Autumn / Winter things to do in Lancashire & Cumbria
Autumn and winter in Lancashire brings a whole new larder, crisp & frosty days for invigorating walks, and a great excuse to put your feet up in front of our fires with a mug of hot chocolate (added Irish or Baileys optional!) It’s also a great time of year to visit some of our local area’s fabulous fairs and markets, whether you’re looking to steal a march on your Christmas shopping or just enjoy a day out with family and friends. Here’s our guide of what’s coming up in North Lancashire and South Cumbria over the next couple of months. All you need to do is book a stay and pick which one to do first!
Pumpkin Picking
Greenlands Farm Village, Tewitfield, Carnforth
Saturday 4th October – Friday 31st October
Just across the road from The Longlands, grab a wheelbarrow and get hunting for your perfect pumpkin among the thousands in this year’s Greenlands Farm Village Pumpkin Patch. A carving station means you can leave all your mess behind as you carve your own masterpiece to take home in readiness for trick or treaters. The Pumpkin Patch ticket also gives you access to the animals at the Open Farm plus a 15-minute roller rink session on the outdoor rink. What’s not to love?!
https://www.greenlandsfarmvillage.co.uk/event/pumpkin–picking-on-the-farm/
Light up Lancaster
Lancaster
Thursday 6th – Saturday 8th November
From swifts taking flight inside the Priory and interactive fibre optic light installations, to heartfelt memorials handwritten on lightbulbs, Light up Lancaster is a free event taking place at various venues and locations around the historic city including Williamson Park and Lancaster Castle. This year’s themeis ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ looking at the impermanence of things through light. There’s also the popular street food market featuring lots of stalls at Market Square and live music every night.
Kendal Mountain Festival
Kendal
Thursday 20st – Sunday 23rd November
The UK’s biggest adventure festival takes place just a few miles from The Longlands around the market town of Kendal every November. Kendal Mountain Festival is the largest gathering of outdoor enthusiasts in the UK and a must-visit for anyone who loves everything about the outdoors. The weekend will feature an action-packed programme of events including star speakers, exclusive film screenings, and of course some adrenaline-fuelled activities; from trail runs and urban races to a silent disco!
https://www.kendalmountainfestival.com
Winter at Sizergh, Sizergh Castle
Sizergh, Kendal
Daily from Friday 21st November – Wednesday 24th December
Light and sound installations will turn Sizergh Castle and Gardens into a magical masterpiece this year. Taking on a nature theme, all the sights and sounds have been designed by local artists to help visitors feel closer to Sizergh’s winter wildlife. There will also be festive crafts to join in with and lots of seasonal gifts and treats available to buy in the shop and café.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/sizergh
Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival
Ulverston
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November
The Dickensian Festival is one of the best weekends of the year in the quaint market town of Ulverston just over half an hour by car or rail from The Longlands Inn & Restaurant. Step back in time with an array of splendid Victorian costume parades, lots of gift and food & drink stalls, street performers, and live music across multiple performance stages. Ulverston’s many independent shops will all be open and taking part in all the festivities.
https://www.dickensianfestival.co.uk/
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Market Weekend
Beetham, near Milnthorpe
Thursday 4th – Sunday 7th December
Beetham Nurseries, just a couple of miles drive north along the A6 from The Longlands, will be holding its popular Alpine-inspired Christmas Market Weekend again in 2025. The Chalet Market will feature 15 independent local businesses offering a great selection of unique gifts for loved ones. There will be live music, hundreds of freshly potted Christmas trees to choose from, festive workshops, lots of seasonal food & drink, and live music on the terrace. Open 10am-4pm Fri-Sun and 12 noon-7.30pm for late night shopping on Thursday 4thDecember.
https://www.beethamnurseries.co.uk/activities/26/christmas-market-2025
Winter Lantern Festival
Morecambe
Saturday 6th December
There’s definitely a theme here with all these light-inspired events! Morecambe’s Winter Lantern Festival takes place through the streets at the West End of the town led by Baybeat Streetband on Saturday 6th December. If you need help to create your own lantern, there will be lantern making workshops over the weekend of the 29th and 30th November before you proudly parade your handywork during the procession the following weekend!
https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/west-end-winter-lantern-festival-p1149890
Christmas at Levens Hall, Levens Hall, Levens
Saturdays and Sundays in December from 10.30am to 4pm
Over three weekends in December (6th–7th, 13th-14th, 20th– 21st), Levens Hall will be opening the fully decorated house and topiary garden. The fires will be litand traditional Christmas music will be playing courtesy of local choirs and musicians in the Great Hall. There will also be a special Christmas Bauble Painting Workshop with Tea, Coffee, and Cake, to help you get into the Christmas spirit on Friday 28th November.
In addition to all the exciting events, fairs, and festivals around the area, The Longlands Inn & Restaurant will also be holding our popular monthly Live Music Sunday Afternoons (3-5pm) with Brendan Cleary on Sunday 12thOctober and James Candlin on Sunday 9th November. And don’t miss the Longlands special Christmas Quiz Night on Thursday 11th December from 8pm!
Book A Table
You can now book your table online using our Open Table app, so there’s no need to make a telephone call or send us a message. You can simply fill in your details and your booking will be automatically added to our booking system in the restaurant and you will receive an email confirming the time and number of guests. It really couldn’t be simpler.
Open Table App
Food Allergies and Intolerances
All our food is prepared on site in our open plan kitchen. Whilst we can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets, please be aware that some of our foods contain allergens. Please speak to a member of staff for more information or to discuss your personal dietary requirements.
