Explore Lakeland Motor Museum’s fascinating collection of over 30,000 exhibits that trace the development of road transport throughout the twentieth century - cycles, motorbikes, motor cars and automobilia. And so much more than just a motor museum. Their local history and period shopping displays, authentic recreations and picturesque riverside cafe makes it a great day out for the whole family. They're open every day except Christmas Day

This December really is the perfect time to pay a visit to Brockhole on Windermere. There’s nothing quite like a view of a sparkly lakeshore, snow-capped mountains and a frosty garden glistening in the winter sun and that’s just what we can see from the windows of the white Arts & Crafts House whist enjoying Christmas lunch or afternoon tea at The Gaddum restaurant. Don’t leave empty handed, there are gifts galore in the shop - and you can choose your perfect Christmas tree right there (and all proceeds go back into the Lake District National Park!) And - there is FREE parking right up to Christmas Eve. Christmas at Brockhole.

The Armitt Museum library boasts an impressive number of Beatrix Potter family’s books including a large collection of botanical watercolours and works that reveal much about the lesser-known aspects of Potter’s life story. The gallery also boasts an important collection of artworks by Kurt Schwitters, who influenced much of 20th Century art, and who lived in Ambleside during his final years. Opening Hours 

Keswick Museum tells the stories of this vibrant market town and its surrounding landscapes, putting the museum at the very heart of the Lake District World Heritage story. The museum is the perfect place to start or end your visit to Keswick. Opening times

Find festive magic throughout Blackwell and Windermere Jetty this Christmas with a special installation and visiting choirs at Blackwell, magical events for children at The Jetty and festive dishes served against stunning backdrops in the cafes – perfect for getting into the spirit of the season.

Opening hours and events

Brantwood is coming to the end of a very special year – John Ruskin’s 200th anniversary. Ruskin’s former home and the surrounding 250-acre estate offers a fascinating insight into his world and continues to be a vibrant centre for the arts in Cumbria. You could while away a short winters day amongst its treasures – wrap up warm and enjoy the view from the Terrace café, and Robin may pay you a visit.

Opening hours

Founded on a family owned ‘living’ estate, Askham Hall, The Queens Head and The George and Dragon form a trio of unique places to eat, drink and sleep - continuing the Lakeland tradition of offering winter travellers a warm welcome and delicious food. From 9 December Askham Hall Kitchen Garden Café is relocating to The Queen’s Head in the middle of Askham village for the winter. Discover the Askham Collection

There are plenty of festive activities taking place in the run up to Christmas at Holker Hall - the hall is beautifully decorated for the season, festive food and music, and Santa too!  Pay a visit before they close for the season. Opening times and events

Although some houses are closed throughout December, they open their gardens, parkland and cafes: 

The Barn Café at Swarthmoor Hall serves a selection of seasonal food until 22 December. All of their lunches are homemade using organic ingredients from local suppliers and vegetables from the on-site allotment, grown by their volunteer gardeners – beautiful food for thought.

Although Levens Hall and Gardens are closed Levens Kitchen will be open on days in December and January. It would be well worth planning a trip to coincide with one! The seasonally inspired menu uses locally sourced, high-quality produce, including products grown on the Levens Estate and in the gardens. 

Dalemain Mansion’s historic gardens and tearoom are open Sunday – Thursday until 17 December. They will be serving delicious homemade Christmas lunches in the tearoom from 2 December. Menus and further information

Sizergh Castle’s parkland, gardens and café are open most days (only the parkland is open on Christmas Day). Sizergh is just one of many National Trust properties in Cumbria that are worth seeking out for a seasonal visit.

Mirehouse is also taking its winter break, but The Old Sawmill Tearoom, with its views down to Bassenthwaite Lake is always popular with walkers and cyclists remains open weekends in December and between 27 December - 5 January, 10am till 4.30 pm. 

If you are exploring the stunning west coast and find yourself in need of something warming it would be worth checking out Muncaster Castle’s Owl Garden Tea Room. Opening times

The Lake District is open every day of the year, and winter holidays and weekends can be a magical time here.  Stunning sunrises and sunsets are particularly wonderful, and you don't have to get up all that early to catch them!

May we recommend a walk, just you and your thoughts, or shared moments with friends. Holehird Gardens in Windermere is open dawn to dusk or Forestry England’s Gizedale and Winlatter Forest, are open 24 hours a day, every day. Or imagine a day in a Roman soldier’s life at Birdoswald Fort on Hadrian’s Wall in the depths of winter (without the comfort of Birdoswald’s cosy tearoom!) and experience one of the most awe-inspiring views in the north of England. They all capture the Lake District as a true winter wonderland.

These are just a few ideas for festive days out, there are lots more here. 

Enjoy your days out in a World Heritage Site recognised for its cultural landscape.