Topic: Blog

We recently shared some of our favourite family days out for October half term, but a few more local events have since been announced, so here are some more ideas to add to the list.

From pumpkins and spooky wildlife to mountain rescue, fell running and a proper Ullswater challenge, there’s plenty happening close to The Royal Hotel, Dockray.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Autumn Open Day

Saturday 24 October

A particularly local one for us, and a cause very close to our hearts.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue is holding its Autumn Open Day, giving visitors the chance to meet the team, take a look at the rescue vehicles and equipment, and learn a little more about the work that goes on behind the scenes.

Mountain Rescue is such an important part of life here in the Lakes, so this feels like a lovely opportunity to support the team and find out more about what they do.

And with Patterdale just down the road from The Royal, it’s an easy one to add to your half-term plans.

Pumpkin picking at Greystoke Castle

October half term

It wouldn’t really be October without a pumpkin or two.

Greystoke Castle is opening for pumpkin picking during the half-term period, with children able to choose their own pumpkin and enjoy the Little Knights & Princesses play area too.

There’s food available on site, so it works well as a relaxed half-day outing – and it’s only a short drive from Dockray.

Dates are still being shown slightly differently across listings, so we’d recommend checking the booking page before setting off.

Kids’ Halloween Party at Greystoke Castle

Friday 30 October, 2–5pm

Greystoke is also hosting a children’s Halloween party, with fancy dress, apple bobbing, sweets, cakes, dancing and a Monster Bash.

Tickets are £10 per child, with adults attending free.

A good one if the weather turns and you want something easy, local and very firmly in the Halloween spirit.

Spooky Bug Hunt near Penrith

Friday 30 October, 5.30–7.30pm

For something a little different, Cumbria Wildlife Trust is hosting a Spooky Bug Hunt at Cold Springs Nature Reserve near Penrith.

Families can head out after dark with torches and look for spiders, bats, badgers and other nocturnal wildlife before finishing with hot chocolate.

It’s free to attend, children need to be accompanied by an adult, and dogs aren’t permitted.

Definitely one for anyone whose idea of Halloween involves actual creepy-crawlies rather than plastic ones.

Lakeland Trails Helvellyn

Saturday 31 October

If your half term is more about getting outside than Halloween, the Lakeland Trails Helvellyn event could be worth a look.

There are 5km, 10km and 15km routes, all starting and finishing in Glenridding beside Ullswater.

The 5km route is open to runners from age 12, making this one that older children and teenagers can join in with too.

And even if you’re not taking part, Glenridding is a lovely place to soak up some atmosphere and enjoy a walk by the lake.

Ullswater Way & Challenge

Saturday 31 October

Another one very close to home.

The Ullswater Way & Challenge offers walkers a choice of a 20-mile Ullswater Way route or a 24-mile Challenge route.

The Challenge comes through Glencoyne to Dockray and over Gowbarrow, so this one really does pass through our patch.

If you’re taking part, The Royal makes a very convenient base — and if you’re not, you may well spot plenty of walkers making their way through the area.

And if you just want an easy autumn day…

Not every half-term day needs to involve a ticket or organised event.

You’ve got Aira Force, Ullswater, Glenridding, Keswick, Gowbarrow and plenty of lower-level walks all within easy reach of The Royal.

October is one of the loveliest times to be here — crisp air, autumn colour and usually just enough mud to make you feel like you’ve earned whatever comes next.

Make The Royal your base this October half term

The Royal Hotel sits at Dockray, close to Ullswater and perfectly placed for exploring Penrith, Keswick, Glenridding and the surrounding Lake District.

So whether your half term involves pumpkins, wildlife, muddy boots or a serious walk around Ullswater, there’s plenty happening nearby.

And after a day out, you know where to find good food, local beers, a warm welcome and somewhere cosy to sit down afterwards.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com

Make The Royal your base this October half term

If you’re heading to Ullswater this October half term, there’s plenty going on across Penrith, Keswick and the surrounding Lake District – from dark skies and spooky stories to family theatre, autumn activities and some very useful rainy-day options.

Here are a few of our picks within easy reach of The Royal Hotel, Dockray.

