What’s your favourite time of year?
January & February
Snowy winter peaks
There is no better time of year for enjoying quality ‘me’ time than the early months of the year. Often there can be snow on the hills, making the views from the feature window of Shepherds View spectacular, with crystal clear mornings and dark nights for star gazing.
You don’t need to make any excuses to cosy up in front of the log fire in one of our complimentary dressing gowns, enjoy the underfloor heating, or luxuriate in the jacuzzi bath. With Netflix on the TV for binge episodes of your favourite show ‘staying in’ can really be the new ‘going out’! And should you venture out, then in early February Dufton Ghyll has wonderful embankments of snowdrops on display.
March & April
As the clocks march forward enjoy more of the above, but with the added fun of the Spring lambs arriving in the field below you. It’s the reason we called the barn Shepherds View, and many a guest has whiled away the hours watching them skip and play.
Dalemain Mansion, near Ullswater, hosts the world famous marmalade festival on 22nd celebrating all things marmalade, and on 23rd the Cumbria Classic motor show.
May
Bluebells in Dufton Ghyll
With Summer around the corner the bluebells appear in the Ghyll, or you can take our guided walk to the spectacular display at Flakebridge Woods – one of our favourite walks to do. If you are lucky you can see the native Red Squirrels at play, sometimes a woodpecker, or even a deer.
On 12th & 14th Brougham Hall, near Penrith, is running its 1940s wartime weekend event. Free to enter, you can park in Penrith and travel on a Cumbria Classic Coach to the venue and enjoy military vehicles, wartime displays, period fashions and food and dancing.
June
On 4th June Hutton in the Forest holds one of its Classic Cars events. A great place to visit anyway at this time of year, enjoy the historic house, walled gardens and woodland walks – this is the perfect venue.
25th June is the Ullswater Country Fair. Held in Patterdale, in the shadow of the Helvellyn range, this is a traditional country show that showcases the rich heritage of the Lake District, including traditional sports and crafts.
July
Pot Fest at Hutton in the Forest
From the 4th and then weekly on every Tuesday throughout July & August – take a Fish & Chips supper cruise with Ullswater Steamers – a perfect combination of the stunning scenery of the Ullswater Valley and a quintessential British supper! Perfection!
The 15th marks the first of the fantastic local Agricultural Shows to visit – Penrith Show. These shows always provide tremendous entertainment with ringside attractions, livestock competitions, and rural crafts on display.
On 22nd and 23rd Dufton Village Hall becomes the centre for artistic talent with Art in the Hills – now a popular annual art exhibition this is a showcase for some of the talented professional and amateur local artists from the Eden – our guests in 2022 couldn’t resist buying some of the art so beware – this is a great show!
Back to Hutton in the Forest for Potfest on 28th to 30th. This flagship event showcases the best work from over 90 selected artists and is a must for all ceramic fans – don’t forget your credit card!
August
3 great Agricultural shows to visit
The Fellside Royal
on 10th Appleby, 26th right here in Dufton for the Fellside Royal (including the Dufton Fell Race), and finally on 31stCrosby Ravensworth.
On 20th Dalemain once again hosts the Cumbria Classic motor show.
September
This is the month for the famous Dufton Beer Festival at the Stag Inn. Dates to be confirmed but normally the second Fri/Sat/Sun of September. Cracking beer, cider and live music, and a short stagger home!
October
With the nights starting to draw in then the log burner comes into its own again in the barn.
As the clocks change Penrith holds its now iconic Winter Droving, a unique celebration steeped in tradition. Over the weekend of 28th the town has a celebration of light, fire and rural life, with masked street processions and street stalls with food, drink and giftware. Not to be missed!
November & December
The year ends the same way it started with lazy days and time to relax.
Romantic breaks
When will you choose to visit?
