What’s on this summer in the South Lakes?

Posted on June 26, 2017 | Events, News

There’s always plenty going on in Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale and the South Lakes but there’s something for everyone this summer.

When people move to the Lake District, they sometimes worry that they’ll miss the social, cultural and sporting opportunities that they value – especially if they’re relocating from an urban setting.

But the South Lakes has plenty of events to satisfy even the hungriest culture vulture all year round! In summer, the focus is very much on enjoying outdoor events, with agricultural and sporting events sitting comfortably alongside exhibitions and theatrical performances. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find lots of new attractions, as well as rediscovering old favourites.

For car lovers
Feel the need for speed? The Speed Hillclimb at Barbon, just outside Kirkby Lonsdale, is a firm fixture in the motor enthusiast’s calendar. The venue’s second event of the summer takes place on Saturday 1 July from 9am – 4pm and is a great day out for all the family. Expect to see ex-Formula One cars and other classics tackle the winding uphill course.

If your tastes run to something a little more sedate, the Dales & Lakes Historic Vehicle Day at Grange-Over-Sands showcases hundreds of cars and bikes from the 1920s onwards. Held on a site overlooking Morecambe Bay, the popular event takes place on Sunday 13 August from 11am – 4.30pm. Stalls, refreshments and other attractions on the day. A more low-key auto event is the Kirkby Lonsdale Concours, this year scheduled for Wednesday 16 August from 6.30pm at Park House Farm, Heversham.

Al fresco theatre
Shakespeare aficionados will be tempted by the chance to see two of the Bard’s most popular comedies this summer – both in exquisite Lakeland settings.

First up, Shakespeare in the Garden at Leighton Hall. The Festival Players are performing Merry Wives of Windsor on Friday 21 July. Arrive at 6pm with a picnic, ready for the performance to begin at 7.30pm. A Comedy of Errors is the play of choice for accomplished theatre performers Illyria and will take place in the stunning surroundings of Brantwood’s lakeside meadow on Tuesday 25 July. Again, picnics at 6pm and performance at 7pm. You can even take a ferry to and from the venue from Coniston. Bring chairs, blankets and insect repellent – plus waterproofs in case of inclement weather!

Beatrix Potter fans will want to catch the mini-musical Where is Peter Rabbit? Inspired by the world-famous stories, the show brings Potter’s unique characters to life from 10 June to 3 September at the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness.

The Beauty of Nature
If you like nothing better than to admire perfect specimens of livestock, flowers, fruit and veg, summer is the best time to be in the Lakes! Agricultural and horticultural shows have been an integral part of the rural calendar for hundreds of years and are still as popular as ever with locals and visitors alike.

The Lunesdale Agricultural Show takes place in one of the region’s most picturesque settings – Underley Park at Kirkby Lonsdale. Scheduled for Tuesday 8 August, this traditional country show has classes for animals and home industries as well as lots of stalls, plus Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling. Meanwhile, Westmorland County Agricultural Show near Kendal – Thursday 14 September – attracts 30,000 visitors every year. A major regional event with show jumping and artisan food producers as well as farming classes.