Crab Fair Saturday, apples on Sunday. A short tarn walk if you want to keep it gentle.
Mid to late September brings earlier dusk, cooler evenings and the first hints of autumn colour. We can't say what the sky will do, so check the MWIS Lake District forecast before you go, and bring layers.
Egremont Crab Fair is on Saturday, and it's one of the strangest and oldest days out in the county. Sunday is more of a gentle apples and castles sort of day.
Start: Road junction lay-bys near Loughrigg Tarn, LA22 9HF
A short, gentle circuit that's classed as suitable for pushchairs on the bridleway, so it works for a mixed-age family. Tarns are good for small children, since there's always something to throw sticks at.
The road section has no pavements and some gradients of 1:7, so watch for traffic. There are no toilets on the route, and the nearest cafe and pub with customer toilets is at Skelwith Bridge, about 0.5km away.
Calderwood House, Egremont Free to watch, All ages
The fair builds up all week. The wheelbarrow race starts at 7pm, if you fancy warming up for Saturday. Main Street closes from Friday noon. Details and booking
Sat 19 Sep, street from 9am, greasy pole 10.30am, apple cart parade 12.30pm
Main Street and Crab Fair Field (Baybarrow Road), Egremont Street is free to wander; the fair field has an entry charge, check the current price, All ages
Egremont's ancient fair has a greasy pole, a boundary ride and the apple cart parade at 12.30pm, and the World Gurning Championships at 7pm in the Market Hall. There's a new Kids Fest marquee with circus workshops, an obstacle course and a petting zoo. A free shuttle runs to the fair field from 12.45pm. Details and booking
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby CA10 1SP Normal admission may apply, no booking, All ages
Mill demonstrations, flour for sale and baking samples, with an art table for children. Acorn Bank is open Thursday to Monday and has orchards and nature trails. Details and booking
Station Road, Keswick CA12 4NF See website, All ages
A local museum in Fitz Park with an immersive 'Outside In' exhibition, a cafe, and family activities. It holds a Fantastic For Families certification. Details and booking
Hutton-in-the-Forest, near Penrith Check the venue, All ages
The venue's diary lists the Apple Day for 20 September. Times and prices weren't listed, so check their what's on page before you go. Details and booking
Gilsland, Brampton CA8 7DD See English Heritage, Primary age
The longest continuous stretch of Hadrian's Wall still visible, with hands-on displays for children, family puzzles and a cafe. It's on the Hadrian's Wall Path. Details and booking
Guided tours of the fort are included with admission on Sundays through autumn and winter. It has the largest group of Roman military altar stones from any site in Britain. Wear proper shoes, and check the weather. Details and booking
Kayak, paddleboard and rowing boat hire on Windermere until the season ends. Check the wind before you go. Details and booking
On the water
Tip. Egremont's main street closes to traffic from Friday noon, so plan to park at the edge of town and walk in. Sunset is around 7.21pm now, so head torches are coming back into the rucksack.