THIS is no normal Christmas, and visits to Santa’s Grotto are not on the list of things we can do in 2020 – however there are plenty of other traditional and new things to do this festive season.
Following two lockdowns, our local retailers, cafes, bars and arts centres have been hit financially, so to help support our local economy do please try to shop, eat and drink local.
And here are five suggestions for what you can enjoy in December in Cumbria.
1. Catch Honister Salte Mine on national TV
Ben Fogle features the historic Lake District mine, Honister in his TV show this month – his adventure can help you plan your own day out after restrictions are eased in 2021.
Ben’s exploits at the attraction will be included in a Lake District special episode of ITV’s ‘For the Love of Britain’ series, airing on Tuesday 8 December.
2. Enjoy a socially distanced pantomime – oh yes you can!
Carlisle’s The Sands Centre is one of a handful of theatres across the country to be lifting the curtain on a traditional pantomime this Christmas.
Beauty and the Beast will run from Friday, 18 – Thursday 24 December 2020.
3. Take a family ‘bubble’ cruise on Ullswater
You can enjoy the winter wonder of Ullswater with your family as Ullswater Steamers have launched one-hour ‘bubble cruises’ .
These special cruises are available four times daily until 22 December, giving single household family groups the chance to book online and enjoy their own mini charter cruise in their own household bubble.
4. Take to Windermere for a COVID safe sail
Windermere Lake Cruises are welcoming passengers back onboard its 17-strong fleet with the launch of its seasonal timetable this month.
The attraction’s winter fleet, including the brand new ‘MV Swift’, will continue to operate every day, apart from Christmas Day, between Bowness and Ambleside (Red cruise) and the Islands Cruise (Blue cruise). The service between Bowness and Lakeside (Yellow cruise), will also operate, apart from Christmas Day and not on weekdays between 4 January and 5 February, 2021 inclusive.
5. Return to our arts centres
The Brewery Arts Centre and Rheged have both reopened for December – both with new restaurants and cinema experiences.
At Kendal’s Brewery Arts, Michelin star winning head chef Steven Doherty is creating seasonal specials for the Restaurant and Bar, which has been transformed recently and is gaining a reputation for excellent food within a safe and friendly environment.
And at Rheged they launch their annual Print exhibition, cinema experiences, new cafe plus their shops reopen on Monday, 7 December from 8am.
Find out more about Brewery Arts here
Find out more about Rheged here
This is no normal Christmas, and this is not a comprehensive list of events taking place this month.
- If you are organising an event, please share it on our Facebook page or leave details in the comment box below so we can promote your activities.
