What’s on

There’s always exciting things happening here, from pub quizzes to fell races - and new for June 26 - our beer festival!

Beer festival at the Royal Dockray Hotel June 2026Beer festival – join us for a charity weekend of local beers, live music and fell running 19/20 June

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend in the heart of the Lake District as the Royal Dockray Hotel hosts a brand-new charity festival on 19–20 June.

Bringing together community spirit, outdoor adventure and great local talent, this exciting new event promises something for everyone.

🍺 Local Beer Festival

Sample the best of Cumbria with local breweries showcasing a fantastic range of ales throughout the weekend.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment

From Friday evening through to Saturday, enjoy a vibrant line-up of live performances, including:

  • Open jam session
  • Ceilidh dancing
  • Swing and steel bands
  • Headline set from Penrith favourites Dead on 7
    ❤️ Supporting Local Charities: Patterdale Mountain Rescue, Patterdale school, Another-way, Great North Air Ambulance and Eden Valley Hospice (Race Across Europe).

🏃‍♂️ The Gowbarrow Fell Race

Be part of the very first Gowbarrow Fell Race, kicking off at 1.00pm on Saturday 20 June. With a brand-new route designed especially for the event, runners of all abilities are welcome — all while raising money for local charities.

Every part of the weekend helps raise funds for local causes, continuing the Royal Dockray’s commitment to supporting the community.

“We wanted to create something that really brings people together while celebrating everything that makes this area so special — the landscape, the people and the local talent.”
— Ali, The Royal Hotel, Dockray

📍 Plan your visit

The Royal Dockray Hotel is easy to reach by road, with regular bus routes from across Cumbria and beyond.

Whether you’re running, dancing, tasting or just soaking up the atmosphere — come along, get involved and be part of something special. Everyone’s welcome!

Whats on in Matterdale?

There’s always exciting things happening in Matterdale, from pub quizzes to badminton, environmental talks to fell races.

Ullswater Breakfast

Once a month the Ullswater Breakfast talk brings people together to hear an invited speaker. Previous speakers have ranged from mountain guides to environmental campaigners, local historians to yoga. The Ullswater Breakfast is the first Saturday of the month.

Pub Quizes, Craft Fairs and more…

Throughout the winter we hold community pub quizes, a Christmas craft fair and much more.
For the summer, there are various events and races to join in, take part, or cheer on!

Support Local

We’re proud to support local initiatives to help our local community and environment.  We support various projects including

  • SITU who provide a fantastic bus service for the Ullswater valley https://situcumbria.org.uk/ullswater-bus
  • Our Gowbarrow Challenge raises funds for Patterdate Mountain Rescue Team
  • Matterdale Community Association utilise our Studio @ The Royal for regular events and meetings