lake district tour itinerary

The Perfect 3 or 4 Days in the Lake District Itinerary

Last Updated on January 17, 2024

by Sarah Dittmore

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One of the UK’s most alluring destinations in England, planning a 3 or 4 days in the Lake District itinerary is an absolutely unforgettable thing to do in this area in the north of the country. Essential to add to many England itineraries or even to explore if you’re venturing onward to Scotland , you will never regret spending time in the Lake District.

Known for its stunning waterways and gorgeous scenery, the region will take your breath away. However, there’s more to do in the Lake District than just enjoy the views. Whether riding a steam train across the countryside, hiking to breathtaking overlooks, touring buildings from the 13 th century, or just lounging by the lake, a visit to the Lake District is guaranteed to be a blast.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in the Lake District?

One of the first questions that will come up when planning your trip is how many days to spend in the Lake District. Some visitors may be drawn to a longer, weeklong visit and this can be a great way to see the area while also enjoying plenty of R&R at the hotel.

However, the truth is that 3 to 4 days is plenty of time to take in all of the beauty and enjoy some of the quirks and hidden gems of this region.

If you have 3 days in the Lake District, you will have time to go on several hikes, visit the lakes in all of their beauty and see some of the top historic sites in the area. However, if you have 4 days, you will also have time to visit the coast and take in some more highlights of Cumbria.

Getting To & Around the Lake District

Navigating the Lake District is fairly easy. The roads are well-maintained and comfortable to drive with plenty of stops for food and petrol.

Renting a car may be more expensive, and you may need to get comfortable with driving on the left side of the road depending on where you’re coming from, but you may find it is worth it for the freedom and flexibility it gives you on your trip. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare options for car rental.

However, public transport in the Lake District is widely available and relatively affordable. You can get trains to the Lake District from London , Glasgow , and Manchester . You can browse routes here .

Once in the Lake District, the National Express and Stagecoach Bus both offer a variety of routes that connect different towns and tourist destinations around the Lake District.

While the buses will help you get from point A to B, there are some stops along the way in this Lake District road trip itinerary that may make it worthwhile to rent a car instead.

3 to 4-Day Lake District Itinerary

The Lake District is a beloved destination for international and local visitors alike. Referring to both the district and the National Park, the Lake District is known for its sprawling glacial lakes, the fell mountains that surround the waters, and the history and British culture woven throughout the surrounding towns.

With 3 days, you’ll be able to enjoy the water, go for a few hikes, and check out some of the history and literary associations that the area is famous for.

Those who choose to spend 4 days will also have a chance to visit the coast and tour a National Heritage site.

No matter how long you choose to stay, this itinerary will help you make the most of your visit.

Day 1 – Windermere, Wray Castle, Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top & More

Located alongside a lake by the same, Windermere is a picturesque British town featuring Tudor-style buildings and a quaint, laid-back atmosphere. In the town itself, you’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants, cute shops, and even the odd art gallery.

But the main event is Windermere Lake, and what better way to kick off your trip to the Lake District National Park than with a visit to the largest lake in England?

Lounge on the beach, go for a swim, or simply sit by the water and take in the views. However you choose to spend your time, a visit to this jaw-dropping lake is a must.

Orrest Head Viewpoint

To get better acquainted with the beauty of the Lake District, the next item is a visit to the Orrest Head. This easy, 2.8-mile loop hike takes you from Windermere to the Orrest Head Viewpoint, and shouldn’t take more than an hour and a half.

The hike is accessible to all levels and, at the peak, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding countryside.

One of two hikes in this itinerary, the hike to Orrest Head Viewpoint is a great way to get a sweeping overview of the place where you will be spending the next 3 to 4 days.   

Wray Castle

After your hike, it’s time to take in some of the Lake District’s history. Wray Castle is a gothic revival castle that was built in 1840 by a retired surgeon and later inherited by his nephew, Hardwicke Rawnsley, who served as the vicar of Wray Church.

The National Trust has owned the castle since 1929 and in addition to touring the building, visitors can stroll the paths that weave through the estate, picnic on the lawn, or see the photographs of Rupert Potter that hang on display in the dining room.

Visiting the grounds is free, but touring the inside of the castle is ticketed unless you’re a National Trust member.

Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top

Situated just 15 minutes south of Wray Castle, you can continue your tour of the region’s history with Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse.

For both the literarily inclined and those just interested in British history and culture, Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top is a must-see. Though best known for her children’s book series, The Tale of Peter Rabbit , Beatrix Potter also worked as a natural scientist and conservationist.

Beatrix Potter’s house still stands atop a small hill in the Lake District and visitors can explore her house and garden, enjoy a meal at the pop-up café, and shop for souvenirs.

Tickets to enter must be booked in advance. You can also organise a half-day tour that includes a visit to the house as well as some nearby attractions.

Sunset at Kirkstone Pass

Now that you’ve gotten a sense of the region’s history, it’s time to head back to the shores of Windermere Lake in time to watch the sunset. While there’s no bad place to camp out and watch the sunset, a favorite is Kirkstone Pass, the highest pass in the Lake District.

A ten-minute drive up the A592 from Windermere will take you to Kirkstone Pass, Ambleside. From here, you can pull off the road at the car park beside Kirkstone Pass Inn and enjoy the views.

This perspective gives you a sweeping view of the sun setting over the hills and peaks like Scafell Pike, but those who choose to stay by the water won’t be disappointed either, as along the shores of Windermere Lake you’ll often be able to see the way the sky paints rainbow hues across the water.

Day 2 – Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, Stott Park Bobbin Mill & Fell Foot Park

Lakeside and haverthwaite railway.

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is an old-fashioned steam train that runs along a railway that’s been in the region since the 1850s. Watch the country stream by and experience the joys of riding a steam train.

Return tickets cost £10.50 for adults and £6.30 for children. On one end of the railway, in Haverthwaite, you can check out the Haverthwaite Station Tea Room, where you can grab a bite to eat.

On the other end, in Lakeside, head to the Lakes Aquarium to learn more about the local animal life.

Stott Park Bobbin Mill

An oft-overlooked attraction, Stott Park Bobbin Mill is 5000 times more interesting than it sounds. Yes, it is a functioning mill where wooden bobbins are made, but it’s so much more than that.

The passionate tour guides will give you a hands-on introduction to what it was like to work at the mill and you’ll find yourself fascinated and engaged from the moment you arrive until the time you leave.

While you don’t need to book in advance, tickets can be cheaper if you book online.

Fell Foot Park

After the railway and the mill, it’s time to head back to the water. Fell Foot Park is a beautiful, lush park that sits on the southern end of Windermere Lake.

In addition to simply enjoying this lovely park, it’s a great place to settle for an afternoon of water activities.

While at Fell Foot, you can rent kayaks, rowboats, or paddleboards; enjoy a picnic on the lawns; go for a swim in the lake; take a walk in the gardens; or dine and shop at the local cafes and boutiques that are spread around Fell Foot.

Day 3 – Ullswater, Howton & Hallin Fell

Ullswater steamer to howtown.

Now that you’ve spent 2 days exploring the area around Windermere Lake, it’s time to head north to Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the Lake District at about 7 miles long.

One of the best ways to see what Ullswater is all about is to ride the Ullswater Steamer to Howtown Pier. You can start at Howtown Pier and book a return trip, or pick up the steamer at Glenridding Pier or Pooley Bridge Pier and ride it to Howtown Pier.

Return tickets can be purchased in-person or in advance online. Whatever route you take, take your time enjoying the open deck, saloons, and beautiful views.

Hike to Hallin Fell

On the steamer, you’ll get to see the Lake District by water, but once in Howtown, you can explore by land by heading a few miles south to the Hallin Fell hike.

This 1.3-mile loop trail is relatively easy and takes around an hour to complete. The hike itself is a beautiful romp through the countryside, featuring an old stone church and some stone ruins, but the true highlight is the views of Ullswater from the peak.

Ullswater Lake

When you’re done hiking, head back to the lake to enjoy an afternoon by the water. Of course, you can always spend a few hours simply lounging by the lake and exploring the local shops and restaurants, but the more adventurous visitors might enjoy something a bit more active.

Activities include such things s sailing lessons through the Glenridding Sailing Centre or kayaking and cliff-jumping with Lake District Outdoor Activities.

Alternatively, head over to the nearby lake of Derwentwater and the lovely town of Keswick. Poetry fans also could head a bit south and visit St Oswald’s church in Grasmere and see the grave of William Wordsworth. You could also visit the nearby lake of Rydal Water. For those who are only spending 3 days, this marks the end of your Lake District itinerary.

Day 4 – Ravenglass & Muncaster Castle

If you’ve decided to spend 4 days in the Lake District, this is a great chance to head to the coast.

Ravenglass is a small village on the coast of the Irish Sea. It takes about an hour to drive to Ravenglass from Windermere, or 2.5 hours to get there via train. Either way, it’s a gorgeous route through the western half of the Lake District.

Once in Ravenglass, you can visit the sea, hang out on the sandy shores of Drigg Sand Dunes and Beach, and explore the quaint coastal village before heading to Muncaster Castle.

Muncaster Castle

Though the castle has gone through many renovations over the centuries, the first version of Muncaster Castle was erected in the 13 th century atop Roman foundations from 79 AD. The final additions to the estate were completed in 1917.

Now, the castle and grounds are open to visitors at a cost of £19.00 for adults and £9.50 for children (though you can save 10% by booking online). In addition to touring the castle and surrounding gardens, visitors can view the on-side Hawk and Owl Centre, home to birds of prey and featuring daily flying displays.

Muncaster Castle hosts regular events, exhibitions, and festivals, so be sure to check the website before your visit to see what’s on!

Where to Stay near Lake District

The Cavendish Arms – Located in the village of Cartmel, this inn is an excellent mid-range option in the Lake District. There are a number of cosy and comfortable rooms on offer and there is also a breakfast and dinner menu available.

Embleton Spa Hotel – For those looking for a bit of luxury while in the Lake District, then this hotel is an excellent choice. They have a great location, a wonderful spa and restaurant on site and plenty of plush rooms to ensure you have a lovely stay.

Kendal Hostel – If you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget, then this hostel is a great option. They have both dorm beds and private rooms available and good self-catering facilities for those who want to make their own meals.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lake District hotels!

