Autumn in the Lake District is a beautiful time of year, witnessing the colours change across the landscape from greens to oranges, reds and browns is not to be missed. 

The days might be getting shorter as we head into autumn but they're still plenty long enough to get outdoors. 

You'll find it quieter here than in the summer, with the exception of October Half Term, with the next few months being perfect for discovering Keswick with crisp mornings and crunchy leaves underfoot. 

The weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable but it's no more likely to rain in the autumn than in the summer. Just dress in layers and pack your waterproofs and you'll be good to go.

Enjoy the Autumn Colours

You don't have to venture far out of town to see the autumn colours. Take a stroll along the shores of Derwentwater and through the woods or head up Latrigg for a bird's eye view over Keswick. Autumn is many people's favourite season for photography in the Lake District whether you just use your phone or a camera - the changing colours of the leaves are absolutely stunning with their red, orange and yellow hues whilst the blaze of purple heather on the fells (end of August into September) and the orange bracken only add to the colourful display. 

One of the things we love best about autumn and winter in the Lake District is that you're more likely to get a cloud (temperature) inversion. This occurs in still air when temperature increases with air height, and night mist and fog can get trapped in the cooler air lower down. This can cause some stunning cloud inversions, MWIS often report whether an inversion is likely, set your alarm clock and get ready to head up a hill early. Sometimes cloud inversions especially the deeper we get into Autumn and into winter last all day long, so if you are not an early riser you can still catch one during the day or even at sunset as the clouds roll in. 

If you are heading out early or late, please do remember to take a head torch, and know your route. 

Head to the Forest

Explore Whinlatter Forest, England’s only mountain forest, just a short drive from Keswick. There's a great choice of events taking place this Autumn including guided e-bike rides, forest bathing, women's circles, and dark skies walks. Plus of course the weekly parkrun - the hilliest parkrun in the UK. There's also a wildlife trail, walking and cycling paths, an adventure playground, and visitor centre and café. Up in the forest, you can hire both mountain bikes and e-bikes from Cyclewise Whinlatter and choose from 3 graded mountain bike trails. For a unique perspective on the changing autumnal woodland, have a go on a Go Ape Segway, or swing through the trees in the Go Ape Tree Top Adventure and Tree Top Adventure Plus. 

Get the bus to Whinlatter Forest from Keswick on the 77/77A

Another beautiful woodland to explore this Autumn, is Dodd Wood 

Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some stunning views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will take you deep into the woodland and walk to the top of Dodd Summit for views across the fells, you may even be able to spot the Red Squirrels. 

Take the X4 or 554 bus from Keswick to Dodd Wood, the bus station is located at Booths

Don't forget all single journeys are only £2, getting the bus to Dodd wood is cheaper than driving, due to the car parking charges being more than the bus fare. Toilets, Cafe and parking is all available at Dodd Wood. 

Please note that the seasonal buses with operate to the start of November.

Bus Timetable

Take a Tour

If you'd like to sit back and soak up the scenery why not enjoy a full or half-day tour from Keswick. Relax in the peace and tranquillity of magnificent mountains and lakes. Head into the heart of the Lake District with commentary from knowledgeable driver guides with a passion for the local landscape and heritage. See Ten Lakes in one day or opt for a literary or cultural tour with Mountain Goat Tours or English Lakes Tours.

Refuel in a Cosy Pub

Once you’ve spent a fun-filled day exploring, now that the nights are starting to draw in, there are plenty of cosy pubs and fantastic restaurants in Keswick where you can enjoy a delicious meal and wind down at the end of a busy day. From traditional pub food by a crackling fire at The Kings Arms, to steaks cooked exactly to your taste and grilled to perfection at Brossen, there’s a great range of cuisines and places to eat in Keswick.

A spot of retail therapy is just the thing to round off a day spent in the great outdoors. Our high street is home to a great range of local and independent shops and galleries, selling everything from books to bikes, fashion, homeware, gifts and much more. It's not too early to make a start on your Christmas shopping.

Soak Up Some Culture

We are delighted that the Theatre by the Lake has a packed schedule this autumn and the lovingly restored Keswick Alhambra Cinema shows a wide range of films for all the family. 

Or visit the Rheged Centre for their gallery, cafe, shops and cinema.

We hope that we’ve given you some inspiration for your autumnal visit to Keswick. To find out more about staying in Keswick, including where to stay and what to do, take a look around our website.

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