/Exciting 12 months coming up for visitors heading to the Lake District
There’s an exciting 12 months ahead for the Lake District and Cumbria.
Visit Cumbria, the official tourism board for the region have revealed some of the great things in store – spanning the full range of the area’s leisure offer.
Here’s a list of the great things happening in 2020.
New Simon Rogan restaurant in the Lake District
Henrock restaurant at Linthwaite Hotel is the latest venture by famed Simon Rogan, who already operates two other Michelin-star restaurants in the village of Cartmel in South Cumbria - L’enclume and Rogan & Co - and was former chef of The French at The Midland.
With the kitchen team led by Head Chef Brian Limoges - who has previously worked in renowned restaurants such as Quince, Birdsong, and Atelier Crenn in San Francisco - expect local produce alongside small plates, influenced by techniques discovered on travels around the world.
New Steamer launch on Windermere
Windermere Lake Cruises new 300-seat boat will begin operating passenger services on England’s longest lake in 2020.
The liner will be the first and largest new launch on the lake for 80 years.
The new vessel has been designed to operate in all seasons, 364 days a year and promises to increase the quality of the visitor experience thanks to 21st century quality, comfort and accessibility.
Like Windermere Lake Cruises’ existing flagship steamers, the MV Swan and MV Teal, the new vessel will boast three decks but will be slightly shorter in length to enable it to access smaller jetties - and as a result will help support other businesses in the area.
MV Swift is expected to be in service from mid to late summer, adding to the fleet of traditional ‘steamers’ and launches.
New watersports and recreation hub
Watersports and recreational activities will soon be available along Cumbria’s 100+ mile long west coast thanks to the Cumbria Coastal Activities Centre at Whitehaven, which is due to open in 2020.
Having been one of five projects selected for funding by the government, there’s £2.45m being invested in the dedicated centre at Whitehaven Harbour.
It will be housed in a low-carbon building with an arts and community centre, along with a multi-purpose event and educational space.
The centre is designed for immediate access into the sea and will have its own jetty right outside the building.
Fell pony trekking
Fell Pony Adventures are an experience unique to Cumbria.
From trips lasting half a day to several days, guided treks with traditional pack ponies include a guide and overnight camping at approved, private tents located at stunning beauty spots where you will feel like the only souls for miles.
An Authentic Lakeland Farm Experience
Lakeland Farm Visitors Centre is a brand new, hands-on approach to educating people about the art of genuine Cumbrian farming.
More than a simple petting zoo, this new attraction, at Ings near Kendal offers visitors the chance to witness an animal auction recreation, as well as have a go at wool-spinning and dry stone wall building.
Dates for your 2020 diary World’s Original Marmalade Awards: Dalemain (March 14 & 15) These quirky awards can be entered by anyone, with the initial idea of preserving, growing, and promoting one of the most British of customs - making marmalade.
Keswick Mountain Festival (May 15-17, 2020)A unique mix of live music, including headline music acts, inspirational world-class speakers, guided and taster activities, and a fantastic line-up of challenging sporting events.
Kendal Calling: Lowther Deer Park (July 30 - August 2)Multiaward winning music festival with top music acts, attracting 25,000 people over 4 days.
This year marks 15 years of the popular event, and it’s tipped to be the biggest and best to date.
Taste Cumbria (25-27 Sept) Established in 2010, the Taste
Cumbria festival marks its 10th anniversary this year and is the county’s biggest annual food & drink festival.
International Comic Art Festival: Kendal (Oct TBC) The only event of its kind in the UK, the festival features international comic artists and creators, as well as live drawing, film, exhibitions, comic trails, workshops, performance and master classes.
Kendal Mountain Festival (Nov TBC) This festival is one of the UK’s premier mountain film festivals, packed with guest speakers, high-profile premieres, filmmakers, and athletes. Wordsworth 250 Wordsworth 250 is a year of celebration events to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of world renowned poet, William Wordsworth (born April 1770).
To date, £6.2m has been spent on the Reimagining Wordsworth project at Dove Cottage.
A new website will also be launched, to which, organisations will be invited to submit events.
Other ‘unexpected experiences’ include an overnight stay in Wordsworth’s bedroom at Rydal Mount, and an opportunity to dine in his old workplace, Old Stamp House.
National Trust 125th birthday This year sees The National Trust celebrate 125 years, with hundreds of properties across Cumbria and the wider region including houses, gardens and open countryside, taking part.
The Ullswater Valley, Sizergh Castle, Wray Castle and Fell Foot Park are among the Lake District’s highlights, with special events planned for the anniversary. Peter Rabbit 2
The sequel to the hit film hops onto the big screen in 2020.
Following the massive success of the first movie starring James Corden as the cheeky bunny, many scenes were shot in the Lake District - the home of the original books’ author, Beatrix Potter.