The Lake District is one of England’s most popular tourist destinations and with good reason. With so many ways to spend your time, from hiking and playing in the water to exploring literary attractions and historical sites, there’s a little something for everyone in the Lake District.

Are you planning to visit the Lake District? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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About Sarah Dittmore

Sarah is a writer for The World Was Here First. A California native, she loves travelling around her home state as well as visiting places further afield. She has spent over a decade travelling the world and writing stories inspired by the people and places she encounters along the way.

Hi Sarah, thank you for the article. I am planning for a family trip for 2 to Windermere end of Dec for 4 days. I will be staying in Windermere. Is there any local tour operator in Windermere I can contact for a 4 day tour you suggested above and could you kindly suggest an approximate cost for 2 persons. Appreciate your help.

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A Lake District Itinerary – what to see and do in one day

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 30, 2024

The Lake District  is one of the United Kingdom’s most popular destinations attracting over 24 million annual day visitors. Declared a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  in 2017 the  Lake District National Park  covers an area of 2362 square kilometres and is England’s largest national park.

With stunning lakes, tarns, woodland and mountains the Lake District is one of the most beautiful areas to visit in England.  

If you are planning a  trip to the Lake District  there are lots of things to consider so you may be wondering where to begin. You may be asking yourself questions such as:

• When is the best time to visit the Lake District?
• How many days should I plan to stay in the Lake District.?
• Which Lake District towns should I visit?
• What are the best things to do in the Lake District?
• Where is the best place to stay in the Lake District?
• What are the best tours to take in the Lake District?
• What can I see in the Lake District in one day?
• What restaurants and pubs should I add into my plans and finally what is the best Lake District itinerary to ensure I make the most of my visit?

These questions and more will be answered in this comprehensive  guide to visiting the Lake District National Park . This article details not only a suggested  one day Lake District itinerary  but also other ideas for those of you who wish to spend more than 1 day in the Lake District. For example you could extent this itinerary for a weekend in the Lake District or even longer.

Find out the  best things to do in Lake District  and also the main attractions around each of the lakes in the area.   I have also included practical tips and advice to ensure you make the most of your visit to the Lake District.

Looking for the best accommodation in the Lake District? Check out our location and accommodation guide which includes special stays for all travel styles and budgets – Click to read our guide to ‘ Where to stay in the Lake District’

• Map showing the locations of main 'Lakes' and tarns in the Lake District

Lake District Mountains, Fells and Moors

• Lake District's literary and art connections

1. Take a cruise on Windermere

2. coniston water, 3. hill top, 4. castlerigg stone circle, 5. grasmere and dove cottage, 6. ullswater, 7. derwent water and keswick, 8. take a hike, 9. have a traditional cumbrian afternoon tea, 10. have a drink at a lake district pub or inn, 11. bonus – stay in a log cabin or lodge (with a hot tub), where to stay in the lake district, how to get to (and around) the lake district, lake district one day itinerary, what to see and do in the lake district – an overview.

Although you may expect to find lots of lakes in the Lake District there is actually only one out of the sixteen which is  officially a lake  by name.

Bassenthwaite Lake is the only lake in Lake District as all the others including  Windermere  (which is actually the largest natural lake in England) are classed as ‘waters’ or ‘meres’ –  Grasmere, Ullswater, Derwent, Coniston, Buttermere, Thirlmere, Haweswater, Ennerdale Water, Crummock Water, Wastwater, Loweswater, Rydal Water, Elterwater and Esthwaite.  

As well as the 16 lakes there are also several  tarns including Blea Tarn, Overwater Tarn, and Little Langdale Tarn.  Tarns are small mountain pools  or lakes and as you may discover some of the tarns are actually quite large!

Which of the lakes should you add to your itinerary?

First of all decide if wish to take a  steamer or ferry  across one of the lakes during your visit to the Lake District.

If you decide this is something you want to do you will need to add one of the following four lakes into your Lake District Itinerary as these are the only lakes to allow private powered craft and a public boat service – Windermere, Coniston Water, Ullswater or Derwent Water.

The steamer and boat routes offer multiple stops too so you have the option of exploring the surrounding areas.

Map showing the locations of main ‘Lakes’ and tarns in the Lake District

Home to 10 of England’s highest mountains the Lake District is the most mountainous region in the country. At 978 metres high Scafell Peak is the highest.

With over 200 fell* tops the Lake District is an ideal destination for walkers and hikers. If you are interested in walking in the Lake District take a look at Short walks in the Lake District or 50 Walks in the Lake District . Arthur Wainwright also wrote many pictorial walking guides which are extremely popular. 

Also don’t miss my guide to 11 scenic walks and hikes – there are lots of ideas to add to your Lake District itinerary!

(*The term ‘fell’ is used to describe a mountain range and is often used to describe these landscapes in northern England and Scotland .)

Lake District’s literary and art connections

I wandered lonely as a cloud  That floats on high o’er vales and hills  When all at once I saw a crowd,  A host, of golden daffodils Wordsworth

As anyone who has ever studied those words at school will know the Lake District has been an inspiration to many writers and artists over the centuries.  

William Wordsworth’s poem (and guide to the area), written in the 18th century, sparked the first tourism to the area. Other ‘Lake poets’ included Samuel Coleridge and Robert Southey who lived and worked in the Lake District in the early 19th century.  

Wordsworth is not the only literary figure associated with the area with iconic children’s literary figures Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit) and Arthur Ransome (Swallows and Amazons) also drawing inspiration from the beautiful Lake District.  

Artists such as JMW Turner and John Constable flocked to the Lakes in the late 18th century. Many artists, including LS Lowry and Sheila Fell, have continued to paint stunning northern landscapes. 

10 Best things to do in the Lake District

Here are my top 10 things to do and see during a Lake District trip

• Take a cruise on Windermere
• Enjoy the views over Coniston Water
• Visit Hill Top (the home of Beatrix Potter)
• Castlerigg Stone Circle
• Grasmere and Dove Cottage
• Derwentwater and Keswick
• Take a hike – there are numerous hikes to choose from in the Lake District
• Have a traditional Cumbrian afternoon tea
• Have a drink at a Lake District pub or inn!

I am starting with Lake Windermere because it is the most popular and best-known attraction in the Lake District.

There are lots of things to do in Windermere but due to its popularity it is extremely busy in high season so be prepared if you are visiting in summer.

I would recommend heading to Bowness-on-Windermere as early in the day as possible if you plan to take a boat trip across the lake.

Parking is not easy especially during the summer months. The parking machines take cash (no change is given) and also accept Visa and Mastercard.

You have two boat routes to choose from – Bowness to Lakeside return or Bowness to Ambleside return. 

• Cruise from Bowness to Lakeside Pier on a single ticket (40-minute trip) or return on a non-stop 90 minute cruise.
• For Bowness to Ambleside choose between a 70 minute non-landing cruise or a 30 minute cruise each way.

Do you like the idea of a private sailing experience on Lake Windermere? Why not charter a skippered yacht for a 2-hour sailing experience, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you? For more information click here!

Good to know

• I recommend heading to Bowness-on-Windermere as early in the day as possible if you plan to take a boat trip across the lake. Parking is not easy, especially during the summer months. The parking machines take cash (no change is given) but also accept Visa and Mastercard.
• I also recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during the summer, as the queues can be long as this is a popular choice of activity for most visitors to the Lake District.

Here are some of my top picks of experiences to book in the Lake District:

• Hiking Experience: Gorge Walking
• E scooter: Hire an e-scooter
• Learn a new skill: Rock climbing in Keswick or Canoe on Derwent Water
• Adults Only: Breweries and distilleries
• Nostalgic Experience: Film and TV Locations
• Nature Experience: Forests and wildlife

Coniston Water is one of my favourite places to visit in the Lakes. Overlooked by the Old Man of Coniston the lake is popular for water sports including sailing, kayaking and canoeing.

At 8 kms long and less than 1 km wide this was the site of the devastating crash which killed Donald Campbell during his attempt to break the water speed record in his jet engined hydroplane Bluebird K7 in 1967.

Prior to 2009 it was possible to visit the original Bluebird Café but after major flooding that year left the cafe totally submerged it had to be rebuilt.

Although it for me it slightly lacks the charm and character of the original it is still worth popping in for a cup of tea (or even afternoon tea) and wonderful views of the lake.

There are boat trips across Coniston Water with a stop at the former home of John Ruskin a leading art critic of the Victorian era. The Ruskin museum in the village of Coniston has a collection dedicated to Donald Campbell including the remains of the Bluebird K7.

Recommended tour option 

• Langdale Valley and Coniston Half-Day Tour

This 3 1/2 hour tour departs from Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside and includes Tarn Hows, Coniston Water and the valleys of Great Langdale and Little Langdale.

Left to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter after her death Hilltop is one of the most popular attractions in the Lake District.

The farmhouse and gardens are delightful to visit and you enter the world of Peter Rabbit and characters when you step over the threshold. It is easy to see where she drew inspiration for her stories!

Entry to Hill Top is via a timed-ticket system and tickets cannot be booked in advance . It does get extremely busy in the summer and on my first visit we were unable to get tickets to see Hill Top which was very disappointing.

I would recommend visiting early in the day (the house and garden opens at 10 am) Please also note that opening times change over the winter when the house and garden are only open at weekends.

Please check the official Hill Top website for further details.

To avoid disappointment booking a tour is an option especially as they include a guaranteed entry.

My recommended tour options for Beatrix Potter fans include:

• Beatrix Potter Half-Day Tour from Windermere
• Half-Day Tour of Beatrix Potter Country and Places
• Many Lives of Beatrix Potter: Full Day All-Inclusive Tour

Skip Stonehenge with its crowds and head for another of England’s stone circles . The Castlerigg Stone Circle consists of 38 stones dating back to the Neolithic period. This makes it amongst the oldest stone circles in England.

The beautiful Lake District village of Grasmere offers visitors a plethora of attractions and activities.

For lovers of William Wordsworth don’t miss Dove Cottage which was the first family home of William Wordsworth. To learn more about the poet head to the Wordsworth museum which is adjacent to the cottage.

There are lots of cafes and tearooms to choose from and I highly recommend the Dove Cottage Tearooms for a cuppa and slice of cake.

When in Grasmere don’t miss the famous Grasmere gingerbread shop . The shop is tiny, the queues are long but believe me the gingerbread is second to none!