Cosmic Cumbria at Rheged

From Friday 23 October

A particularly good one if the weather isn’t playing nicely.

Rheged’s new Cosmic Cumbria exhibition takes families on an interactive journey from Earth through the Solar System, the Milky Way and beyond.

It’s free to visit, and you can use your phone to interact with “Zak”, the exhibition’s alien guide, as you explore.

Then on Saturday 31 October, 10am–4pm, Rheged is hosting a free Ask an Astronomer day, with telescopes, demonstrations and local astronomers on hand to answer questions.

The exhibition runs from 23 October 2026 until 8 February 2027.

Whinlatter after dark

Whinlatter Forest has two lovely evening events during half term.

Nature’s Nightlife

Wednesday 28 October, 5–7pm

A guided family walk through the forest listening for owls, discovering nocturnal wildlife and experiencing the night sky.

The evening finishes with hot chocolate and marshmallows around a campfire, which sounds a pretty good way to spend an autumn evening.

It’s suitable for ages 5+, tickets are £8 per person and DOGS AREN’T PERMITTED on this particular event.

Dark Skies Walk

Thursday 29 October, 6pm

Head into Whinlatter after sunset for a guided 3–4 mile walk through the forest.

If conditions allow, there’ll be time for stargazing too, with help identifying some of the major constellations.

Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome, and there are several points where families with younger walkers can return early if little legs have had enough.

Tickets start at £15.63 and booking is essential.

Family theatre in Keswick

If you’d rather be somewhere warm and dry, Theatre by the Lake has two family-friendly performances during half term.

Comedy Club 4 Kids — Wednesday 28 October, 2pm

Proper stand-up comedy and sketches, but performed for a family audience.

Michael Rosen: NICE! — Thursday 29 October, 3pm

Stories, poems and plenty of fun from one of Britain’s best-known children’s writers.

Both are at Theatre by the Lake, right beside Derwentwater and within walking distance of Keswick town centre.

Halloween crafts at Keswick Museum

Thursday 29 October, 10.30–11.30am

Another useful rainy-day option.

Families can make, shape and paint their own clay gargoyle — or another suitably creepy creation — before taking their masterpiece home.

It costs £6 per crafter, and accompanying adults don’t need a ticket unless they want to join in too.

And while you’re there, Keswick itself is always an easy place to while away a few hours if the weather is less than perfect.

Twilight Tales at Dove Cottage

Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 October, 4–5.30pm

For something a little more atmospheric, Wordsworth Grasmere is hosting Twilight Tales at Dove Cottage.

Families can enjoy hot chocolate and gingerbread, make Halloween crafts, dress in Georgian costume and then head into Dove Cottage at twilight to hear spooky Cumbrian stories.

It’s aimed mainly at children aged 5+, although younger siblings can attend.

Tickets are £10 for children and £5 for adults.

And if you just want to get outside…

Of course, you don’t necessarily need an organised event.

Autumn is a beautiful time around Ullswater, and from The Royal you’re within easy reach of Aira Force, Ullswater itself, Keswick, Helvellyn and plenty of lower-level family walks.

Bring waterproofs, embrace the weather and reward yourselves with something warm afterwards.

Make The Royal your base this October half term

The Royal Hotel sits at Dockray, close to Ullswater and perfectly placed for exploring Penrith, Keswick, Whinlatter and the surrounding Lake District.

So whether your half term involves muddy boots, dark skies, Halloween fun or simply finding somewhere cosy when it rains, there’s plenty happening nearby.

And after a day exploring, you know where to find the fire, a drink and something good to eat.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com

Boots on. Where are we going today? 🥾

For many people, a trip to the Lake District means one thing.

Walking.

And if you’re staying at The Royal, you really don’t have to travel far to find it.

We’re at the foot of Gowbarrow Fell, just 1.5 miles from Ullswater and surrounded by some wonderful walking country.

Start with Gowbarrow

There’s something particularly satisfying about being able to leave your accommodation and head almost straight into the landscape.

Gowbarrow gives you wonderful views across Ullswater, while nearby Aira Force offers everything from shorter woodland adventures to longer routes.

