Cumbria Guide: Issue 36 – November/December 2026
A Word from the Editor
The streets are getting ready for their annual glow up, there’s a familiar nip in the air, and the festive aisles are bursting at the seams. Yes, lovely people, the end of the year is creeping up on us, and with it comes all the festive magic, merry mischief and community spirit that makes this time of year so special.
Throughout November and December, Cumbria will be sparkling from coast to countryside, with towns and villages pulling out all the stops to welcome the season. Santa will be making his annual rounds, Christmas lights will be twinkling in every direction, and there’ll be festive markets, carols, gifts galore and, of course, the real reason we all turn up to these things… the food!
Our wonderful local businesses are getting into the spirit, too, with pubs and restaurants unveiling their festive menus. And if your Christmas shopping list is looking a little daunting, never fear. Put Amazon to one side and have a rummage through our Gift Guide instead, where we’ve rounded up some gorgeous goodies from brilliant local Cumbrian businesses. Shopping local has never looked so tempting!
Looking for something a little different to pop under the tree? We’ve dedicated a whole page to alternative gifts, including annual passes to some of our favourite local attractions. After all, what’s better than a present that keeps on giving long after the wrapping paper has hit the recycling bin?
Our food section is positively bursting with recipes and cocktails to help you work your kitchen magic, alongside a tempting selection of local pubs, restaurants and cafés for those days when the thought of cooking, let alone washing up, is simply too much.
Elsewhere, our usual favourites are back, from the latest instalments of our book club to fascinating deep dives into Cumbria’s history. There are stories to surprise you, places to discover and plenty of reasons to put the kettle on and settle in for a good read.
So grab a cuppa, get comfy and have a flick through. There’s plenty to enjoy and even more to get in the diary!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – have a wonderful festive season, and we’ll see you in 2027!
Have fun, be good!
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