My recommended tour options for William Wordsworth fans include:

• William Wordsworth & Dove Cottage Half-Day Tour
• Wordsworth at Dove Cottage, Grasmere & Rydal Mount Tour

Arguably the most beautiful of the lakes Ullswater is best seen whilst enjoying a ride on one of its traditional steamers . These boats operate all year and call at various locations around the lake.

Spending a day at Ullswater hopping on and off the historic steamers is easy. There are lots of great walks around the lake, or you can enjoy a traditional Cumbrian cream tea on the terrace of the Inn on the Lake at Glenridding.

• Ullswater Lake Hop-On Hop-Off Full-Day Cruise 

Derwent Water is located south of the Lake District market town of Keswick . At three miles long and one mile wide the area around Derwentwater is extremely beautiful and a very popular destination for walkers.

There are boat tours (the Keswick Launch)  available across Derwentwater and this is the really the best way to see the area. Driving around the area can be tricky especially in summer when the narrow roads are busy and the small car parks bursting at the seams.

Cruises last 50 minutes and start and end at the Keswick jetty though you can purchase a hop on and off ticket which enables you to alight at any of the 8 jetties around the lake and explore more of the area before returning to Keswick.

If you are visiting Keswick the lake is a short stroll from the town. During the months of May to November stop off to watch a play enacted by the resident theatre company – Theatre by the Lake .

If you enjoy slightly quirky attractions I would recommend a visit to the Pencil Museum which is home to the world’s largest colouring pencil. The area has large graphite deposits which led to a booming pencil-making industry. For more information about the manufacture of pencils in the area head to the museum.

Keswick market days are held on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year (Note – only on Saturdays in December)

You really are spoilt for choice in the Lake District if you want to go on a hike, fell walking or even just take a stroll.

The scenery is beautiful wherever you go but suggested walks include

• The Langdale Valley

This circular route takes around 4 1/2 to 5 hours and is classed as a moderate walk. Start and end tour walk in the Old Dugeon Ghyll Hotel. At the end of your walk reward yourself with a drink at the Ramblers Bar.

• A circuit of Buttermere

This 4 1/2 mile circuit takes approximately 3 hours and will reward you with some of the best views in the Lake District. Don’t forget your camera to get some stunning images while you stroll!

You can’t beat a traditional English afternoon tea and in the Lake District you can enjoy your tea and cake with some spectacular views!

I recommend experiencing afternoon teas in the Lake District at any one of these spots:

• The Bluebird Cafe, Coniston
• Croft House Farm Cafe, Buttermere
• Lakeside Hotel, Windermere
• Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere
• Wild Boar, Windermere (for afternoon tea with a twist)

If you want to experience an iconic English pub then you are spoilt for choice in the Lake District. With the highest concentration of breweries in the UK there are also a large selection of beers to sample too.

Recommended pubs and inns include

• The Drunken Duck – Ambleside
• Old Dungeon Ghyll – Langdale
• Tweedies – Grasmere
• The Blacksmith’s Arms – Broughton Mills
• The Eltermere Inn – Elterwater
• The Black Bull Inn – Coniston

For award winning beers head to

• Coniston Brewery Co – Bluebird Bitter
• Hawkshead Brewery – Hawkshead Bitter
• The Bitter End Brewery – Cockermouth Pride
• Keswick Brewery – The Thirst Run

If whisky is your drink of choice head to the Lakes Distillery which is an award-winning Distillery located near Bassenthwaite Lake.

Why not book your own log cabin or lodge ? Find accommodation to suit your needs, whether it is for a romantic getaway or a family trip.

I recommend staying centrally when considering Lake District accommodation options. In particular, the area around Lake Windermere is an excellent location to consider for accommodation.

If you are visiting on a day trip an early start is highly recommended so take an early train/bus or stay within a comfortable drive to ensure you don’t waste most of the day stuck on traffic or looking for a parking space.

Hotel accommodation options

Looking for hotels in the Lake Windermere area? Check out my complete guide to the best hotels and areas around the lake for your stay.

Accommodation cost guide – per room per night

• Luxury – £170+ per night
• Midrange/Boutique – £90-170 per night
• Budget/ B&B – £44 – 89 per night

Kotel Windermere (Luxury option)

This aparthotel offers guests the choice of a selection of superb apartments.

Only a short 5 – 10 minute walk from the centre of town with lots of dining options to suit all tastes.

In summer relax on the terrace with a drink after a long day of sightseeing and enjoy the light warm evenings. 

With free private parking this is a great location for your Lake District explorations.

Ambleside Salutation Hotel and Spa (Boutique/Mid-range option)

Located in picturesque Ambleside this beautiful hotel offers free parking, spacious rooms and scenic views towards Wansfell.

Enjoy the leisure club and swimming pool, sauna, spa bath and beauty spa during your stay. 

With a brasserie located in this 17th-century building and traditional rooms all classically decorated this is a wonderful choice of accommodation in the Lake District.

Westmorland Inn (Budget/B&B option)

Located in Bowness on Windermere the Westmorland Inn is only 200 metres from the World of Beatrix Potter. This 3 star hotel offers guests free WiFi, private bathrooms and a bar. 

The Westmorland offers great value for money  for visitors to the Lake District.

Click for our complete guide to where to stay in Windermere

If you are considering how to get to the Lake District there are a number of different options. If possible consider public transport such as bus/train/boat/bicycle when visiting as the number of cars particularly in the summer months can make certain areas very congested.

After a 25 year break flights have recently (June 2019) resumed to Carlisle Lake District National Airport . Loganair a Scottish based company are operating routes from Dublin, Belfast and London Southend to the Lake District.

By rail 

My preferred method of transportation and the most environmentally friendly is to take the train. It is possible to travel by train to Oxenholme Lake District and then change trains for Windermere.

From London the journey takes approximately 3 hours. There is a direct train available between Manchester and Windermere.

I recommend purchasing tickets through the trainline in the UK – they sell tickets for train and bus travel throughout the UK and Europe.

There is a comprehensive network of bus services that covers the Lake District. Download the Lakes by bus guide via this link.

Visiting the Lake District by car would be my least advisable option especially during the busy summer months. Roads are single lane, parking can be a nightmare and it can take far longer than anticipated to get from A to B.

Another option would be to Park and Explore – for £18 you receive a park and explore ticket which offers unlimited travel for up to 5 people travelling in the Stagecoach bus services Central Lakes Dayrider Zone. Click this link for more information about Park and Explore in the Lake District.

By steamers and boat cruises

For me this is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Lake District. Head to Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston or Derwentwater where steamers and boat cruises operate and offer multiple stops.

There are lots of great walks to take around the Lake District to suit all fitness levels, abilities and ages.

Take your bike or hire one when you arrive. There are some great cycle routes in the Lake District. Find more information about cycling in the Lake District here.

Take a tour

Another option is to join a small tour and sit back, relax and enjoy the views while you are driven around the area.

Get Your Guide offer some excellent day tours (or longer) and these are my recommended options:

• Lake District: Ten Lakes Spectacular Tour from Windermere
• Ultimate Lake District Tour Visiting 10 Lakes
• Lake District 4-Day Tour

These are my Lake District itinerary ideas to make the most of a day in the lakes. One day in the Lake District is not long so make sure you plan ahead.

Depending on your interests you may wish to catch a boat across a lake by steamer, go for a hike following one of the many walking routes available, visit some of the beautiful villages and towns , stop for some refreshments in a traditional English pub or perhaps plan your itinerary to include all of these experiences.

This is my suggested one day itinerary to see the best of the Lake District in a day which begins in Ambleside and ends in Keswick.

When deciding which of the lakes to visit and how to make the most of your trip to the Lake District (especially if you only have one day) I would recommend considering where to stay and ensure that it is a central location. My recommendation would be to stay in or near Ambleside or Bowness which are situated on Windermere.

MORNING  – Windermere

If you are driving to Windermere it is important to get there as early in the day as possible if you plan to take a boat trip across the lake.

As I have mentioned if you are travelling by car you may find that parking is a challenge. The parking machines take cash (no change is given) though do accept Visa and Mastercard.

You have two boat routes to choose from if you depart from Bowness which are Bowness to Lakeside return or Bowness to Ambleside return. I recommend taking both especially if the weather is good.

Cruise from Bowness to Lakeside Pier on a single ticket (40 minute trip) or return on a non-stop 90 minute cruise. For Bowness to Ambleside choose between a 70 minute non-landing cruise or a 30 minute cruise each way.

If you begin in Ambleside you can sail to Bowness and then catch the other boat to Lakeside Pier.

Stop off for lunch in Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside Pier depending on time.

At the marina in Bowness the “Boathouse Bar and Restaurant” serves homemade food, local beers and great views.

In Ambleside head to the “Priest Hole Restaurant and Tea Rooms” for traditional Cumbrian fare.

AFTERNOON – Coniston Grasmere Derwent Water Keswick

I would recommend planning your afternoon itinerary around the location of your accommodation for the evening. It is entirely possible to spend an entire day at Windermere.

There are lots of options including fell walking from Ambleside, catching the Haverthwaite Steam Railway from Lakeside, visiting the Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside, stroll to Hill Top from Ferry House (a ferry ride from Bowness) and more.

If you are staying in or around Windermere/Ambleside I would recommend an afternoon drive to Coniston Water. If you are staying in Keswick I would head to Derwentwater for the afternoon via Grasmere .

Please note that if you decide to visit Hill Top or any of the popular attractions in the Lake District it is important to plan ahead and book tickets especially during the busy summer months.

If you have time I would try to visit all of these 24 beautiful villages and towns in the Lake District. 

If you are considering a longer visit to the Lakes I would recommend these stunning places and exploring the Lake District in three days

Map of top things to do in the Lake District/Lake District itinerary map

“You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you…” Anonymous

This guide to Lake District including the t op 10 things to do in the Lake District as well as a suggested one day itinerary and a map to help you plan your visit to the Lake District will provide you with all the information you need to start planning you visit.

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the UK and I am sure you will enjoy your trip (whether you spend one day in Lake District or longer)

Enjoy your day in the lakes.

How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days in the Lake District Itinerary

Last Updated on 31st August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my  privacy policy  and  disclosure  for more information.