The National Trust’s Glencoyne Farm trail, for example, is a three-mile walk through woodland and upland farmland with views over Ullswater and opportunities to spot red squirrels.

Walk the Ullswater Way

For something longer, there’s the Ullswater Way, a 20-mile route around the lake.

You don’t have to tackle all 20 miles at once. Breaking it into sections means you can choose a route to suit your day and potentially combine walking with public transport or an Ullswater ‘Steamer’.

Collecting Wainwrights?

Then you’re definitely in the right part of the world.

The northern and eastern Lakes offer plenty of opportunities to add another summit to the list, or perhaps begin ticking them off for the first time.

And if a summit isn’t for you, there are gentler options too.

The Lake District isn’t only about climbing as high as possible. A woodland wander, lakeshore walk or couple of hours outside can be every bit as enjoyable.

Our preferred ending to a walk…

Naturally, we think a good Lake District walk should have an appropriate reward.

So whichever route you choose, make your way back to Dockray afterwards, take off the boots and settle down at The Royal for a pint, something good to eat and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve earned it.

And if you’re staying the night?

You get to do it all again tomorrow.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com

Come for the landscape. Stay for the stories. 👑

The Lake District might be famous for its scenery, but scratch beneath the surface and there are centuries of stories waiting to be discovered.

Castles. Ancient stone circles. Historic houses and gardens. Literary connections. Roman remains.

And one rather famous visitor to our own little corner of Cumbria.

Mary Queen of Scots and The Royal

The Royal’s history stretches back more than 500 years.

The building was originally a farmhouse with a barn, stables and carriage houses and was once known as The Cross Keys.

Legend has it that on 13 July 1568, Mary Queen of Scots stopped here during her journey from Carlisle towards Bolton Castle.

Her first overnight stop was Lowther Castle, and those responsible for her journey were anxious to avoid confrontation with the local Catholic population. A quieter route through the countryside would therefore have made sense.

And so the story goes that Mary and her party stopped at The Cross Keys along the way.

It’s from that royal association that The Royal takes its name today.

Follow some other famous footsteps

Of course, Mary isn’t the only famous name associated with this part of the world.

Beatrix Potter became synonymous with the Lake District, not only through her books but through her work to protect its landscape.

Then there’s Alfred Wainwright, whose beautifully illustrated guides inspired generations to explore the Lakeland fells.

Cumbria’s literary and artistic heritage gives you a completely different way to experience the landscape.

Go back even further

You can go much further back too.

The area around Keswick and Penrith is home to ancient sites including Castlerigg Stone Circle and Long Meg and Her Daughters, while castles and historic houses tell the stories of the people who shaped Cumbria over later centuries.

It also makes a very useful itinerary for those days when climbing a fell doesn’t appeal.

History – with dinner afterwards

Then return to The Royal and become another small part of our own 500-year story.

Sit down for dinner, order a drink and consider just how many travellers may have stopped here before you.

Come for the landscape. Stay for the stories.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com

Think you know Cumbria? Head west. 🌊

Ask someone to picture Cumbria and they’ll probably imagine mountains reflected in a lake.

And quite rightly.

But travel west and the landscape begins to change.

Cumbria has a coastline too, and it’s well worth discovering.

Swap fell tops for sea air

The Cumbrian coast offers something completely different from the central Lakes.

There are beaches, coastal walks, cycling routes, wildlife and towns shaped by centuries of maritime and industrial history.

It makes a particularly good day out if you’re staying for several nights and fancy seeing another side of the county.

St Bees

Perhaps one of the best-known stretches is St Bees, with its beach and dramatic sandstone cliffs.

Pull on the walking boots and explore part of the coast, or simply enjoy some sea air before finding somewhere for lunch.

Whitehaven

Nearby Whitehaven provides a complete contrast to a day on the fells.

Its Georgian harbour reflects the town’s fascinating maritime past and makes it an interesting addition to a western Cumbria day trip.

Ravenglass

Head further south and you reach Ravenglass, where coast, history and railway heritage meet.

And that brings us rather neatly to another of our Explore from The Royal guides because this is where you can board the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and head inland again.

