A creative Christmas at Allan Bank

Family of three with a young boy being lifted up to look at a Christmas tree inside a house. — A family enjoying the festive decorations and atmosphere at Allan Bank in Grasmere. | © Paul Harris

Enjoy the welcoming warmth of the roaring open fire and the house decorated with natural seasonal foliage. Enjoy a wintery woodland walk or simply sit in a chair enjoy the view of snow capped fells and the lake glistening in the distance. It’s the place to slow own and take a moment and relax. The art room has Christmas and seasonal crafts to try your hand at.

Christmas events and activities

Pop into Allan Bank with your four legged friend and create a cute photo together. The loggia in the garden will provide the festive background where professional dog photographer Shaun Barr will capture a fun image of you and your dog to share with friends and family. One digital download of the image is supplied.

Sunday 1 December & Sunday 8 December, 10am-3pm, 15 minute time slots

Free with admission.

Pre-booking recommended, book your time slot.
Have a go at making your own decorations and cards. Aimed at families, the activities are self-led and drop-in and take place in the art room.

Sunday 1- Saturday 22 December, 10am-3.30pm

Included with admission.
Grasmere Glee

Hear local singing group, bringing seasonal cheer with relaxed performances of carols in the hall of the house. You're very welcome to join in. They will sing several times across the afternoon.

Sunday 1 & Sunday 8 December, between 1.30-3.30pm

Flutes & Co.

Hear the melodious sound of flutes floating through the house, performed by Kendal based orchestra that includes flute players of all ages, from across the county.

Tuesday 3 December, between 11am-1pm

Saxophone duo

Seasonal songs to get you in the festive mood.

Sunday 8 December, between 11am-12:30pm.

These events are included with admission, and are informal pop-up performances that take place at various points across the day.
No.15 Go on a wintry adventure

A walk along the woodland path reveals an emerald colour moss-covered wall that glistens in the winter sun.

If the temperature drops to freezing the dripping water on the rockface forms icicles!

Keep an eye out for native birds.

Is it cold enough to see your breath? Count how long your icy blasts last when you breathe out. How far can you make them go? Imagine if you could freeze things with your ice breath.

Allan Bank house cloaked in snow in Grasmere — The occasional cloaking of snow can transform the grounds at Allan Bank into a winter wonderland | © National Trust Images

Landscape of green fields, hills and lake in distance and blue sky

Activity

Walking in Grasmere

From relaxing lakeshore strolls to fell-top expeditions, when it comes to walking you’re spoilt for choice here in Grasmere. Here are some popular walks to get you started.