The UK's first national Gingerbread House Festival arrives on Windermere from 20 to 22 November 2026.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa and Grasmere Gingerbread are turning the competition into a three-day pre-Christmas event with displays, judging, workshops, food and seasonal entertainment.
Which day should you visit?
Friday 20 November: 4pm-9pm
Choose Friday for the Christmas atmosphere. The lights switch-on is at 7.30pm and Father Christmas is due to arrive by boat.
Saturday 21 November: 12pm-8pm
Saturday is the best day for the competition itself. Entries are displayed while judging takes place, and the winning exhibit is due to be announced during the day.
Sunday 22 November: 10am-5pm
Sunday is the calmer choice if your main aim is to see the finished exhibition and winning houses.
More than £10,000 in prizes
Different categories are aimed at children, schools, young people, hobby groups, community groups and other entrants.
- £1,000 cash awards in selected categories
- school book vouchers and food-technology support
- VIP Grasmere Gingerbread experiences
- hotel weekend stays
- paddleboarding and afternoon tea
- children's cookery vouchers
- Lego and lifestyle vouchers
The overall winner receives a trophy, £250 and the title National Gingerbread House of the Year 2026.
Who can enter?
This is not a professional-bakers-only competition. Schools, children, teenagers, hobby groups, community groups, crafters and bakers are encouraged to take part.
Entrants should use the official festival website for the current category rules, dimensions, deadlines and delivery instructions.
Is it free to visit?
The official Low Wood Bay programme currently publishes opening hours but does not clearly state a single festival-wide public admission price in the information checked by Cumbria Guru. We will update this when it is clearer.
Where is it?
The festival is at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, on the A591 between Windermere and Ambleside.
Parking
Check final event parking instructions before travelling, especially on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.
Public transport
Buses use the A591 between Windermere and Ambleside. For Friday, check the evening return before committing to a car-free plan.
Where to stay
Low Wood Bay puts you on site, while Ambleside and Windermere provide plenty of alternatives.
Our verdict
The competition gives this event a strong reason to exist, while the Friday lights switch-on and Saturday judging create two different reasons to visit. Cumbria Guru would choose Saturday for the fullest festival experience.
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