What’s on recommendations for your December lodge holiday

Following on from our first what’s on blog post last month, we’re back with a round-up of events and activities to help you create fantastic memories during your December lodge holiday.

We’re on countdown to Christmas and the surrounding towns and villages are looking stunning with their festive lighting and shop windows. It’s the perfect time to make the most of our enviable location between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, in the fabulous county of Lancashire. Here’s our shortlist…

1. Windermere Christmas Market, December 9th & 10th.

Windermere’s Victoria Street takes on a German feel for the weekend as it hosts a Christmas market packed with more than 40 stalls. From local and speciality food and drink to handmade gifts and original pieces of artwork, there’ll be plenty to help you tick off some of the presents on your list. There’s live entertainment throughout the weekend, and we’ve heard that (along with the usual mulled wine) there’s going to be a champagne bar converted from a vintage horse box. The market runs from 11am to 8pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

2. Living Advent Calendar, Kirkby Lonsdale, December 1st to 24th.

Every day through advent, Kirkby Lonsdale is hosting an event or performance, or offering a sweet treat to visitors. Look out for the advent numbers created by the local primary school children as you walk around the town – they reveal the treat or performance of the day. From carol and brass band concerts to a nativity performance, Christmas tales in the pub to festive cheer and treats from shopkeepers, it’s set to be a magical December in Kirkby Lonsdale.

3. Steam Hauled Vintage Carriage & Dining Experience, December 10th and 17th.

Relive a bygone era on board a Christmas train. Lavishly decorated, the carriages are some of the oldest working carriages to be found today, and they are going to be steam hauled as you enjoy first class travel during your four- hour rail journey from Lancaster or Carnforth. With a welcome glass of Champagne, and a four-course lunch with wine included, the cost is £179 per person. The train departs late morning from Lancaster and lunchtime from Carnforth on both Sundays.

4. Christmas lunch at Blackwell, 1st – 24th December.

Enjoy a delicious, home cooked festive lunch (with a choice of yummy desserts) at Blackwell, a stunning example of an Arts & Crafts house overlooking Lake Windermere. As well as enjoying the delicious menu, you’ll have time to explore the house and its exhibitions afterwards. Lunch is £18.95 for two courses and £22 for three – book on 015394 46139.

5. Winter Walk, Low Sizergh Barn (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day).

Pull on your wellies and plenty of layers and follow the 2-mile farm trail at Low Sizergh Barn. Starting just outside the 17th century Westmorland stone barn, which houses their farm shop and café, it winds through the farm’s fields and woodland. A lovely walk for all of the family, it’s a great way to spot plant, animal and bird life and it is completely free – there’s even a free map to follow, which you can collect from the farm shop before you start. We highly recommend a hot chocolate or a steaming cup of Lakeland tea in the café afterwards; you can watch milking from the gallery window at 3.45pm daily.

This is just a small selection of the activities on offer locally during December. If you are looking for other ideas of how to spend your well-earned holiday time, here are a few helpful websites:

http://www.exploresouthlakeland.co.uk/events/whats-on-2017/
http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/visit-the-dales/things-to-see-and-do/attractions
https://www.golakes.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on.aspx
https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on

We’re looking forward to welcoming you in December!

Sheryl, Paul & the Lakeland Lodges team