Probably one of the only times to be patriotic and hang out Union Jacks & bunting, it’s nearly the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee! If you’re wondering what there is to do in Cumbria to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70th year on the throne, here is a list of just some of the top things to do and see to mark this special occasion.
Jubilee Afternoon Tea and Jubilee Lunch at Inn on the Lake
Of course, afternoon tea is a must-do! There’s nothing more British than drinking tea and eating cake with a beautiful lake view in front of you. At the Inn on the Lake, you can feast yourself on Union Jack-coloured battenbergs, classic pork pies, and of course…scones!
To top it all off, you will be following in the footsteps of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who had afternoon tea at the hotel back in 2019!
If you are looking for something a smidgen more exclusive, on Friday 3rd June from 12-2pm, a star menu will be offered as part of a one-off Jubilee Lunch celebration. Tuck into delicious dishes ranging from ‘Smoked Salmon Royal Roulade’ to ‘Roasted Sirloin of Beef’.
To finish, pick from a selection of yummy treats, like the ‘Queen of Puddings Tartlet’ or the ‘Victoria Sponge Financier’. Dining will take place in the Lake View Restaurant, with live music provided by Cumbria’s most beloved singer, Glen Anderson, throughout the afternoon.
Event includes welcome canapes, 3-course lunch & live music for £39.95 per person
Please call 017684 82444 to book a table for either of these.
ROYAL VISIT 2019 →
Traditional Afternoon Tea with live music at Borrowdale Hotel
Known for its traditional values, rich history and personable hospitality, the Borrowdale Hotel will be hosting an exclusive Jubilee Afternoon Tea extravaganza on Saturday 4th June which will be accompanied by live music.
Take a seat in the sparkling conservatory and prepare yourself for a regal afternoon tea whilst admiring the landscaped gardens just outside. Live music will also be provided by vintage style vocalist, Miss Pearl, as she takes us through the decades with her unmissable singing style. She will take us through the roaring 40s, booming 50s & swinging 60s.
Tickets to this event cost £31 which includes a Jubilee Afternoon Tea and live entertainment. Spaces are limited and starting to fill up, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Tables are available at 12pm OR 1:30pm
Please call 017687 77224 to book a table
If you’re unable to make our special event, you’ll be pleased to know that Jubilee Afternoon Teas will be available every day up until 30th June for £27.95 per person.
BORROWDALE HOTEL →
Queen Elizabeth documentary at the Keswick Alhambra
Fancy going for a cinema trip over the Jubilee weekend but also want to do something to celebrate our Queen? Well here’s the perfect suggestion for you!
The Keswick Alhambra Cinema is showing ‘Elizabeth: a Portrait in Parts’ from Thursday 2nd June – Sunday 5th June. A documentary by director Roger Michell (Notting Hill, The Duke) and producer Kevin Loader (Nowhere Boy, The Lady in the Van), this film tells you all you need to know about Her Majesty the Queen.
Want to find out what it takes to be the longest-reigning female monarch in British history? Book your tickets now!
Pop and Prom in the Park
Usually part of Keswick’s Mid-Summer Festival, this year the notorious all-day Proms in the Park concert which takes place at Fitz Park has been moved to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee on Sunday 5th June.
For the first time, the event will see a mix of contemporary AND classic artists perform all day from 1pm at this FREE outdoor concert.
Hay bales and seats are available, however guests may want to bring their own seating. Food & drink is also available on the day and flags are highly welcome!
Her Majesty’s Jubilee Picnic Board at the Skiddaw Hotel
If you’re wanting to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee but don’t fancy an afternoon tea, then don’t worry! At the Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick, the new HM Jubilee Hikers Board will be available from 1st – 30th June with a delicious selection of savoury snacks and sweet treats.
A savoury twist on afternoon tea, you can feast on the ‘Platinum Pork Pie’ with plum chutney, the ‘Beefeater Slider’ on a brioche bun, and ‘Sandringham’s Sausage Rolls’ made with venison mince. The ‘Coronation Chicken Wrap’, ‘King Edward’s Fries, ‘Earl of Sandwich’ and ‘Balmoral Paté’ are sure to satisfy your appetite.
To top it all off, the selection of desserts are to die for: ‘Prince Battenberg Cake’, ‘Cherries Jubilee’ and ‘Queen Victoria’s Sponge Cake’! Yum! Who else is hungry?
Available every day from 12pm-5pm
£36 for 2 people to share
Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Another patriotic afternoon tea to get excited about is the Jubilee Afternoon Tea which is available at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa across the month of June. Full of sweet patisseries and scrumptious cakes that are suitable for Queen Liz herself.
Choose to enjoy your afternoon tea in the Lake View Restaurant, cosy bar area, dog-friendly library lounge or on the outdoor terrace so you can admire views of the landscaped gardens and surrounding fells.
The hotel even has the Lodore Falls waterfall on site so it really is as if you are eating in an English country garden!
AFTERNOON TEA ETIQUETTE →
Beacon Lighting at Carlisle Castle
Want to do something more active? Head to Carlisle Castle on Thursday 2nd where, at 9:45pm, the beacons will be lit to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
A traditional celebration that will take place throughout the nation this Jubilee, you can join in as the community gathers for a special event that honours British culture. The beacon lighting will also be followed by musical performances, the castle itself being floodlit, and projections of beacons being lit across Hadrian’s Wall.
View this post on Instagram
Old English sports at Killington
Do you enjoy some old-fashioned wrestling, tug-of-war and three legged races? Then head on down to Beckside Farm this Jubilee to participate in some traditional family fun!
It’s only £5 for adults and £3 for children, and you can win some prize money by joining in! Refreshments will be offered and a catering van will be there for when you’re feeling peckish after all that running about.
Drinks (alcoholic and soft), slow-cooked meats and traditional party food from the 50s… What more could you want?
A royal lake cruise on Windermere Lake
Many royals have taken ferry cruises across the longest lake in England over the years. However, the most notable passenger has been the Queen herself! On two occasions, she has enjoyed rides on Windermere Lake Cruises’ largest steamer ‘MV Teal’: in August 1956, and then later in July 2013. She was actually gifted a portrait of herself during this visit which currently sits in the reception of the Skiddaw Hotel!
If you want to follow in the footsteps of Lizzie, why not book a ferry trip this Jubilee? It’s the perfect celebratory outing that you can enjoy with family and friends while also giving back to a local company.
