Summer 2020

Not your typical Lake District summer. Covid-19 has obviously made a big difference to the area with very few visitors prior to July and many businesses struggling to reopen. Things have certainly picked up through July since hospitality businesses reopened and you might struggle to find accommodation with so many folks visiting the area and foreign travel proving more uncertain. Many local businesses would certainly appreciate visitors as they try to keep afloat after being closed for so long. Many attractions are now open but with reduced capacity and revised procedures and many require advance booking to manage numbers. Check websites for details.

Lake District Drives are certainly open for the summer season. Obviously the attractions and facilities on route may well be subject to Covid-19 restrictions or closure but the scenery is as good as ever and a drive through it is a great way to enjoy the area away from others. So far the summer weather hasn’t quite been up to the glorious spring we had but water is a feature of the area and it all helps to maintain the lush beauty.

Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
Pooley Bridge lakeside

There are no end of outdoor attractions and activities to enjoy and this is generally the time of year to do it with maximum daylight and warmth. One of the great summer activities is a picnic and a paddle by water and there are many such places featured in Lake District Drives. If you like being on the water there are various boat trips or places to hire boats. Walking is probably the number one summer activity in the area and a number of shorter, more accessible walks are linked within Lake District Drives.

If there is a downside to exploring the area in summer it might be the traffic and crowds which can be excessive but there are always quieter, more isolated areas and drives away from the central Lakes which are still well worth visiting. Scenic views from the car can actually be better at other times of the year when there is less vegetation obscuring views but you can’t really fail to be impressed with the views at any time of year.

It is great to see so many people enjoying the Lake District again so get out and enjoy it while you can!