Located in northwestern England, not far from the Scottish border, the lovely Lake District is famed for its rolling hills, chocolate box towns, and many bodies of water. If you’re planning a visit to this unforgettable region of the UK, then here’s our perfect 3 days in The Lake District itinerary .

Getting to the Lake District

Is 3 days enough time in the lake district, ambleside , pelter bridge car park , stepping stones , rydal mount and gardens , rydal cave , grasmere , dinner at the drunken duck , hawkshead , claife viewing station, ferry over windermere, holehird gardens , coffee at toast windermere, orrest head viewpoint , ullswater churches , ravenglass and eskdale railway  , wast water , whinlatter forest , surprise view , ashness bridge , friars crag , castlerigg stone circle , where to stay in the lake district, watch the lake district vlog.

Unfortunately, it can be a little tricky to get into the heart of the Lake District as there are no train lines which go into the very centre and so you’ll need access to your own vehicle. Check car rental comparison prices here.

We personally took a train from central London to Kendal and rented a car there. The journey takes around four hours, with a train change at Lancaster. Another option is to take a train from London to Windermere and changing at Oxenholme.

Yes! I would say that 72 hours in The Lake District is definitely enough time to get to see some of the best highlights of the National Park, go on a few hikes, and even seek out a few hidden gems. If you’re the type of traveller who prefers to travel at a slower pace, then you might want to set aside four or five hours to follow this itinerary.

Suggested day 1 in the Lake District

Picture perfect Ambleside acts as a gateway for many visitors to the region thanks to its ease of access to places like Windermere and Kendal. The town itself is home to a number of boutiques, including gift shops, independent booksellers, and outdoor clothing shops.

Unfortunately, I didn’t really own appropriate hiking gear for exploring the region and so my first port of call during our time in the Lake District was to head to Blacks to buy a rain coat! If there’s one building I would implore you not to miss in Ambleside, it would be the Bridge House.

This fine example of 17th-Century architecture is a rare survival in a region where the climate is bitter and the weather rules all.

The bridge house in Ambleside has seen plenty of uses over the years, including as a counting house for a nearby mill, a tea room, a cobbler’s, a chair maker’s workshop and was even once home to a family of 8!

After visiting Ambleside, it’s a short ten minute drive or so to arrive at Rydal Water. There are three different attractions to visit here and so the best place to park is in the Pelter Bridge car park (a paid car park) which will give you easy access to all of the things to do in the area.

You should note that the car park is pretty small and so fills up quite fast. Even though we arrived in the morning mid-week, it was already full. As a result, we waited 10-15 minutes for someone to leave so that we could take their spot!

The order in which you see the attractions in the vicinity of Rydal Water will depend entirely on your personal preference, as well as on the weather. As the weather was quite miserable during our visit, we began with the Stepping Stones, which are only a ten minute walk or so from the car park.

I tried to find more information about the stepping stones online but, to be honest, there wasn’t a great deal of information to be found! Spanning the River Rothay, they lie on a popular walking path. Just be careful if you’re visiting during the rain because they can become a little bit slippery!

After visiting the stepping stones, retrace your steps to get back to the main road. From there you can walk up to Rydal Mount and Gardens.

William Wordsworth lived in the house from 1813 up until his death in 1850 at the age of 80, which, in those days was pretty old. Step inside today and you’ll find that the house appears much as it would have done during his lifetime.  

You can pay to explore the gardens (this sprawling green space offers lake views and a glimpse into what a traditional Cumbrian garden looks like) and visit the house. Inside, you’ll find portraits and some personal effects of the Wordsworth family.

To be honest, this is a bit of a pricey attraction but is a must-see if you’re a fan of English literature. The house is also much less quieter and off the beaten path than any Beatrix Potter attraction and so we had the place to ourselves during our whole visit.

The final attraction that’s close to Rydal Water and is a must-see, even during a short time in The Lake District, is Rydal Cave. This stunning cave is around a fifteen to twenty minute walk from Pelter Bridge car park, and the best bit about the walk is that you’ll get to walk alongside Rydal Water in order to reach the Cave.

The most interesting aspect of Rydal Cave is that, while it looks like a natural phenomenon, it is actually a man-made cave and is the result of former quarrying endeavours which took place in the region.

Today, quarrying is forbidden, but the various caves that were formed by the region’s former industry remains. Just be sure to avoid the mistake of arriving at nearby Cathedral Cave and assuming it’s Rydal Cave!

There are stepping stones to get into the back of the cave, from which you can enjoy beautiful relfections on the water: Rydal Cave was even used as a filming location in The Witcher, in a scene where Jaskier is walking into the cave.

One of the most iconic and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in the Lake District is that of Grasmere. The village is particularly famous as the final resting place of William Wordsworth himself, whose gravestones can be found within the cemetery of the 13th-century church.

Other highlights of Grasmere include going shopping in one of the many galleries and independent shops in town (we loved Herdy for all sorts of sheep-themed gifts) and checking out the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden.

Grasmere is also where the iconic Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread was invented. Somewhere between a cake and a cookie, this local Cumbrian speciality is still baked using the original Victorian recipe and there’s always a line up outside!

If you want to avoid the line but still wish to taste the gingerbread, then you can actually buy the sweet treat at other Gingerbread shops elsewhere in The Lake District (for example, there’s a Sarah Nelson’s shop in Hawkshead).

We actually stumbled upon The Drunken Duck quite by accident and were quickly enthralled by its cosy ambiance and friendly bar tender. The sleepy pub lies on a little lane in what feels like the middle of nowhere and functions as both a pub and fine dining space.

If you want to enjoy dinner there (you can opt for fixed two or three course meals, vegan and vegetarian options available) then it’s advised that you book in advance. Otherwise, you can simply grab a drink and sit outside on the benches, admiring the rolling green hills and nearby grazing sheep.

Suggested day 2 in the Lake District

The delightful village of Hawkshead is close to Ambleside and comprises of a few tightly packed streets crammed with little shops, boutiques, and centuries old pubs. Presiding high on a hill overlooking the rest of the town is a church dedicated to St Michael and All Angels.

As Hawkshead is quite small, you’ll only need an hour or so to explore. The church is free to visit but the best part of the village has to be just how quiet it is.

Next, drive from Hawkshead to Claife Viewing Platform. The best car park in the area is Ash Landing and it’s managed by the National Trust. If you’re a member, then parking is free, otherwise you’ll have to pay a fee.

From there, it’s a five to ten-minute walk uphill to reach Claife Viewing Station. Free to visit, the rather surprising part about this Windermere attraction is that it was always intended to serve as a tourist attraction.

Constructed during the 1890s and then later expanded, the platform was built to accommodate wealthy tourists. One of the more interesting aspects is the stained glass windows, which are meant to show how the area appears during different seasons and varying times of the day.

Though you can drive all the way around Windermere to get to the other side of the Lake, the easiest way to get to the other side is undoubtedly by taking the ferry. The ferry can carry up to 18 cars at a time and costs £6. The journey takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Holehird Gardens is a 10 acre fell side garden and was once part of the Holehird Estate. The garden was created in the late 1800s but was eventually abandoned by the middle of the 1900s as it proved too expensive to maintain. 

In 1869, the Lakeland Horticultural Society was formed and they saved the garden, restoring it to what you see today. Perhaps the most astonishing part about visiting the gardens is that they’re completely free to visit, though donations are always welcome!

The closest town to Holehird Gardens is Windermere (like the lake) and it is where your next stop is. If you’re feeling peckish, then I highly recommend checking out Toast. We particularly enjoyed the oat lattes and cinnamon buns.

One of the easier hikes in the Lake District, but nevertheless one of the more rewarding, is Orrest Head Viewpoint. There is no parking directly below the trailhead and so you’ll have to park within Windermere itself.

The trail is around 3/4 of a mile in each direction and so takes around an hour to get to the top and then another half an hour or so to get back down to the town. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Cumbrian countryside, particularly on a clear day.

Kirkstone Pass 

From Windermere, you’ll then want to travel to the wilder, more secluded parts of The Lake District. Be sure to stop at Kirkstone Pass, which is the highest point you can reach by vehicle in the region.

Kirkstone Pass is home to the Kirkstone Pass Inn , the third highest pub in England, which is unfortunately closed until further notice. Nevertheless, there remains a car park at the top where you can stop and admire the view. Just be warned that it can be very cold and windy at the very top!

From Kirkstone Pass, you’ll want to carry on driving until you reach Ullswater. Located within the eastern part of The Lake District, this is one of the lesser-visited waters of the Lake District, which only adds to its charm.

The best spots in this area include two off the beaten path churches which you’ll have to drive through zigzag winding roads to reach. Martindale is a speck of a hamlet with fewer than 50 permanent residents.

And its church is nestled amongst impossibly green hills and is dedicated to St Peter. The church finds its roots in the 1880s and is open to the public during daylight hours. The other church in the parish is dedicated to St Marin and is a simple affair nestled amongst green hills.

Suggested day 3 in the Lake District

For your third and final day in the Lake District, you’ll be exploring the west and central parts of the National Park. Now the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway is one activity that you’ll want to arrive well in time for (and preferably in the morning, leaving you the rest of the day to explore) .

This is one of those activities that’s fun for all ages and we saw people with their kids and even their dogs! The steam railway is one of the oldest and narrowest steam gauge railways in England. To be honest, I don’t really know what that means, but I do know that makes this railway particularly unique! 

The price per person was quite expensive at £20 each but it’s something that we know is a must-see in the Lake District and so we made the splurge.

You can choose indoor or outdoor seating, and as it was nice wether (and we had our raincoats just in case of a downpour- not to mention to protect the cameras) we opted for the outdoor seats. Oh, and they’re also cheaper than going in the interior seating so it’s an all round win win.

The journey takes around forty minutes to reach Dalegarth for boot station. Depending on the return ticket you choose, you’ll then have around half an hour to two hours before your return ticket. I would opt for the shortest time available so that you have enough time to enjoy other parts of The Lake District.

From the steam railway, you’ll want to hop back into your car and drive to Wast Water. This is often said to be the most beautiful of the bodies of water in the Lake District, and once there, you’ll soon discover why.

The next spot you can stop at if you have the time. It’s not the most ‘must-see’ location within this itinerary but is worth checking out if you have some time to spare. It’s also en route to the next desintation in this guide.

