Things to do in the New Year | Blog | Lake District Hotels Association

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New year resolutions in the Lake District

Some New Year resolutions are easier to keep than others. We are here to help, with a list of places to see and things to do in 2026, and we promise fun and fascinating entertainment. Remember that all of these have discounted entry fees if you are staying at one of our member hotels. Ask at reception for the LDHA guest card.

Make the most of the "Lake" District beside England's biggest lake at the Windermere Jetty Museum. Dubbed the most beautiful boat shed in Britain, this is the place to explore Windermere’s 200-year-old boating history. It's the place to learn about the lake’s boats, builders, sailors, skills and technology through interactive display, oral histories and a fascinating collection of boats, gadgets and curiosities.It's a working destination, committed to conserving, saving and sharing its internationally important collection, in an beautiful lakeside location with an exceptional cafe.
Then you can actually take to the water and sail, at any time of the year. Windermere Lake Cruises carry passengers embarking at Waterhead at the north of the lake, Lakeside at the southern end, and the half-way stage, the main "port" of Bowness. You will sail past secluded bays and wooded islands on England's largest lake. Over the hill, Ullswater Steamers also operate all year round, and of course the craft are warm and comfortable. At the moment the pier at Pooley Bridge is close for repairs, so head to Pier House at Glenridding. It's alwasy going to be a spectacular ride here.

Relive your childhood with Beatrix Potter at The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction , the colourful place where Potter’s enchanting tales of the Lake District countryside are magically recreated. There's a stunning exhibition filled with your favourite characters, an award-winning outdoor Peter Rabbit Garden, the New Laundry Cafe and a world-famous gift shop. All generations are welcome to experience the magic of Potter’s tales, meet mischievous characters, and celebrate one of the greatest literary legacies. The main attractions re-open on Feb 1, but the cafe and the shop are open now. Here in the same building is the lovely theatre, formerly known as the Old Laundry but which has been renamed this year The Victoria Wood Theatre. The late comedian performed here and was a great friend of the owners, as well as a lover of the Lake District.
While you're in Bowness, pop in to see the newly re-opened Royalty Cinema. The new owners have introduced a bar in the rear stalls which is open when they have live events, with a smaller bar in the kiosk area in the foyer for film showings. The revamped stage area can now host live shows once again, and there's a programme of music and concerts, plus screenings of live theatre. It's really welcome addition to the cultural scene here.
If you want a big screen experience then head to Rheged in the north Lakes. At this gallery and heritage centre they have a 60ft screen with state of the art surround-sound and a fantastic programme of movies. But Rheged is much more besides. This gigantic centre built into the side of the rock is also a place to eat and drink, attend workshops and events, shop at bespoke outlets, and see some fabulous works of art.
One man shaped the cultural life of the Lake District more than any other: the poet William Wordsworth. And while visitors come from all over the world to see his home at Dove Cottage, and the fascinating museum next door, it's often by-passed by regular Lakes' tourists. So this can be YOUR new year resolution, to come and visit and be reminded what an impact this poet made. You will step into another century as you experience Wordsworth’s life here in this humble cottage, home from 1799 to 1808. Today, Dove Cottage has been brought back to life and the sights, sounds and smells evoke memories of over 200 years ago. Little moments taken from the Wordsworths’ poems, journals and letters have been recreated, telling the story of life here. It was while living here, amongst the hustle and bustle of daily life, that Wordsworth wrote many of his greatest poems and his sister Dorothy kept her fascinating Grasmere journal.

New year resolutions in the Lake District

The Lake District Foundation