By Andy, founder
Once the summer visitors have gone, Cumbria belongs to the people who live here. The car parks empty, the lakes go quiet and there's always a seat by the fire. If you've been waiting for the right moment to meet someone, the quieter months are a good time to do it. Here are some easy winter dates to try.
Out in the weather
Take a low-level walk on a crisp day
A clear winter's day with snow on the tops is one of the best things about living here. You don't need to climb anything: a lakeshore path or a valley walk gives you the views without the risk. Walking side by side takes the pressure off, and it's easy to extend if it's going well.
Chase a waterfall after the rain
Winter is when the falls are at their best. Aira Force above Ullswater or the falls around Ambleside are short walks with a big reward. Wear proper boots and keep to the paths.
Watch the sun go down over the Solway
Sunsets come early in winter, which makes them easy to fit in. The promenade at Silloth or Maryport, with the Scottish hills across the water, makes a lovely short date with a hot drink afterwards.
Warm and cosy
Find a fireside pub
Every corner of Cumbria has a pub with a log fire and a quiet corner. For a first date, a weekday afternoon is ideal: calm, unhurried and easy to leave after one drink if you'd like to.
Visit a gallery, museum or theatre
From Tullie House in Carlisle to the Beacon in Whitehaven, the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal and the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, there's plenty to see indoors when the rain sets in. Talking about what you're looking at is a natural icebreaker.
Share a proper afternoon tea
A tearoom on a wet afternoon is hard to beat. Add a slice of Cumberland rum nicky if you see one, and you've got something to talk about straight away.
Festive and seasonal
From late November, towns and villages across Cumbria light up for Christmas, with markets, lantern walks and carol concerts in the market towns. A stroll round the lights with a hot chocolate makes a lovely early date. Local events are worth keeping an eye out for, too.
A few winter tips
- Check opening times. Many places keep shorter hours out of season, so check before you go.
- Plan for the dark. It's dark by late afternoon, so a lunchtime date is often easier.
- Watch the roads. The passes can close in snow and ice. Pick somewhere you can both reach easily.
- Dress for the weather. Nobody is at their best cold and soaked.
- Stay safe. Meet somewhere public and make your own way there. Our guide to dating safely has more.
Looking for more ideas? Our first date ideas in Cumbria work all year round.
- date-ideas
- winter
- cumbria