Whinlatter Forest is the only mountain forest in England and comprises of many winding trails through the forest. There are different length trails which mean that you can spend as little as an hour or so exploring up to six or seven hours!

After checking out the forest, head to Derwentwater. The nearest big town is Keswick and so you can stop there if you want to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Afterwards, head up to Surprise View.

No one quite knows how Surprise View got its name, but one of the most popular theories is that when Queen Victoria is said to have visited, she turned the corner of the road and saw the view. Shocked at its beauty, it’s claimed that she exclaimed ‘oh, what a surprise!’

Just down the road from Surprise View, you’ll come across Ashness Bridge. You won’t need more than about ten to fifteen minutes here, but the view is rather lovely and it’s quite entertaining to watch the cars cross over the narrow pack horse bridge!

One of the most iconic locations in The Lake District is Friars Cragg and this is also located on the shores of Derwentwater. You can go for a lovely stroll along the water’s edge and sit at one of the many benches scattered around the promontory.

Much like Stonehenge, no one quite knows how Castlerigg stone circle came to be, including who, how, or why the stones were erected. However, it’s believed that the stone circle dates back around 5000 years!

The circle is free to visit and there’s roadside parking directly outside the entrance to the field where the stones can be found. One of the most impressive aspects of a visit to the circle is that the stones are surrounded by breathtaking vistas of The Lake District.

If you want to get the most out of your visit to The Lake District, then I suggest staying in either Hawkshead or Ambleside as both settlements provide a great base from which to explore the wider region.

We personally stayed at Yewfield and soon fell in love with this charming vegetarian B&B. We stayed in a cosy self-catered room, where we had our own cooking facilities, but you can also opt for luxurious rooms in the main house. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoyed reading about how to spend 3 days in The Lake District? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond. When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading, playing video games, and going on long hikes with her husband.

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4 DAY LAKE DISTRICT ITINERARY (2024): THE ULTIMATE GUIDE & BEST THINGS TO DO!

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE LAKE DISTRICT ITINERARY?

Well, you’re in the right place! From our time spent in the Lake District last year, we have curated and perfected this epic 4 days in the Lake District travel itinerary for you to use!

This itinerary predominantly keeps you outside on a few of the best easy to moderate Lake District walks, as well as taking time to visit the famous towns and villages of the Lake District , including Keswick, Buttermere, Bowness-On-Windermere and Grasmere.

We strategically explore all the sights per day in set ‘location clusters’ to best utilise your time. It’s also to work around the Lake District’s terrain, where its towering mountains make it impossible to simply ‘cut across’ from one area to another.

Depending on the time you have here, feel free to pick and choose the days itineraries that suit your preferences best:

DAY 1: CATBELLS SUMMIT, KESWICK, FRIARS CRAGG & CASTLERIGG STONE CIRCLE

(NORTH-WEST LOCATION CLUSTER)

MORNING: CATBELLS SUMMIT WALK Start your day with the popular Cat Bells summit trail! Start here , following the signposted steep steps up before reaching and continuing along the ridge line to the summit.

Marvel at the scenic sight of Lake Derwentwater from above, and the scenic vistas at Skelgill Bank (halfway) before reaching the main Cat Bells summit.

Top Tip : The parking for Cat Bells is minimal, dispersed along a few road side lay-by’s on either side of the fell. We personally managed to grab one of the four spaces available here . It was a great spot as not only was it near the start of the trail, it is also free.

Otherwise, an alternative place to park for free is here , located sightly further away down an adjacent road. There is space here for approximate 10 cars, and is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the beginning of the Cat Bells trail.

Top Tip : Do not park any part of your car on any of the double yellow lines in this area. We saw so many cars with yellow parking fines slammed on their windscreen even when it was just a back tyre touching double yellow lines – the parking officials here are on it, and ruthless!

EARLY AFTERNOON: EXPLORE KESWICK TOWN CENTRE Keswick is one of the best main towns in the Lake District to visit. Anchored by old English charm, the pedestrianised high street centres around the historical Grade II listed  Moot Hall . Inside Moot Hall is a helpful Information centre.

After your Catbells summit walk this morning, you will have worked up an appetite! Take advantage of their many pubs, delicious tea rooms and restaurants.

We found Keswick to be the best places to shop in the Lake District, with plentiful independent and unique stores! A few of our favourites we came across were: 

• Conquer Trading Post  
• Poet’s Interiors
• Alternative Gift Store

Top Tip: To park for free in Keswick, park  along the road of Eskin Street , which is just lined with multiple B&Bs and Keswick accommodation. From here, it is a 5 minute walk into Keswick town centre.

Fun Fact : Keswick was home to the World’s very first pencil! You can now see the World’s largest pencil in Keswick’s Pencil Museum !

Just before sunset, walk 10 minutes from Keswick centre down to Lake Derwentwater, strolling along the waters edge on route to Friars Crag viewpoint . Sit on one of the few benches here and marvel at the glittering Lake and distant fells.

LATE AFTERNOON: CASTLERIGG STONE CIRCLE Before leaving Keswick, drive a 5 minute detour to see the Castlerigg Stone Circle – one of Britain’s earliest stone circles, dating back to 3000 BC! It is free to visit, located in the middle of a grassy field.

It is very easy to get to. Simply park along the roadside for free, and head through the field’s gate.

DAY 2: WARNSCALE BOTHY, BUTTERMERE & SCALE FORCE WATERFALL

(SOUTH-WEST LOCATION CLUSTER)

MORNING: WALK TO WARNSCALE BOTHY RETURN TRAIL Begin your morning on this popular 3 hour return walk to Warnscale Bothy . It is an ‘easy to moderate’ cross-fell trail starting from National Trust Honister car park, passing Dubs Hut before reaching Warnscale Bothy.

Warnscale Bothy is one of the Lake District’s most famous bothies due to its epic “window view” of distant Lake Buttermere. Enjoy this view with a few well earned snacks before heading back the way you came.

Fun Fact: A Bothy (pronounced “Boffy“) is an open and very basic shelter that visitors can use for free. They are usually in remote locations where travellers may need to stop and rest. 

AFTERNOON: BUTTERMERE VILLAGE / CRUMMOCK TO SCALE FORCE WATERFALL WALK Drive 13 minutes to Buttermere, an authentic village we were surprised to find was so tiny! Whilst it’s certainly not equipped as a tourist destination, it does have one main hotel, a quaint church and two main eateries to choose from for lunch.

Buttermere is also the perfect base to stroll around Lake Buttermere – or – our recommended easy walk from Crummock Water to Scale Force waterfall .

This 2 hour return walk traces Crummock Water lake before ascending up and round the hill to the mighty Scale Force, the Lake District’s tallest single drop waterfall at 52 metres high!

On return, we highly suggest the quaint Syke Farm Tea Rooms for the most delicious cream tea we’ve tasted, or the modern Croft House Farm café for more of a lunchtime selection.

Top Tip : You can park for free in Buttermere village along the verge of Newlands Pass road . Before you enter into Buttermere, turn right at the signposts just before the church. As it is so popular, you will most probably see cars already parked there.

If there are no spaces, there is a ‘Pay & Display’ car park at The Buttermere Court Hotel for visitors.

LATE AFTERNOON: MOSS FORCE WATERFALL (PASS BY) Follow the Newlands Pass road way out of Buttermere for 5 minutes before stopping off at the free roadside car park to quickly witness Moss Force waterfall on route home.

Psst! The amount of water cascading from Moss Force all depends on the amount of recent rainwater. When we visited, there hadn’t been a lot of rain, so it was just a trickle!

DAY 3: LOUGHRIGG FELL TO RYDAL CAVES & GRASMERE VILLAGE

(SOUTH-EAST LOCATION CLUSTER)

MORNING: LOUGHRIGG FELL TO RYDAL CAVES WALK This morning, embark on our favourite ‘moderate’ trail in the Lake District, the circular Loughrigg Fell to Rydal Caves walk .

Park up at Pelter Bridge car park in Rydal village before beginning your slight ascent up to Loughrigg Fell summit, passing small mountain top lakes, sheep and a distant view of Lake Windermere.

Continue on down to reach the idyllic Rydal Water lake and explore inside Rydal Caves before heading back to the car park.

Top Tip: Pelter Bridge car park is the closest and most convenient ‘Pay & Display’ car park for this trail. It can only hold 20 to 25 cars maximum, so arriving early is key.

AFTERNOON: VISIT GRASMERE VILLAGE Despite its small size, Grasmere village offers many enjoyable things to do and is a perfect spot for a slow-paced afternoon:

• Browse the unique shops on the small high-street.
• Try the World’s original gingerbread recipe at the infamous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop . They still sell freshly baked Gingerbread using Sarah Nelson’s original secret recipe from 1854! The shop sells a multitude of other delicious treats including fudges, rum butters and mint cakes.

• Visit the grave of William Wordsworth, the world-renowned romance poet (1770-1850) who famously lived in Grasmere. The grave is located in St Oswalds churchyard , right next to the Gingerbread shop. You can also see Dove Cottage, the house where he lived with his sister, when visiting The Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere (£14 adult ticket).
• Indulge in an alfresco riverside lunch at Grasmere Tea Gardens .

• Wander round the tranquil Wordsworth Daffodil Garden .

Top Tip : The most convenient car park in Grasmere village is the Pay & Display Red Bank Road car park . There are a lot of spaces available (approximately 70+). The prices are reasonable, starting at just £1.80 for 1 hour!

DAY 4: BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE

MORNING: BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE TOWN Bowness-On-Windermere town is much larger than neighbouring Windermere, and has a distinct catering to tourism. It has many independent shops, delightfully frozen in the 1990’s.

There are also many recognisable modern shops providing clothing, apparel, gifts and eateries.

Another main draw to Bowness-On-Windermere is the official World of Beatrix Potter museum, located just off the high street as you enter the town. It also has a tea rooms inside.

Wander down to Bowness Pier, the gateway to all boat trips on the famous Lake Windermere! Get down to the ticket booths along the Pier early this morning to beat the crowds and book one of many public Lake Windermere cruises. Click for official timetable .

From our personal experience, we realised that in and around Keswick town is the ideal area to stay in the Lake District, with close access to all the main roads you’d need to explore.. See our top picks below:

Or, you can book this extremely highly-rated ‘ Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere ‘. Rated with a Badge of Excellence on Viator, plus 169/169 5* reviews, this experience is certainly worth checking out for a special day out!

