January in the Lake District: What to See, Do and Enjoy This Winter

January is one of the most peaceful and rewarding months to visit the Lake District. With crisp winter landscapes, quieter footpaths and cosy hotel comforts, it’s the ideal time to unwind after the festive season. Whether you’re planning a relaxing winter getaway, a foodie experience, or a rejuvenating spa day, Lake District Hotels offers everything you need to start the year in comfort and style.

If you’re wondering how to make the most of your January, just carry on reading!

Start Strong

Set the tone for the year ahead with the perfect New Year’s Day celebration. Start 2025 with our indulgent all-you-can-eat Jazz Brunches!

At Inn on the Lake, sip your complimentary welcome drink as the smooth, soulful sounds of our live jazz band — inspired by the rhythms of New Orleans — fill the room. It’s the ideal way to ease gently into the new year.

Or you can enjoy a buffet featuring all your favourite brunch classics from The Falls Brasserie, along with an impressive selection of Asian specialities from our Pan-Asian restaurant, Mizu at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa

With breathtaking lakeside views as your backdrop, there’s no better place to lift your spirits and begin the year in style.

Experience the Beauty of the Lake District in January

After the indulgence and busy celebrations of December, January is the perfect time to step outside, breathe in the fresh air and reconnect with nature. The Lake District offers some of the most peaceful winter landscapes — from quiet woodland trails to crisp lakeside paths and frost-tipped fells.

Whether you’re easing into gentle walks or starting new fitness goals, getting outdoors is a great way to boost your mood and begin the year feeling refreshed. With fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, January is an ideal time to experience the Lakes at their calmest.

On 4th January, Lakeland Paws will be hosting a canicross trail run at Whinlatter Pass in Keswick. The event features both 5K and 10K routes — and, thanks to the gentler terrain on the south side of the forest, runners can take part with up to two dogs. The course follows a mix of forest roads and woodland trails, offering the breathtaking scenery Whinlatter is loved for. It’s an ideal event for both runners and canicross teams looking to enjoy scenic winter miles.

Photo by Steve Ashworth.

Or try something new this January by joining Jo and Laura from JAG Outdoors for a gentle 5K run, followed by an hour of yoga in the forest yurt and a calming shavasana to finish. The event takes place on the 9th, meeting at the Whinlatter Visitor Centre.

Our hotels are perfectly placed for exploring Keswick, Borrowdale and Ullswater, with scenic walking routes beginning right from the doorstep.

After your adventure, return to a warm fire, a hearty meal and a relaxing night’s sleep — whether you choose a peaceful lakeside escape or a stay in the charming market town of Keswick.

Reset for the Year Ahead

All those years you said you’d start taking better care of yourself — 2026 can finally be the year you mean it. After all, if you don’t prioritise your own wellbeing, who will?

If you’re ready for a little self-care, start as you mean to go on with a visit to the award-winning Falls Spa. Renowned as one of the most popular spa experiences in the Lake District, it’s the perfect winter escape, offering calm, comfort and complete relaxation during the quieter months.

January spa highlights:

It’s the perfect way to recharge your energy and begin the year feeling your best.

Keep the Celebrations Going

January can often feel a little quiet after the festive rush — the decorations are down, the parties have ended, and the month can lack the celebrations we all enjoyed in December.

But there’s still plenty to look forward to in the Lake District, including one of our favourite winter traditions: Celebrating Burns Night at the Borrowdale Hotel.

On the 16th of January, join us as we honour the life and poetry of Robert Burns with an evening filled with Scottish flavours, hearty food, warming whisky and joyful entertainment. Expect traditional dishes, a welcoming atmosphere and a celebration that brings people together at just the right moment — exactly when January needs a little lift.

Your ticket includes; welcome canapes, 4-course Scottish-inspired meal, traditional piper, the address to a haggis and a whisky nightcap!

Enjoy Seasonal Dining Across the Lakes

January is the perfect month to enjoy comforting, seasonal food in some of the best restaurants in the Lake District. After a crisp winter walk, there’s nothing better than warming up with hearty dishes made using locally sourced Cumbrian produce.

Across our hotels, you’ll find a range of delicious options — from cosy pub-style favourites and elegant restaurant dishes to Sunday roasts and creative seasonal specials crafted by our talented chefs.

Whether you’re dining in Borrowdale, Keswick or Ullswater, our restaurants offer some of the most inviting places to enjoy winter dining in the Lakes.

If you’re starting the new year with a focus on wellbeing or taking part in Dry January, our bars and restaurants serve a refreshing range of alcohol-free mocktails, crafted with the same creativity and flavour as our signature cocktails. From vibrant citrus mixes to comforting winter spice infusions, they offer all the indulgence without the after-effects.

Whether you’re cutting back, driving, or simply choosing a lighter option, our mocktails are the ideal way to enjoy a mindful and uplifting start to the year.

Book your January Break to the Lakes

Whether you’re craving a cosy hotel stay, an unforgettable dining experience, or a rejuvenating spa day, Lake District Hotels offers everything you need to brighten your January. 

Start the year with a refreshing winter break in the Lake District — where relaxation, great food and stunning scenery await.