One holiday. Two very different Cumbrias.

That’s one of the advantages of staying for a little longer.

Spend one day overlooking Ullswater from a fell.

Spend another with the sea in front of you.

Then head back across to Dockray for dinner and a cosy, comfy bed.

Mountains, lakes and coast. Why choose?

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com

Explore from The Royal:

Steam trains, steamers and memorable journeys

Sometimes getting there is half the fun 🚂

We spend a lot of time thinking about where we’re going.

But what if the journey itself is the day out?

Cumbria has some brilliant ways of getting around that are a little more interesting than jumping in the car.

Ullswater from the water

We’ll start closest to home.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ have been operating on the lake for more than 160 years and offer a wonderful way to see the surrounding landscape.

Combine a sailing with a walk or simply sit back and enjoy the views.

Services change throughout the year, so check the current timetable when planning your day.

Take a steam train through Eskdale

Head over to Ravenglass and you can board the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, affectionately known as La’al Ratty.

The narrow-gauge railway travels from the coast into the Eskdale valley, turning the journey itself into part of your Lake District experience.

It’s one that works for families, couples and, naturally, anyone who simply loves trains.

Lunch aboard a rather famous train

Then there’s Bassenthwaite Lake Station.

The restored station has been transformed into a café and is home to a full-size replica French steam train used in the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express.

You can eat aboard the railway carriages, making it rather more memorable than popping into the average café.

Slow down

Perhaps that’s what we like most about these experiences.

They make you slow down and actually look at the landscape you’re travelling through.

And after a day on boats or trains, make your final journey back to Dockray.

We’ll have dinner and a drink waiting.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com

A Dog-Friendly Ullswater Break

Don’t leave the most important member of the family behind 🐾

Walking boots? Packed.

Waterproofs? Packed.

Dog lead?

Absolutely.

The Lake District is a wonderful place to explore with four-legged companions, so there’s no reason they should miss out on the holiday.

Explore Aira Force together

Nearby Aira Force welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads and even provides water bowls around the car park and tea-room area.

Woodland, water and countless interesting smells?

We suspect the dog will approve.

Head out walking

One of the joys of staying around Ullswater is simply having so much countryside around you.

Choose a woodland route, head towards the lake or find a longer fell walk that suits both you and your dog.

Just remember that this is a working rural landscape. Keep dogs under appropriate control, particularly around livestock, follow local signage and take extra care during lambing and ground-nesting bird seasons.

Take them sightseeing too

Dog-friendly travel doesn’t necessarily mean you’re restricted to walking.

A number of local attractions and outdoor experiences welcome dogs, so it’s always worth checking individual policies when planning your day. Buses welcome well behaved dogs too.

And sometimes the best itinerary is the simplest:

Walk → explore → pub → sleep.

Muddy paws welcome

Most importantly, your dog can come back to The Royal with you.

We’re dog-friendly, so after a day exploring Ullswater together, there’ll be a warm welcome waiting in Dockray.

Because holidays are better when the whole family gets to come.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com

Adventures around Ullswater

What’s on this autumn? 🍂

Summer might be over, but that doesn’t mean the adventures have to stop.

In fact, autumn is one of our favourite times of year around Ullswater. The crowds begin to ease, the landscape changes colour and there’s something rather lovely about wrapping up, getting outside and knowing there’s somewhere warm and cosy waiting at the end of the day.

And with a bus stop right outside The Royal, you can just hop on, and hop off!

Chase a waterfall at Aira Force

We’re incredibly lucky to have Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park just down the road from The Royal.

There are woodland paths to explore, the famous waterfall to discover and the possibility of spotting one of the resident red squirrels along the way. The National Trust also suggests family adventures including walking through the woodland and skimming stones on the shore of Ullswater.

And autumn colours make the whole place even more beautiful.

Take to the lake

Seeing Ullswater from the water gives you a completely different perspective.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ continue to operate into autumn, although services reduce seasonally, so we always recommend checking the latest timetable before setting off.

Combine a boat trip with a walk and suddenly getting from A to B becomes part of the adventure.