Top tip : The neighbouring town of Windermere is a much more convenient place to park (between the two) if you don’t mind walking down to Bowness-On-Windermere. We found a free place to park in Windermere along a residential street,  located here .

WHERE TO STAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Much of the Lake District is unaccessible to be “cut across” by road due to the mountain ranges and fells. Therefore, there are only a few key roads you can use to get to specific places, and if you’re on the wrong side of a fell, can take ages to drive round it.

From our personal experience, we soon realised that in and around the town of Keswick is the ideal area to stay in the Lake District.

Keswick’s convenient location allows access to all of the key roads you’ll need to carry out your Lake District itinerary.

See our top accommodation picks near Keswick below:

⭐ Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa Ideal for 2 people. Premium, lakeside location, outdoor swimming pool, amazing spa, breakfast included, free parking, dog friendly.

⭐ The Mary Mount Hotel Ideal for 2 people. Premium, lakeside location, idyllic Borrowdale Valley views, breakfast included, free parking, dog friendly.

⭐ The Haven Ideal for 4 people. Private holiday home, barn conversion, free parking, self-catering amenities, convenient Keswick location.

LAKE DISTRICT PACKING LIST

• Loose comfortable clothing for walking, such as tank tops, cotton shorts or leggings. If you visit in the colder months, pack additional layers.
• Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip and thick thermal socks .
• An additional pair of comfortable shoes to walk around the Lake District towns. These could be trainers, converses, etc.
• Refillable water bottle to bring on your Lake District walking trails.
• High factor sun cream for warmer months.
• Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses for warmer months.
• Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.
• A lightweight rain poncho just in case – you never know with our unpredictable English weather!

HOW TO GET AROUND THE LAKE DISTRICT

Getting around lake district by car.

Ideally, the best way to get around the Lake District is by self-driving your own vehicle. This gives you absolute freedom on your Lake District itinerary with no restrictions on waiting for bus timetables, etc.

If you are visiting the UK and do not own your own vehicle, you can quite easily rent a car for multiple days !

GETTING AROUND LAKE DISTRICT BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

If you do not want to drive the Lake District, or cannot drive, you can still get to the major Lake District towns using their public transport systems. Check out the official Lake District Government website for all transport options.

ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

What are the roads like to drive on in the lake district.

The Lake District roads varying greatly from windy single country roads as you head inland to then well-kept, sealed dual carriageways around the more urbanised outskirts.

The majority of Lake District roads are fine to drive on, however there are a few country roads which are slightly tighter and have numerous pot holes, so just take these much more carefully and slowly if encountered.

VISITING THE LAKE DISTRICT: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

Where is the lake district.

The Lake District National Park is set in the North-West of England, UK and resides in the picturesque county of Cumbria.

The Lake District National Park was recently added as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an idyllic corner of the UK harbouring a collection of glittering lakes (hence the name)!

IS THE LAKE DISTRICT WORTH VISITING?

The Lake District is absolutely worth visiting, and is a perfect long weekend destination. Whether you are an active adventurer, an intermediate walker, a keen shopper or simply someone in search of a quiet countryside escape, the Lake District National Park has something for everyone.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THE LAKE DISTRICT?

I think a shorter list would be, ‘What isn’t there to do’? There is so much on offer at the Lake District National Park, from free things to do in the Lake District such as cycling, walking, climbing, wildlife-watching.

There are also additional paid activities such as visiting the William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter museums, guided tours and indulging in quaint tearooms or country pubs.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT LAKE DISTRICT?

UK SUMMER = JUNE TO AUGUST UK AUTUMN = SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER UK WINTER = DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY UK SPRING = MARCH TO MAY

From our experience, we believe the best months to visit the Lake District is between the two off-peak seasons, either late Spring in May or the start of Autumn months in September.

During these months, it will be far less busy and there is still a good chance for some mild and warmer weather. The UK’s Summer has a habit of starting late, with warm weather usually carrying on into September!

On the contrary, we would advise not to visit the Lake District during the Summer school holidays, between July and August. This is when the Peak District will be its most busiest and accommodation prices at their highest.

It’s worth noting that due to its Northern location, the Lake District does encounter cooler temperatures across a lot of the year. Winter months can also bring troublesome and treacherous weather on particular walking trails.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN THE LAKE DISTRICT?

We would suggest for most, the minimum Lake District itinerary would be across a long weekend, i.e. 4 days and 3 nights.

This will give you enough time to see the majority of key sights. If you are an avid walker, the hundreds of countryside walks on offer here would keep you occupied for even longer, though we include a few of the most idyllic walks in our Lake District itinerary above!

LAKE DISTRICT FUN FACTS

• The Lake District is home to 16 main lakes, scattering all across the 900 sq miles of National Park. The most popular to visit are Derwentwater, Ullswater and Lake Windermere. Wastwater is the deepest lake in the Lake District (and England), with the deepest section reaching a staggering 243 foot deep!
• The Lake District is the birthplace of many whacky and wonderful things, including: Pencils, the Kendal mint cake, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Gingerbread!
• Incredibly, there is 1,342 miles of footpath to choose from! No wonder it is a walker’s paradise!
• The Lake District is home to one of England’s wildlife treasures – the endangered Red Squirrel! The Lake District region is one of the few remaining areas where you can spot them in the wild. If you do, you are very lucky!
• Whilst only 40,000 people live in the boundaries of the Lake District, it attracts a staggering 17 million+ visitors each year!
• You can ‘walk with wolves’ in the Lake District. Yes, you read that correctly. Located South of the Lake District, the Predator Experience gives once in a lifetime experiences to walk alongside real wolves, and even the native British fox! Incredibly, the site is location just two miles from where the last wild wolf in England was killed at Humphrey Head, in the fourteenth century.
• UK’s National Parks, including the Lake District National Park, are areas where people live and work (over 40,000 people live in the Lake District). There are no specific opening times, barriers and no entry charge.

CONCLUSION: LAKE DISTRICT ITINERARY

In conclusion, we believe this long weekend 3 to 4 day Lake District itinerary gives a great glimpse into this beautiful region in the north of the UK.

This guide makes the very most of the best easy to moderate walking trails found in the Lake District, whilst also allowing for some much needed down time to explore and relax its idyllic and historic towns and villages.

Depending on how long you intend to stay, feel free to pick and choose our ‘location cluster’ days that suit you and your travel plans best!

We hope you have a reinvigorating, relaxing and wonderful trip to the Lake District!

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

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Perfect Lake District Weekend – 2 Day Lake District Itinerary

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

First thing’s first: I LOVE the Lake District! Throughout my recent Lake District weekend I felt like I’d been magically transported out of England and back to my Queenstown visit of 2016 or my Vancouver trip in 2011. I’m going to share my Lake District itinerary to help you plan a similar trip… I think at least once or twice a year I need to be dragged out of the city and into the country. As an urban bod I rarely ever optionally plan trips away from amenities, WiFi and cappuccinos but I always fall in love with my surroundings when I get to the sticks. I feel more awake and alive from less dependency on screens, plus the fresh, country air really can do wonders for your mind. Although we have some fantastic cities in the UK such as Oxford , Brighton , Bristol and Manchester , we all want to get away into nature, too! From beautiful walks in the Lake District to cosy cabins, rolling scenery and fresh, local cuisine, the Lake District is ripe for staycation adventures.

LAKE DISTRICT QUICK LINKS Lonely Planet Pocket Lake District Hotels and self-catering accommodation: Booking.com UK trains:   Trainline Lake District activities: GetYourGuide

Looking for UK staycation inspo?

• The perfect 3 days in Dorset
• 3 day Norfolk itinerary
• How to spend a weekend in Bristol
• What to do during 2 days in Oxford

We planned our weekend in the Lake District for late November which was risky as we could have had terrible weather. But then in England you can always have terrible weather, right? I flew into the north of England from a short trip to Denmark and Poland so you can bet the weather was warmer than where I’d come from! It was the first time I’d felt my fingers in days as the Lakes were about 5 degrees during our stay.

Where is the Lake District?

The Lake District is England’s largest National Park and it’s also a World Heritage Site home to deer, ponies, red squirrels and lots of bird life . There are 16 lakes in total, though some people try and be clever clogs and say that there’s actually only one because only Bassenthwaite Lake has the word ‘lake’ in the title. But yeah there are 16 bodies of water so do what you will with that info!

Where to stay in the Lake District?

A few of the bigger towns in the lakes are Kendall, Penrith and Barrow-in-Furness. Central locations such as Keswick and Ambleside are also popular or alternatively, you can stay somewhere remote to enjoy the natural scenery. A few private self-catering options include: South Lake District: Abbey Apartments (sleeps 2-4 from £80pn) // Brown Cow Cottage (sleeps 2-4 from £100pn) // Log Home Vilage (sleeps 4, £100pn) North Lake District: Penrith Apartments (sleeps 2-4 from £100pn) // The Cosy Cottage (sleeps 2, £70) Central Lake District: Quaysiders Club Apartments Ambleside (sleeps up to 3 for £100pn) // Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments (sleeps 2, £127pn) .

Browse all Lake District hotels, huts and self-catering accommodation on Booking.com .

Getting around during a Lake District weekend

One thing to note is that it is tricky getting around the Lakes. Thank God I have friends who are proper adults and have driving licenses and vehicles (unlike me). Even then, the roads are windy meaning it can take an hour to arrive somewhere just 10 miles away as the crow flies. If you’re backpacking the UK , it might be worth getting a group together in a hostel and seeing if anyone wants to hire a car and split a trip. Use Rentalcars.com to get the best deal.

Visiting the Lakes without a car

Never fear if you don’t have a car. Catch a train to Oxenholme Rail Station. I use Trainline to find the best prices on UK trains. Search trains into Oxenholme here . From here, you can take a guided Lakes District tour. This GetYourGuide full day tour to 10 lakes departs from Oxenholme or Windermere. Browse all Lake District tours .

2 day Lake District itinerary

With a weekend in the Lake District, plan where to go in advance. Pick a handful of destinations you’d like to see and scout out the driving distances. As we had just 2 days in the Lake District, we stayed around the south of the Lake District. There’s loads in the North but we didn’t have time to do it all justice. Here’s how I’d recommend spending a weekend in the south of the Lake District:

Lake District weekend – day 1

The largest lake in England is probably the most famous spot in the Lake District. This area is beautiful so I’d highly recommend it as a starting point for your weekend Lake District itinerary. Lake Windermere was the first place we came to after driving up the M6 so I pretty much fell in love with the Lakes straight away.

