With the chilly UK winter approaching, it seems counter-intuitive to start thinking about outdoor holidays, unless you’ve the resources to escape the British Isles and go backpacking around Australia or the Tropics – but the truth is that there’s no better time than the present to begin looking for those domestic holiday retreats for next summer. Some parts of Britain are so picturesque that even a trip in the winter time is not without its appeal, such as the western Lake District.
The Northern Lights in Cumbria
Last month, the Lake District was the best place to see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, normally only able to be witnessed from the Arctic Circle. The British Geological Survey said that between 9pm and 4am on 8-9 October, the Aurora Borealis was highly visible, thanks to strong solar activity in the planet’s atmosphere. That must have been a real treat to anyone taking advantage of the great off-season prices available at many Lake District Hotels to indulge in a spot of hill-walking or adventure pursuits amid the rugged beauty of the Cumbrian countryside.
Year-round outdoor fun
With the right (warm!) clothing, a holiday spent on the hills and by the lakes is a wonderful getaway over the winter months, thanks to the multitude of outdoor pursuits on offer, while for those who prefer a slightly warmer atmosphere as they get down and dirty, the good news is that these pursuits are on offer all the year round. One good example is the family canoeing holiday – such as those available in the western Lake District around “the queen of the lakes”, Derwentwater. Reputable companies ensure that your children stay safe and have fun, while also letting the whole family enjoy the full boating experience.
Take a dive – see the gnomes!
Lake diving is another popular outdoor – albeit underwater – pursuit in the region, with a set of cultural quirks of its very own. For instance, deep beneath the waters of Wastwater lake, lie dozens of garden gnomes, placed there by divers as a curiosity for those who follow them. A word of warning, though – police are worried that the depth of the gnomes may lure inexperienced divers into trouble, and it is certainly the case that lake diving should not be entered into without expert supervision and training. Fortunately there are many diving clubs and companies in the Lake District who will be glad to oblige.
Disabled access to the forest and Lakes
The Lake District also has outdoor holidays for the disabled, with bespoke facilities. One such centre, the Lake District Calvert Trust near Keswick, recently won a £5,000 grant to help transport some of its 4,000 visitors each year to the forest site, who come for the many challenging activities to be had.
