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There’s no denying the splendour of the Lake District as the backdrop to a fabulously festive Christmas. Frosty winter woodlands, rolling hills, country pubs and roaring fires are all great ingredients for a traditional Christmas but there is much more to Cumbria in December. In fact, if you’re looking for somewhere to hide away from all of the holiday hustle and bustle, the Lake District can be one of your best options. Check GoLakes.co.uk for more information.

1. On the 2nd of December, throw yourself into the Conservation Work Party at Wreay Woods Nature Reserve. This is a really rewarding way to spend the day, as all those around you are revelling in the spirit of consumerism. The real aim of the day’s work is to band together in returning this area of fabulous Cumbrian woodland back over to its native broadleaf. It’s all about getting involved and getting your hands dirty. The group will be felling some beech, hacking back the rhododendron and managing the re-growth of sycamore, amongst other things. Places are limited so you’ll need to book. Check the GoLakes website for more info.
2. If escaping the Christmas crowds is the aim of the day, try your hand at some Meditation, under the expert guidance of Buddhist nun Kelsang Shenpan. The classes are being held in Ambleside Library on the 3rd, 10th and 17th of December and provide excellent respite from the festive furore. The class begins with a short breathing meditation, followed by some advice on little steps that’ll help to make your life happier and then meditation on this advice. Then there’s time for tea and a chat. Anyone can attend and it’s a drop in class, so you can come along when you want.
3. Predator Experience offers professionally delivered bird of prey and reptile experiences within the stunning Lake District National Park in Cumbria. Amazing interactive bird of prey experiences are available for all ages. Choose either the woodland and parkland by Lake Windermere or the thrill of the Lakeland fells. Come face to face with eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.  Gift vouchers are available if you want to treat someone special this Christmas.
4. The Rheged Centre in Penrith is home to a recently upgraded digital cinema system and is now showing the biggest and best, large format films in 3D. During December, they’ll be showing Wild Ocean, Dinosaurs Alive! and Fly Me to the Moon in stunning 3D. So, if you’re visiting the Lake District and the weather’s curtailing your outdoor activity, the Rheged Centre can still offer you breathtaking views. Who would’ve thought that on a holiday in Cumbria, you could swim with frenzied sharks, get up close to the dinosaurs of the Triassic and stow away on Apollo 11? Beats meeting Santa anyway.
5. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump to the famous World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere, the only Beatrix Potter themed attraction in Europe, where you can visit Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-duck and many other delightful characters. Come and see all of Beatrix Potter’s tales brought to life in 3D. With settings and aromas to recreate the atmosphere of the countryside. Why not spend time in the Tailor of Gloucester Tearoom, visit the Peter Rabbit Emporium or the ‘new’ Mr McGregor’s garden. Fun for all the family is guaranteed!

Sun Inn, Kirkby Lonsdale
The Sun Inn is a five star luxury Lake District Inn in the beautiful market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, convenient to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales – as featured in the Times articles ‘Best posh pubs with rooms’ and ‘the Lake District’s 10 best places to stay’.

The Sun Inn offers a luxury blend of old and new; the character and charm of a 17th century Lake District inn, stylish contemporary restaurant, combined with deluxe bed and breakfast accommodation. As well as five star B&B, the Sun Inn has an award winning restaurant, winner of Lake District Life’s Newcomer of the Year Food and Wine Award and an AA rosette.

The Punchbowl, Crosthwaite
The present day Punch Bowl Inn is a luxury Lake District hotel that offers a unique blend of old and new, providing a relaxed mixture of excellent food, comfortable interiors, good beers and wines in a stunning rural location.

The Punch Bowl Inn is situated in the heart of the delightfully unspoilt Lyth Valley at Crosthwaite in Cumbria, alongside the Parish Church of St Mary’s. The restaurant features polished oak floorboards, comfortable leather chairs and a stunning stone fireplace all providing a unique relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy either lunch or dinner.

Although each room is individually designed they all have flat screen TV’s, Roberts Revival Radios and adjoining bathrooms with underfloor heated Limestone floors, free standing roll topped baths and separate powerful showers.

Drunken Duck, Clappersgate
The Duck is famous for its food and beer and also the relaxed and informal atmosphere.
The emphasis is very much on excellent quality food and unobtrusive but attentive service. The heart of the Duck is its bar with its wide oak flooring, old beams, an open fire, numerous pictures, leather club chairs & a beautiful Brathay Black slate bar top from the quarry on Duck Hill. Accommodation at The Duck is stylish and luxurious and each room is individually designed.

Mason’s Arms, Strawberry Bank
The Mason’s Arms is a wonderful, atmospheric Lakeland Inn perched on the fellside overlooking the beautiful Winster Valley. It is within easy reach of the attractions of the Lake District National Park – lake Windermere in particular and the lively lakeside town of Bowness. The Mason’s Arms boasts self catering accommodation of the highest quality as well as an informal and stylish environment, whilst retaining the traditional qualities of past times.

Serving good local wholesome food, freshly prepared and made using top quality local produce. In the bar there is also an impressive selection of wines and beers from around the world.

Gate Inn, Yanwath
This delightful 17th Century Inn built in 1683 takes its name from its original function as a ‘toll gate’ for people travelling east or west, north or south. With a growing reputation for fabulous food, a beautiful garden and outside seating the Gate Inn is a place you will want to return to again and again.

Only the best local, fresh ingredients from ‘independent’ Cumbrian producers and suppliers are used. The words “free range” and “organic” are always on the menu.

The ethos of the ‘Yanwath Gate Inn’ is good quality informal dining. It is a country pub with dining rooms. The atmosphere and service is always relaxed and comfortable.