Things to do in Windermere:

• Rowing, sailing, orienteering, horse riding, cycling – name something active and you can do it here.
• Catch the boat across the water from Bowness-on-Windermere to Ambleside. The Yellow Cruise is a 90-minute return journey and costs £11.20. You can spend as long as you like exploring Ambleside before catching a boat back.

Where to eat in Windermere – the  Crafty Baa is a cosy spot with an open fire and lots of cheese. Eat a delicious grilled cheese sarnie and enjoy the fact you’re supporting a family business using mainly recycled and upcycled materials. For tasty Italian fare, you can head to San Pietro Restaurant Windermere. Here you can choose from pizza, fresh seafood, meat dishes and finish with cheesecake, brownies or ice cream. There are also a range of wines and craft beers. Where to stay in Windermere: Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments (sleeps 2, £127pn) .

If you catch the Yellow Cruise across Lake Windereme like we did, this is where the boat drops you. The town is fairly small but there are loads of outdoor activities for your Lake District itinerary. Things to do in Ambleside:

• Visit Lake Grasmere (an 18-minute drive from town).
• Go walking on the Easedale Tarn route close to the lake.
• Climb Loughrigg Fell , a hill with great views.

Places to eat in Ambleside – the Waterhead Coffee Shop when you get off the ferry might be the cutest and cosiest cafe I’ve been to. The pea soup with crusty bread was divine and the Amaretto latte was even better. After a busy day cruising on Windermere and exploring Ambleside, we headed to our Airbnb for a festive night of home cooking, wine and Christmas movies in prep for a big hike the next morning. However there are lots of lovely English pubs you can explore around the Lake District for example the Ambleside Tavern and the Unicorn Inn known for its house ales and live music. Where to eat in Ambleside: Quaysiders Club Apartments Ambleside (sleeps up to 3 for £100pn) .

Lake District weekend – day 2

For your second day in the Lakes, there’s plenty to see and do. I would suggest adding to your Lake District itinerary…

This village is beside Coniston Water, one of the biggest lakes in the south of the Lake District. You can go for scenic hikes in this area, explore the village or take a boat cruise upon the lake, making it a lovely spot for a Lake District weekend.

There’s not a lot to do in the village itself but the lake is beautiful and there’s so much to see in the surrounding countryside, making it a great place to visit during two days in the Lake District. The Old Man of Coniston is a popular hike and extra beautiful as it was capped with snow during our stay.

Things to do in Coniston:

• Explore the lake aboard the Coniston Launch Cruise . The Red Route takes 45 minutes while the Yellow Route takes 60 minutes and the Green Route takes 90 minutes.
• From April to October, catch the Steam Yacht Gondola. You can even get afternoon tea cruises so it’s probably a good birthday present for someone.
• Take the Old Man of Coniston walking trail for spectacular views. Visit Lakes Walks for directions.
• Visit nearby Tarn Hows just a 10-minute drive from Coniston and take the Tarn Hows Circular Walk which takes 1 hour and will hopefully see you meet cute Lake District cows.

Places to eat in Coniston – the Bluebird Cafe is lakeside goals. Sit outside with a blanket or by the window to enjoy the views. The food is awesome too; I can vouch for the toasted cheese sandwiches.

This village is famous for one thing – sticky toffee pudding. The ultimate reward after the Old Man of Coniston hike! Cartmel Village Shop is known as the birthplace of this dessert and when we stopped to ask someone for directions to Cartmel they said ‘ah yes, for sticky toffee pudding!’ So either it’s really famous or we just looked SUPER greedy. At the Village Shop you can sit in and enjoy your pudding or buy it in shed loads to take home. It’s freezable don’t cha know and only £12 for three giant tubs that each serve four (okay, let’s just go with super greedy!). The shop also sells every other type of confectionary under the sun and got me feeling excited for Christmas.

Other things to do in Cartmel during a Lake District weekend:

• Explore the village’s vintage clothes shops.
• Check out the pretty Priory church.

Places to eat in Cartmel – for a non-sticky toffee meal, head to the Mallard Tea Shop . This themed cafe serves soups and toasties plus has ducks of the china and fluffy variety absolutely everywhere. Random but why not?

Other places for your Lake District itinerary

We didn’t make it to up the north of the Lakes but here are some of the most popular places to visit. If you have more time during your weekend in the Lake District, you could check out… Keswick – This town an hour north of Windermere is just a 10-minute walk to Derwentwater, another beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Here you can catch a boat on Derwentwater Lake and admire the four islands in the middle, take the Catbells Lakeland Walk, visit Go Ape (Whinlatter), catch a show at the Theatre by the Lake or visit Castlerigg Stone Circle which is like a mini Stonehenge.

Buttermere: Stay in this little village and you’ll be close to three lakes: Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater. Take the 3-hour Lake Buttermere Walk , see red squirrels at Crummock Water beach or walk around scenic Loweswater Lake. Ullswater: The second largest lake in England (after Windermere) which some people think is the most beautiful and compare to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. You can go kayaking, fishing or take a boat cruise across the lake. There are lots of little villages nearby with accommodation or you can camp or get a campervan. Alternatively, you can stay in Penrith which is a larger town a 20-minute drive from Ullswater.

Lake District walks

Where to even begin? There are so many walks to do during 2 days in the Lake District. Helpful resources to find them include Lake District website , the Walk Lakes site and the National Trust . Here are some of the most popular walks for your itinerary in the Lake District: Old Man of Coniston – because of a little problem I will refer to as the ‘no Wi-Fi or phone signal anywhere ever problem’ we got majorly lost trying to find this trail and ended up walking somewhere else instead. Having looked it up on Instagram afterwards I’m majorly gutted – the view looks gorgeous! Scafell Pike – the tallest mountain in England. This trek is about 5 hours up and down and requires some training as it’s pretty gruelling. Also give the time of year some thought as it gets freezing cold at the top even in summer. Saying that, the views are apparently insane and it’s definitely one to get on your bucket list. Tom Gill to Tarn Hows – this easy path of 1.6 miles between Coniston and Windermere was gifted to the National Trust by Beatrice Potter and is really beautiful. Catbells Lakeland walk  – this is a short and steep climb near Keswick but the end result is seeing for miles around. Derwentwater via Walla Crag – this 8-mile route also near Keswick has great views of the lake.

When to visit the Lake District

The climate in England is mild. There’s no time of the year where it will be -20 unlike some countries so you can pretty much visit whenever as long as you’re prepared it might rain or even snow. Our November Lake District weekend was cold and bright with the odd shower and we benefitted from off-peak prices. Saying that, your chances of sun are highly increased from March to September. You’ll see more crowds but the sun is about 78% likely to break through the clouds at least twice during your stay! It’s totally up to you.

Tips for a weekend in the Lake District

There’s little signal in the Lakes. Like hardly any at all. If you want to get online, check your accommodation has strong Wi-Fi in advance. With that in mind, go old school. Get some paper maps from a tourist information shop (even the smallest villages have these) as Google Maps will let you down out in the hills.

Learning the lingo

You’ll hear these terms during your 2 days in the Lake District but might not know what they mean. Learn these words in case someone’s like ‘you’re happy to go up the pike, right?’ and you accidentally end up on the hardest climb of your life.

• A tarn – a lake in the mountains (um, beaut!)
• A fell – a large, flat mountain
• A pike – the peak of a mountain
• A dale – a valley
• A gil – a narrow stream.

What to bring and wear

• Copy of Lonely Planet Pocket Lake District .
• Footwear – I did all our walks in old trainers rather than proper hiking boots so don’t worry if you don’t have all the kit. You’ll probably only need walking boots if you’re doing some tougher trails – but they’re always good if you’ve got them.
• Layers – even if it’s warm on ground level it gets chilly up in the hills so bring extra layers.
• A fold-up raincoat – shop here for mens , womens and kids .
• A reusable water bottle to fill up before hikes.
• Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink from rivers and streams.
• A reusable coffee cup (collapsable) for hot takeaway drinks.
• A camera – I use the Sony DSC-HX350 Digital Compact Bridge Camera which I think is one of the most affordable options for a camera with such a good zoom.
• A GoPro if you’re into making videos – I use the HERO8 Black .

Accounts to provide inspiration

Follow these Instagram accounts to help plan your trip:

• @lakedistricthikers
• @lakedistrictcumbria
• @lake.district

Now you’re sorted!! I hope you enjoyed this 2 day Lake District itinerary – let me know how you get on!

Visiting the UK?  Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Flights (international and domestic) – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  Use Omio to compare trains and buses in one search. It’s so handy. For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. The guides are knowledgeable and you can’t beat the prices. I also check Viator as they often have fun and unique offerings. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Are you planning a weekend in the Lake District? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading my Lake District itinerary

If you’re looking for England inspo, check out some of my other posts:

• Backpacking the UK on a budget
• My London archives
• The perfect weekend in Dorset
• How to spend a weekend in Norfolk
• How to take a day trip to Brighton from London
• The perfect Margate day trip from London
• How to spend a weekend in Manchester
• Things to do in Liverpool in wint er
• Bath from London day trip
• How to spend 1 day in Birmingham

See you next time for more adventures,

Follow for more UK content on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked this Lake District itinerary? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

1 thoughts on “ Perfect Lake District Weekend – 2 Day Lake District Itinerary ”

Your blog was super helpful for planning the trip to Lake District. I enjoyed and had a fantastic trip. Thank you Rose

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The Ultimate Lake District 5 Day Itinerary For Ramblers

The Lake District is one of the UK’s most beautiful regions and is not to be missed! You’re going to need a plan in place so you don’t skip any of the best parts of this English gem . Lucky for you, we’ve pulled together the ultimate Lake District 5 day itinerary for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers.

Getting to the Lake District is fairly easy. You can either drive yourself, take a train to Penrith, or hop aboard a bus to England’s largest National Park.

Choosing where to begin your adventure in The Lakes is the first hurdle. Lake Windermere is the most popular place for tourists, however, Lake Ullswater is another beautiful (and quieter) option. Regardless of where you stay in the Lake District, you’ll be surrounded by the incredible natural beauty that gave the Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Here is the best 5-day itinerary for the Lake District for anyone who wants to explore more and hop across the region. Take on board these ideas so you can get the most out of your visit!

