around Buttermere and Rannerdale Valley are extra special during springtime due to the fresh blooms and active wildlife. Although a walk around the Buttermere lake can still be enjoyed, the National Trust close some small sections of the lakeside footpath along the north edge during springtime (usually April-June) to provide a sanctuary for nesting sandpipers. They lay their eggs directly onto the lakeshore and could be damaged by walkers and dogs if they are not protected. The National Trust provide three temporary waymarked trails to alternatively follow during this time on their website.
A walk around the Rannerdale ‘secret’ valley during springtime is a special experience; the valley is covered in a carpet of vibrant bluebells. The flowers bloom during April and May and are renowned as a natural wonder being a beloved place for local photographers and hikers. However, nearly 25% of the bluebells have been lost over the last 5 years due to visitors walking through them. The National Trust urge visitors to enjoy the valley whilst sticking to the footpaths to avoid standing on these precious, slow growing flowers.
Buttermere is often a quiet valley all year round, but a small number of charity events sometimes take place including organised hikes and runs involving local groups. This April (2022), an exciting charity event is taking place involving the Lake District’s most famous four-legged heroes, ‘Max the Miracle Dog’ and ‘Paddy Legend of the Lakes.’ The two springer spaniels are well known dogs in the Lake District, with Max receiving a PDSA Order of Merit 2021 for providing comfort and support to thousands of people worldwide. The best-selling novel Max the Miracle Dog was a Sunday Times bestseller. The spring event, named ‘Paddy’s Buttermere Bounce’ is a charity dog walk raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance. The walk starts at Gatesgarth Farm on Saturday 23rd April and costs £12 to join. Keep an eye out for other spring events happening in Buttermere online.
Summer is the most popular time for visitors to the Lake District with warmer weather, longer days and public holidays encouraging tourists. Buttermere’s usually quiet valley and village is often packed with people during the summertime making it an exciting, lively place to be!
Anything outdoors is best enjoyed when the weather is warm and dry! Although Buttermere doesn’t have any outdoor activity centres, you can host your own activity days through warmer wild swimming on one of Buttermere’s three lakes, launching your own kayak, canoe or rowing boat or enjoying a hike on one of Buttermere’s many surrounding fells including Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks or the High Stile ridge!
Campsites in Buttermere such as Syke Farm Campsite, Cragg House Farm and YHA Buttermere re-open for the summer usually between March and October. The warmer weather makes camping an ideal way to spend summer nights in Buttermere and often the cheapest way, due to hotels and accommodation often peaking in price during this busy time of year.
Buttermere is a small place meaning it is often quiet in terms of festivals and events, even during the warmer months, however a small number of charity events often take place in the summer, including the Buttermere Bash. The small festival is a charity fundraiser now in its 15th year (2022); around £10,000 from the festival is donated each year to local charities including the Air Ambulance, Mountain Rescue Teams and local environment charities. Tickets go on sale mid-February and with the event usually taking place on a weekend early in June. The festival is a fun place to be with live music beside the lake, food and drink tents and dancing beneath the mountains!
Autumn is a beautiful time in the Lake District, with summer crowds disappearing and autumn leaves falling, its time for wild, wrapped up walks, cosy pubs, hot chocolates and Halloween activities…
Hiking around Buttermere during autumn is a beautiful time; with woodland walks being a great option to display the leaves changing colours alongside lakeside trails reflecting the surrounding fells red and brown hues.
Some vibrant woodland walks to explore in the area include Lanthwaite Wood and High Wood, which border a small section of Crummock Water.
Most of the cafes, hotels and pubs in Buttermere get involved with Halloween through festive activities and spooky themed food! The Syke Farm Café often make specialist Halloween treats including spooky cakes, brownies and hot drinks with the nearby St James’ Church often placing scary decorations and Halloween displays on the surrounding land.
Winter is likely the quietest time of year in the Lake District with closed amenities and cold weather keeping many tourists away. This doesn’t mean that Buttermere is off limits; it’s a great way to explore and enjoy the valley and village without the crowds. Winter in Buttermere can mean stunning snowy hikes, cosy pubs with a roaring fire and festive Christmas days…
Although short, dark days are common in winter, local walks can still be enjoyable with an early start, the right kit and skills. Nearby mountains that are particularly beautiful in winter and snow include Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike and the High Stile ridge. There’s no need to feel like you’re rushing home after a winter hike, accommodation in Buttermere is at its lowest price during the winter months, so staying at a cosy hotel for a winters night is more affordable this time of year.
Finding a cosy pub with a fire is a great way to end a winter’s day in Buttermere. Local pubs including the Kirkstile Inn, The Buttermere Court Hotel bar and the Bridge Hotel all have cosy, roaring fires to warm up next to with a pint of local cask ale!
Buttermere is a beautiful village all year round, but the crisp, winter frost and pretty lights really give the village a special feel at Christmas time. The Bridge Hotel offer delicious Christmas dinners on the run up to Christmas Day, with the nearby Syke Farm Café creating delicious festive treats including winter themed cakes and hot chocolates. Honister Slate Mine host a range of exciting Christmas activities for all the family including mine tours to escape the cold and more adventurous activities including a zip wire and ‘Climb the Mine.’ Christmas gifts can be picked up at the mines gift shop; alternatively, more Christmas shopping can be enjoyed in the nearby towns of Cockermouth and Keswick.