Try something completely different

If you’ve got children – particularly teenagers – who aren’t convinced another family walk sounds exciting, try Rookin House.

It’s only a few miles from Ullswater and offers a huge range of activities. Depending on age, these include pony trekking, horse riding, archery, air rifles, go-karting, mini and midi quads, human bowling and more.

There really should be something to tire everyone out.

And if the weather turns?

It is the Lake District. We can’t promise sunshine!

Rheged boasts a gallery, café, giant cinema screen (18 metre wide screen, state-of-the-art surround sound and raked seating for uninterrupted views, plus the latest 4K laser projector). It’s also a shopping venue, workplace and creative space, located on the edge of Penrith.

Or head towards Keswick for the Pencil Museum, Puzzling Place, Whinlatter Forest and Go Ape – plenty of options whatever the Lake District weather decides to do!

Or embrace the weather. Waterproofs on, find some puddles and come back to us afterwards to dry out.

Make a few days of it

The best bit? You don’t have to squeeze everything into one day.

The Royal is in Dockray, just 1.5 miles from Ullswater, and we have rooms suitable for families as well as couples.

Explore during the day, then come back for something good to eat, put your feet up and decide what tomorrow’s adventure will be.

Explore. Make memories. Then let us feed you.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com

Who knew that houmous could be so incredible?

By Sue Talbot 

There’s a special kind of magic that settles over me when I’m driving along narrow, stone-walled lanes in the Lake District. As I headed up Park Brow to The Royal Hotel at Dockray, leaving the hum of the summer crowds behind me, there was a resonant quiet, interrupted only by the sound of sheep and birds.

Sheep herding at Dockray

This is one of those rare places that feels less like a hotel and more like a well-kept secret. Just 1.5 miles from the shimmering shores of Ullswater, The Royal Hotel is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Even at the height of the season, Dockray is a pocket of peace where time seems slower, nudging me to breathe more deeply and be mindful of my surroundings.

The Gardens

One of the first things I noticed as I arrived, was the connection to nature and how the air feels purer. The hotel’s garden is a thriving micro-ecosystem filled with bees and butterflies buzzing and fluttering through the wildflowers. Two hammocks were swinging in the shade of ancient oak trees and a couple of chickens were nonchalantly roaming around a giant chess set.

The History

Stepping inside The Royal Hotel at Dockray, I felt hugged by a quintessential, olde-worlde charm that money can’t buy. You can sense the history of the building in its bones with chunky oak lintels crowning inglenook fireplaces and local artwork depicting the Lakeland landscape. Welcomed by the lovely Bart, I felt as though I was a familiar face and that I’d been here many times before.

Royal Hotel Rooms

My bedroom was a sanctuary in every sense of the word. Sash windows framed the prettiest view of country lanes and exposed wooden beams reminded me of the hotel’s history, which dates back to the 16^th century. Even the botanical scent of Pure Lakes toiletries is the perfect nod to the natural landscape. There really is more charm here than you can shake a shepherd’s crook at.

Dining at The Royal

The food at The Royal Hotel Dockray is as honest as the setting. Everything is homemade and showcases the natural flavours of the local produce. Who knew that houmous could be so incredible? It had a delicious zestiness unlike any houmous I’ve tasted before (I eat a lot of houmous!) The baked salmon was melt-in-your-mouth tender and served with new potatoes and salad, so its flavour shone without being overpowered. I also had the pleasure of meeting the hotel owner, Ali, whose relaxed, hands-on and down-to-earth approach reflects the authentic warmth that defines The Royal.

After dinner, I sloped upstairs to my room and enjoyed a great night’s sleep, only to be stirred the next morning by the sound of a local farmer herding his sheep up the lane. It was a magical sight to wake up to and left me beaming from ear to ear.

Greeted by Monika’s infectious smile at breakfast, I tucked into the creamy scrambled eggs and smoked salmon – a hearty start that set me up for the “Gowbarrow Challenge”. This seemed to be a rite of passage for fell walkers staying at The Royal Hotel, so I had to give it a go. Sadly, my tendency to stop for photos every five minutes made it a very a poor attempt. Still, it was a fabulous walk along beautiful country trails to the summit, with far-reaching views over Ullswater.

