Two Reasons September Is Cumbria’s Best Month

Ask anyone who lives here and they will tell you September might be the best month to be in Cumbria. The summer crowds thin out, the light turns golden over the fells, and two of the county’s favourite events land within weeks of each other. If you are planning a day out this month, the Westmorland County Show and Taste Cumbria in Cockermouth are both well worth the trip.

The Westmorland County Show

The Westmorland County Show is one of the highlights of the Cumbrian farming calendar, and a proper day out whether or not you work the land. It takes place on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September 2026 at the showground near Crooklands, a short hop from Kendal just off the M6.

You will find the best of the county’s livestock, food and drink producers, rural crafts, machinery, and the ring events that draw the crowds. It is the kind of day where families, farmers and visitors all end up shoulder to shoulder, and it captures what the area does so well.

Taste Cumbria, Cockermouth

Later in the month the focus turns to food. Taste Cumbria in Cockermouth runs across the weekend of Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026, with a lively Friday evening to open it. It is one of the biggest free food festivals in the North of England, and it takes over the market town with producer stalls, street food, a drinks tent, live music and cookery demonstrations.

It is a great showcase for local makers and growers, and a reminder of just how much good food comes out of this county. Most of it is free to enjoy, so it makes for an easy, relaxed day out.

Why September suits Cumbria so well

Beyond the two events, September is simply a lovely time to be here. The fells are quieter, the hills start to turn, and there is a real sense of the county settling back into its own rhythm after a busy summer. The schools are back, the harvest is in, and the autumn walking season is just getting going.

If you only make it to one thing this month, either event will give you a good feel for the place. If you can manage both, even better.

Trading at either event?

If you are running a food stall, catering unit or trade stand at one of these shows, the fire safety basics still apply — the right extinguishers within reach, a fire blanket wherever there is cooking, and clear escape routes. It is not only good practice: under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, whoever is in control of a stall or catering unit is responsible for providing suitable firefighting equipment and keeping it in working order, and organisers usually want to see it before you set up. If you want to make sure you have all the right fire safety equipment in place before the gates open, get in touch with the team.