Tupping Season in the Lake District... A Unique Winter Experience Near Grasmere

If you're searching for things to do in the Lake District in winter, you might picture misty mornings, quiet valleys and maybe a few too many mince pies… but up on the fells, November marks one of the most fascinating natural events of the year.

It’s tupping season, the real start of the Herdwick year and one of the Lake District’s most iconic rural traditions.

And at The Yan in Grasmere, you can stay right in the heart of it.

What Is Tupping Season? (And Why It’s Amazing to See)

Throughout November and early winter, Herdwick rams (known as tups) are matched with their ewes. These are the hardy, famously fearless sheep that define the Lake District landscape. You’ll spot them grazing everywhere from Helm Crag to the Easedale Valley.

Once chosen, the rams and ewes roam the open fells.
If you notice flashes of red, blue or orange across the fields, those are raddle marks, the visual record of which tup has met which ewe.

This colourful marking transforms the hills into one of the most unique and unexpected Lake District winter experiences.

It’s peaceful, ancient and strangely romantic.
Not baubles and fairy lights - but real Cumbrian magic.

The Yan’s Herdwick Roots: 500 Years of Fellside Farming

The Yan at Broadrayne sits on land that was once a working Herdwick farm dating back to the 16th century. Generations of flocks grazed these exact fells, learning their patch through hefting, the instinct that keeps each Herdwick tied to its home ground.

Today, the Herdwick sheep you see around us are descendants of those early flocks, still roaming the same valleys and slopes.

This is why our connection to Herdwicks goes beyond scenery.
It’s culture. History. Memory.
And it’s why the lamb on our menu isn’t just lamb…

It’s hogget... the Lake District’s best-kept culinary secret.

Why We Serve Hogget... A True Taste of the Fells

Hogget is sheep aged between one and two years. It’s still tender but carries richer, deeper flavour that reflects the landscape.
Think slow-cooked, comforting, proper Cumbrian food.

You’ll find it in our:

• Shepherd’s Pie
• Winter stews
• Sunday specials
• Seasonal bistro dishes

If you’re looking for local food in the Lake District, nothing is more authentic than Herdwick hogget raised on the very fells you can see from your window.

Things to Do in the Lake District During Tupping Season

This quieter season offers some of the best experiences of the year, including:

1. Fell Walks With Herdwick Spotting

Helm Crag, Silver How and Grasmere’s surrounding ridges are full of raddle-marked sheep.

2. Dark Skies Events (Stargazing, walks & canoe nights)

Winter brings some of the clearest skies in the UK. Perfect for astronomy lovers.

3. Cosy Pubs and Award-Winning Bistro Dining

Warm fires, seasonal menus and real comfort food - including our famous pies.

4. Crowd-Free Lakes & Trails

One of the biggest perks of visiting the Lake District in winter.

5. Stay in Grasmere for Proper Peace & Mountain Views

Our Farmhouse and Cottage are ideal for muddy-boot adventures, dog-friendly stays and starry nights.

Stay With Us This Tupping Season

If you want a break that feels meaningful, cosy and a little magical, this is it.

Stay in our Farmhouse or Cottage to watch the Herdwick year unfold right outside your window.
Dine in our award-winning bistro to taste true fellside flavours.
Explore the fells without the summer crowds.

Come see the Lake District the way locals experience it.

👉 Book your stay at The Yan
👉 Reserve a table in the Bistro
👉 Read more Lake District stories on The Yan News