9 Reasons to Celebrate Autumn in West Cumbria
Dank, dark and damp, in seasonal terms autumn often gets some pretty bad press. Although some of it is definitely called for: the nights are drawing in, you’ve slipped on wet leaves at least twice today and it was dark when you got home from work…again! But it isn’t all doom and gloom; before you reach for the SAD lamp, join us as we take a look at 9 reasons why autumn in West Cumbria is definitely a bit better than you might think.
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Crisp Golden Leaves
We couldn’t possibly live in a better part of the UK to fully embrace autumn. Surrounded by greenery here in West Cumbria we get a VIP seat to watch the leaves turn crisp and golden. Take a walk through the woods to really take in the autumn-y goodness. Thirlmere Tarn near Keswick or trips through the woods to the shores of Crummock Water are favoured hotspots to view nature’s spectacle. Those wanting to stay out west can still partake by strolling through the grounds of Curwen Castle in Workington.
Lovely golden leaves on the ground
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Loads of Comfort Food
Autumn gives us the chance to indulge in all sorts of hearty comfort food we wouldn’t dare touch when we had our bikini bodies to consider, but who wants a broth on the beach anyway. We’re talking hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, big bowls of warming soup, anything and everything made with pumpkin. Squirrels Pantry and Beatford’s Café, both in Cockermouth, are the ideal places to shelter in from the rain and indulge in some cockle warming grub.
Warm broth perfect for those rainy autumn nights
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Halloween Celebrations
Carving pumpkins, going out on the town dressed as a zombie nurse/schoolgirl/scaffolder (delete as applicable) or stuffing your face with sugary sweets, Halloween was always going to make the list. This American holiday has made its way across the pond and has taken off in a big way. The chance to go trick or treating with the kids and watching their little faces light up as they fill their bag with sweets is a treat only autumn can bring. If you prefer your frights from the comfort of a chair, why not head to the Gaiety Cinema in Whitehaven to catch one of the Halloween horror shows if you dare.
Glowing halloween lanterns set the mood
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Collecting and Battling Conkers
Autumn brings with it a chance to turn back the clock and relive your old school days by taking the whole family out for a walk to collect and battle conkers. The entrance to Harris Park in Cockermouth is abound with horse chestnuts at this time of the year. If you just can’t bare losing then we recommend briefly baking your conkers, soaking or boiling them in vinegar or if you’re feeling particularly sneaky painting them with clear nail varnish.
Throwback to your old school days collecting conkers
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The Return of the Football Season
Technically it is still summer when we kick off the new season but we all know it doesn’t really start getting into the swing of things until autumn. Anyway it isn’t real football until your scarf starts being utilised for its intended purpose as opposed to being swung around your head at opposing supporters and what could be more seasonal than crisp autumn nights caressing a meat and potato pie down at Workington’s Borough Park in a desperate attempt to extract some warmth to your frozen hands whilst cheering on the Reds.
Is there anything more atmospheric than floodlit football?
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Dark Autumn Nights
Mean cosying up with your significant other, family, friends, cats or hot water bottle and spending time drinking aforementioned hot chocolates or a glass of wine whilst hissing at Simon Cowell on the telly as X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing make their awaited returns to the box this autumn. Disillusioned members of the public not your thing, Theatre by the Lake in Keswick has all the culture you can soak up this autumn with fantastic showings such as Dial M for Murder and The Rivals.
Cosy nights in front of the telly with hot chocolate
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A New Wardrobe
Gone are the bikinis sarongs and sunhats of summer and out come the parkas and pullovers, if nothing else autumn gives you an excuse to spend some cash on some new clobber in one of the regions many fantastic shops, Cockermouth’s Indigo Lounge has a huge selection of both ladies and gents clothing and accessories to pad out your autumn wardrobe and with your old rags, what better way to ‘recycle’ some of your old clothes than to stick them on a burning effigy of a 17th century revolutionary.
Cuddle up in your thick autumn jumpers
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Bonfire Night
What started as a frankly terrible attempt to overthrow parliament by a certain Guy Fawkes, has now evolved into one of the most fun filled nights of the year. Fireworks and Bonfires will be ablaze throughout West Cumbria and if you’re not having a party yourself you could visit one of the fantastic shows organised by our local town councils. Both Maryport (Rugby Club) and Cockermouth (Memorial Gardens) are having firework displays at 6pm on the 5 and 6 November respectively.
The crackle of the bonfire makes for a perfect autumn night
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The Countdown to Christmas
Ok so technically this is a positive for winter but most years the actual countdown to Christmas is far better than the distinctly underwhelming day itself. Pre-Christmas shopping opportunities are abound in Workington’s fabulous town centre washed down with pumpkin spiced lattes and finally organising Christmas office parties with friends are all positives. Plus you can download that really cool and not at all sad countdown to Christmas app without looking like you have Obsessive Christmas Disorder; just hold off on the cliff Richards and mulled wine until winter.
The countdown to the holiday season can officially begin
