SO WHAT’S NEW IN 2019?

The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has just launched its brand-new luxury observation carriage, with 14 sumptuous red seats and large glass windows offering uninterrupted views of the spectacular landscape.

£18m has been spent on a new, striking heritage visitor attraction on the shores of England’s longest lake. The ‘Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories’ is due to open in the Spring.

Carlisle Lake District Airport is expected to launch its first commercial flights in more than 25 years from Spring, opening-up new routes into Cumbria from London (Southend), Ireland (Dublin) and Northern Ireland (Belfast).

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ celebrates 160 years since the launch of their first steamer on the Lake District’s second largest lake, marked by special events on July 13 & 14.

Why not use 2019 to give your taste buds a treat at one of our Michelin star-rated restaurants? Amongst those recognised in the latest premier guide to the world of food & drink is Rogan & Co in Cartmel - run by Simon Rogan of the nearby L’Enclume - which itself continues to boast two stars. The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere also holds a coveted star.

2019 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Ruskin, a leading Victorian writer, art critic and social thinker. Coniston is home of the Ruskin Museum and Brantwood – Ruskin’s former home, which is a fantastic celebration of his life and work.

The legendary Bluebird K7 craft is set to return to Coniston Water for trial runs this summer following its restoration – its first outing on the lake since Donald Campbell’s fatal crash while attempting to break his own water speed record in 1967.