Unseasonable warmth and sunshine could mean one last summery hurrah in Cumbria, and it may be the last time this year to enjoy a sunny walk in the Lakes.

Warm and bright conditions are expected to continue this weekend across the Lake District, with temperatures ranging between 18 and 20 degrees, and sunshine with clouds forecast throughout.

LAKE DISTRICT WEATHER

Keswick

  • Friday
    • Sunny, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 20C, lows of 11C
    • No rain forecast all day
  • Saturday
    • Sunny intervals, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 19C, lows of 11C
    • 10 per cent chance of rain between 1pm and 4pm
  • Sunday
    • Sunny intervals, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 19C, lows of 9C
    • 10 per cent chance of rain between 4am and 7am.

Windermere

  • Friday
    • Sunny intervals, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 19C, lows of 11C
    • No rain forecast all day
  • Saturday
    • Sunny intervals, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 19C, lows of 12C
    • 10 per cent chance of rain at 1pm.
  • Sunday
    • Sunny intervals, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 19C, lows of 10C
    • 10 per cent chance of rain between 4am and 7am.

Cockermouth

  • Friday
    • Sunny, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 20C, lows of 11C
    • No rain forecast all day
  • Saturday
    • Sunny intervals, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 19C, lows of 11C
    • 10 per cent chance of rain between 1pm and 4pm
  • Sunday
    • Sunny intervals, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 19C, lows of 9C
    • 10 per cent chance of rain at 4am.

Ambleside

  • Friday
    • Sunny, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 20C, lows of 11C
    • No rain forecast all day
  • Saturday
    • Sunny intervals, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 19C, lows of 11C
    • 10 per cent chance of rain between 1pm and 4pm
  • Sunday
    • Sunny intervals, changing to partly cloudy by early evening
    • Highs of 19C, lows of 9C
    • 10 per cent chance of rain between 4am and 7am.

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BEST WAYS TO ENJOY THE SUN IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Walking up Skiddaw

One of the national park’s most iconic and rewarding mountains, it pays off to see the outlook to the south and its army of fells, and Scotland to the north at the 931m summit.

This is a challenging walk, however, and can take five hours to complete, so make sure you’re well equipped with proper footwear, light clothing, food, water, charged mobile phones, maps, and torches should anything go wrong.

Lunch by the water

View from ButtermereView from Buttermere (Image: Heather Colletta Ella Pieri)

The national park has plenty of waterside scenic spots, with Windermere, Buttermere, and Derwentwater among the most visited.

You’re free to settle down by the water and whip out a picnic, going as simple as sandwiches and snacks to as bougie as wine and canapes should you wish, while a timeless and raw view of mother nature accompanies.

For those looking for something quieter, perhaps try Bassenthwaite or Haweswater to escape the crowds.

Ride the Ullswater Steamers

Ullswater SteamersUllswater Steamers (Image: Supplied)

One of a kind and an icon of retro Lakes tourism, the Ullswater Steamers are deceivingly entertaining and fun for the whole family.

They’re still running their Lilac and Aira Force Shuttle timetables, and while offering a leisure cruise purpose they work exceptionally as genuine public transport to move around the relatively inaccessible Lakes.

Lowther Castle and Gardens

Lowther CastleLowther Castle (Image: Lowther Castle)

If you fancy a bit of human history and aristocracy, and something to keep the kids entertained, Lowther Castle and Gardens offers a nice day out in Penrith, with a large green area to roam around in and picnic, as well as a well-stocked children’s play area.

There are activities for children as well, and a café on site of the 17th century visitor attraction.

Pencil Museum

Keswick Pencil MuseumKeswick Pencil Museum (Image: Keswick Pencil Museum)

Outsiders tend to knock the pencil museum in Keswick, but that’s because they’re jealous and lack the whimsy to enjoy the sight of the country’s biggest pencil.

It’s sincerely a fantastic attraction that deceives first timers in its name – there's much more than just looking at pencils, and an option for those intent on avoiding the sun but don’t want to stay at home all day.

Lake District Wildlife Park

Zebra at Lake District Wildlife ParkZebra at Lake District Wildlife Park (Image: Supplied)

The county’s zoo contains a plethora of exotic creatures to gawk at in the sun while learning about their biology and the work the park does in the interests of conservation.

Admission is quite cheap as well – with adults allowed in for £13.95, children for £11.95, or you can get two adults and two kids in on a family ticket for £50 – if they’re very young (under three) they get in for free!

There’s no need to book either, and it can make for a fascinating day out, as well as a way to help fundraise for the fantastic conservation work they do.