Things to Do Near Dockray

The famous Aira Force, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Lake District, is also worth a visit during a stay here. Surrounded by ancient woodland, the cascades tumble down moss-covered rocks below a series of Victorian bridges.

There are plenty of outdoor activities and things to do at Ullswater, all within easy reach of The Royal Hotel. I was fortunate enough to be blessed with glorious sunshine, so I made the most of it and went kayaking and swimming in the lake.

Whether you want to tackle the fells, take a dip in Ullswater or sit in the garden and lose yourself in a good book, The Royal Hotel in Dockray is a gentle reminder to slow down and just breathe.

Lakeland 100: More than just a race

A personal reflection by Ali Dixon

A little while after Lakeland 100 I’ve had chance to gather my thoughts.

Lakeland 100 is an iconic 100-mile route through the Lakes, but it’s much more than that. In the past, friends had talked about its unique atmosphere, its wacky themed checkpoints where volunteers in fancy dress look after you, feed and water you, and ensure you don’t stop too long.

I knew all that, and yet on the start line it all felt rather surreal.

The atmosphere was different to other long-distance races. The pre-race briefing wasn’t about competition; it was about friendship, encouragement and celebrating the fact that we were all there. Perhaps the 50% failure rate had something to do with that.

As we set off, the nerves disappeared, the body relaxed and settled into the rhythm of the run. One section at a time. One climb. One kilometre done… only another 164 to go.

Checkpoint one.

Checkpoint two.

Wasdale.

Then darkness came.

I like running in the dark. It’s just me and the small world I can see in the beam of my headtorch. Despite living in the Lakes, I don’t know this first part of the route particularly well. We climbed through the darkness, a trail of headtorches stretching ahead and behind, creating one vast illuminated snake across the fells.

As we descended into Black Sail, I was back on familiar ground.

Over to Buttermere.

Then Keswick.

Then the Old Coach Road.

And finally, the part I’d been thinking about for a very long time.

As the sun came up along the Old Coach Road, I descended into Dockray and Checkpoint 8 at The Royal Hotel.

Here, the Hardmoors crew made me a cheese and pickle sandwich and handed me the best cup of tea I’d had in a very long time.

I’d been thinking about this moment for months. How would I feel? Would the legs still be strong? One thing I knew for certain…

I couldn’t drop out here.

Mustn’t stay long.

We’re almost halfway.

Only 55 miles still to go.

Recharged, I headed off around Gowbarrow, one of my favourite paths in the Lakes. Looking down, I noticed the cattle grazing in the fields at Gowbarrow Farm – the same cattle that provide the beef for our burgers at The Royal.

Then came Dalemain.

Pooley Bridge.

Howtown.

Fusedale.

I was slowing now.

The legs no longer had the same power they had just a few hours earlier.

Haweswater.

Kentmere.

Then Ambleside.

That was emotional.

Crowds cheering.

My family running alongside me.

I knew from there I could get to the finish, even if it was still over a marathon away.

Just. Keep. Moving.

Chapel Stile.

Tilberthwaite.

Then, at last, the final climb up Jacob’s Ladder.

My ankle hurt.

The final descent.

My knee hurt.

Through Coniston.

You hear the crowds.

And then…

It’s done.

105 miles.

6,800 metres of ascent.

14 checkpoints.

A week later, the memory of the hard kilometres has already begun to fade. Sore limbs recover.

What remains are the highlights.

The achievement of completing the route.

Smiling faces.

Dockray at dawn.

Never-ending paths.

Family and supporters cheering.

The relief of crossing the finish line.

But, mostly, what stays with me is the incredible sense of community.

Runners helping other runners.

Volunteers putting in long shifts in remote Lakeland valleys.

Everyone going above and beyond to encourage people to push themselves and discover what they’re capable of.

This really is a different event.

Unique.

Competitive, yet inclusive.

Fun, yet immensely challenging.

Would I do it again?

On the finish line I said no.

Now…

It’s maybe.

Probably.

OK then… yes.

There’s always scope to do it better.