When is the best time to visit Langdale?

Langdale is a beautiful place to visit all year round, however there are pros and cons depending on which season you visit…

  • Spring 

Visiting Langdale in spring between the winter and summer months is a great time as this is when local amenities are beginning to open back up if they have closed over winter. 

  • Spring is a busy time for farmers in Langdale, meaning local walks will offer sights of new life including new lambs. Langdale is home to Herdwick sheep; you can spot the lambs by their black fleeces, which lighten, as they get older. 

  • Some pubs and restaurants in Langdale, including the Sticklebarn, change their food menu seasonally. Springtime menus often include dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients such as spring onions, asparagus, peas, carrots and herbs such as dill, chives, mint and parsley. 

  • Summer 

Summer is the most popular time for visitors to the Lake District with warmer weather, longer days and public holidays encouraging tourists. 

  • Campsites in Langdale such as BaysBrown re-open in May, welcoming campers back to the site. 

  • The Sticklebarn pub host barbecue afternoons on their outdoor terrace with live music and outdoor fire pits for summer nights. 

  • The warm summer weather makes camping and hiking around Langdale enjoyable and wild swimming in nearby tarns such as Blea Tarn and lakes such as Elterwater will be warmer. 

  • Due to Langdale being a small, remote village, the area is less likely to become over-crowded in summer when compared to busier towns such as Keswick. 

  • Unfortunately, due to summer being a peak time in the lakes, hotels and self-catering accommodation are often at their most expensive which could be problematic for big families. Luckily, prices at BaysBrown campsite are consistent regardless of season so camping is always an alternative, cheaper option. 

  • Autumn 

Autumn is a beautiful time in the Lake District, with summer crowds disappearing and autumn leaves falling, its time for wild, wrapped up walks and cosy pubs and hot chocolates… 

  • Woodland walks in Langdale showcasing the seasons changing colours are ideal for autumn. Nearby forest walks to explore include Fletchers wood, Great Langdale woodland and Blea Tarn woodland. 

  • Halloween in Langdale is an exciting time for both adults and kids. The Sticklebarn pub often host October half-term activities with past events including bat walks, Halloween storytelling by a campfire and spooky film nights. 

  • Exploring caves is a fitting autumn activity for days when its bit rainy or cloudy. Nearby caves include Rydal Caves and Cathedral Caves. 

  • Winter 

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 Langdale is off limits! Many winter days hiking in the snow or warming up by a roaring pub fire can still be enjoyed during the colder seasons… 

  • Campsites in Langdale such as BaysBrown close for the winter, with campers leaving for the last day on 31st October. Don’t let this put you off visiting though, on the plus side, local hotels and accommodation that remain open will be available at their cheapest prices. Great Langdale Campsite remains open and offers glamping pods for the colder months. 

  • Shorter winter days may make big hikes difficult, but short walks can still be enjoyed such as a stroll up to Blea Tarn or Stickle Tarn. Still want a mountain day? With an early start, hikes up Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes are still very much achievable during winter days. Be weather aware and prepared with the right kit when winter hiking. 

  • Finding a cosy pub with a fire is a great way to end a winter’s day in Langdale. Local pubs including the Wainwright Inn, the Sticklebarn and the Britannia Inn all have cosy, roaring fires to warm up next to with a pint.