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Settle in and take in the views across Lake Windermere and Ambleside

The start of our ultimate Lake District 5 day itinerary starts at Windermere, one of the most popular tourist towns. Lake Windermere is the largest lake in the region and the town is an inspiration to many fairytales and folklore stories. This charming town has a gothic-inspired castle dating back to 1940 that looks as if it’s been taken right out of any storybook!

We recommend staying at The Samling Hotel ; the luxurious rooms have spectacular views across the hills and lakes, a perfect base for exploring The Lake District. Once you’ve checked in, take a gentle stroll along Windermere’s western shore starting from the Ferry House. This is a well-maintained footpath and is a good introduction to the beauty of the region.

Depending on what time you arrive, you may have time to check out Ambleside, another wonderful place to go for a ramble and discover local history. While you’re here, you must visit Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse among the other historical landmarks.

Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top farmhouse is well maintained along with the lovely garden, giving inspiration to the iconic Peter Rabbit. Potter grew up in the Lake District and was passionate about preserving its natural beauty. Safe to say this goal has been achieved!

Day 2 – Jump in the water in Coniston and hike the Langdale Valley

Day 2 is here, so make sure you fuel up on breakfast before starting your day exploring more of the Lake District. Start your day with a splash – literally!

Coniston Water is one of the best places to try out some water sports in the Lakes. Choose between a romantic rowboat with your loved one, a historical steam gondola ride , or rent a paddle board for more of a workout. Nothing beats a beautiful crisp morning spent out on Coniston Water.

For lunch, head over to Brantwood on the east shore and enjoy a delicious spread at The Terrace Coffee House and Restaurant . The views from this terraced dining are breathtaking and inspiring!

You can then spend your afternoon exploring the hiking trails in the area. The Old Man of Coniston is a popular mountain peak to conquer. Follow trail markers to reach the misty top to be rewarded with picturesque views across the lakes. Along the route, you’ll see the industrial past of copper mine ruins.

If the weather isn’t in your favor, stay within Coniston village and visit the Ruskin Museum. This museum has curated the local history, from Stone Age fell-walkers, who made and traded stone axes, to the Jet Era when the 1950s speed ace Donald Campbell used Coniston Water as Bluebird K7’s race-track.

Day 3 – Go west to the coast of the Lake District National Park

Hit the road for a trip to the coast on day 3 while visiting England’s Lake District. The drive from Windermere will take you just over an hour. Ravenglass is a quaint town and the only coastal community in the Lake District.

Head straight to the harbor and take in the views across the wild Irish Sea. The sand dunes and the raw coastline is a good place to visit if you want a different perspective on Northern England.

Once you’ve filled your lungs up on the fresh sea air, head back into town and explore the haunted castle. Muncaster Castle has acres upon acres of pretty gardens and mysterious woods to explore. You can grab a bite to eat here, or head back to the harbor to dine at The Pennington Hotel.

While on the coast, you should hop aboard the historical Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway . This stream train is a fantastic experience and a great way to see more of the coast. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, why not book an indulgent Cream Tea and Steam Experience on the railway.

Day 4 – Hike the trails of Keswick and Derwentwater

Keswick is one of the best Lake District towns. The drive from Windermere is about 30 mins and there are an endless amount of walking trails. So make sure you load up on calories to kick start your day.

We recommend you pack a picnic and choose a trail that suits you best. There are varying options available to match every fitness and experience level for any hiking lover:

• Friars Crag – an easy and wheelchair-accessible walk with stunning views across Derwent Water and the nearby mountains. There is also a car park and toilet facilities. Friars Crag is also an amazing place for stargazing under the night sky.
• Catbells Trail – located less than 10 km from Keswick, this trail takes two hours to complete. It’s a perfect choice for beginner to intermediate hikers who want to explore the area.
• Grisedale Pike – a hike for the serious walkers, this is an intermediate walk that can take up to four hours to complete. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Derwent and the famous Skiddaw along the walk.

Castlerigg Stone Circle, an English Heritage site, is only a short walk away from Keswick. This ancient monument is over 5,000 years old and promises stunning vistas across the surrounding mountains. Whinlatter Pass is also a great option for anyone traveling with kids. There is a Go Ape Course with a fun treetop rope challenge, suitable for the whole family!

On the way back to your hotel in Windermere, drive past Wordsworth Grasmere to load up on the Lake District history. This is the former home of the poet William Wordsworth, also known as Dove Cottage, now preserved in a museum with guided tours, gardens, and tea rooms.

Day 5 – Spend your last day at the picturesque Ullswater Lake

The final day of the ultimate Lake District 5 Day itinerary, so let’s make sure it’s one to remember! Load up on breakfast before checking out from the hotel and packing up the car. For your last road trip, we recommend you drive up to Ullswater, roughly a 30-minute journey.

Ullswater is one of the most stunning lakes in the Lake District with dramatic views in every direction, it’s guaranteed to steal your heart. There is a 20-mile circular walking route around the lake with a bus that you can hop on and off to help you round.

Other walking routes to explore:

• Aira Force – a National Trust property with a magnificent 21m (70ft) multiple waterfalls, viewing bridges above and below to get close to the thundering water safely, and a seasonal tea room.
• Helvellyn – the third largest peak in England. The eastern side has two sharp aretes leading off the summit to Striding and Swirral Edge. The knife-edged Striding Edge provides one of the best-known scrambles in the Lake District.
• Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay  – an easy route around 1.1 miles in total
• Brothers Water  – an easy route around 2.3 miles in total

Both Pooley Bridge and Glenridding are small villages at either end of Ullswater and offer independent boutique shopping. You’ll find everything from outdoor clothing to gifts and food, and a good selection of cafes and pubs to have your final meal in the Lake District.

Practical Tips For Your Lake District Itinerary

When you visit the Lake District, it’s important you prepare yourself with a rough itinerary and all the appropriate luggage you’ll need. There are so many great walks with wonderful views through the Lakes, so make sure you’re kitted out properly for the outdoor adventures.

If you are planning to take on some of the hikes through the Lake District, you’re going to need good quality and reliable walking boots . Trust us, it’s worth the extra cost!

You may need to pack thermal layers or waterproof jackets, depending on the season you plan your trip. The busy summer months may offer the best weather, but you might want to avoid the crowds and come to the Lake District in the off-season.

And finally, we highly recommend you find somewhere to stay with a hot tub! Ending each day with a relaxing soak and views across the Lake District is the best way to spend your vacation. What would you add to your own Lake District 5 day itinerary?

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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4 Day Lake District Itinerary for First-Timers

LAST UPDATED: 28th February 2024

This fabulous all-around  4 day Lake District itinerary  in Hawkshead, Borrowdale, and Grasmere will give you idyllic nature, fun glamping, British culture, and daring outdoor adventures.

With 3 full days and 2 half days in the Cumbrian Fells, we managed to pack in some miles and would be a top road trip for any first-timer to the Lake District. Are you ready to explore?

About The Lake District England

Where is the lake district.

The Lake District is located in Cumbria, in the northwest of England, which sits between Carlisle to the north and Manchester to the south.

The most northern town in the Lake District is Keswick which sits below the Northern Fells featuring Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Kendal is considered the southern gateway to the Lake District and is only 9 miles from Windermere. The Southern Fells include Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England, and the Coniston Fells.

What Is The Lake District Famous For?

The Lake District is a truly unique British landscape that has evolved over 500 million years with volcanic activity and glacial formations. The undulating hills, rocky crags, and beautiful bodies of water will take your breath away making the Lake District a must-see on your  travels in England .

As well as the plentiful lakes, majestic mountains and green spaces, the Lake District is famous for its association with the creatives such as William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin.

Is The Lake District Worth It?

It’s a big YES from me. The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in the UK with the best walks, the best local food and friendly northern folk (I’m biased as I am one of them!).

Day 1 In Windermere & Hawkhead | 4 Day Lake District Itinerary

Stroll around windermere.

Windermere Lake is the largest natural lake in both the Lake District and England. It is 10.5 miles long, one mile wide, and is understandably a hub for sailing, paddle-boarding, and windsurfing. There’s also a steamboat and car ferry that can take you to various spots around the lake.

Windermere is one of the more touristy places in the Lake District making it super busy in peak periods so if you are looking to immerse yourself in nature away from crowds, this is not for you.

Day 1 on our 4 day Lake District road trip was a short one but we still wanted to stretch our legs, fill our lungs with fresh air and find somewhere to stave off the hunger pangs.

Jump out at  Windermere Lake Viewpoint car park   to walk along the shore past the Watersports Centre then take a left up towards Windermere.

Stay At YHA Hawkshead 

Head to YHA Hawkshead located next to the privately-owned Esthwaite water and a few minutes’ drive from the village of Hawkshead. We booked into the bell tents, a comfortable futon glamping experience with a BBQ firepit, and waking up to nature was the perfect start to our Lake District itinerary – 4 days of pure bliss! 

• Read my review of glamping at YHA Hawkshead
• Book direct with YHA Hawkshead for the best prices and availability

TOP TIP  | Remember to pack your  eco-friendly camping gear  to ensure you leave no trace and travel in a planet-friendly way!

Day 2 In Hawkshead & Borrowdale | 4 Day Lake District Itinerary

Walk to claife viewing station & windermere west shore.

Claife Viewing Station  is the perfect place to take in a panoramic view of Windermere. Designed by John Carr, it was originally built in the 1790s, with featured windows tinted with coloured glass to recreate the landscape in different seasons no matter when they visited. Light green glass allowed them to see how the scenery looked in spring, for example, with dark blue being reminiscent of moonlight and light blue giving the illusion of winter.

Directions to Windermere West Shore:  Park up at National Trust Ash Landing Car Park (free for NT Members, remember to take your card to scan) and follow the signs to Claife Viewing Station. Go up the steep steps to find the ruined building.

Once you have experienced the beautiful vista, walk through the arch of Claife Station and walk up the steep path wandering through the ferns. Once you reach the top, head down through the coppice towards High Blind How and take a right towards the Windermere West Shore.

Take A Wild Swim On Windermere West Shore

The Lake District is a wonderful place to go wild swimming and there is an abundance of secret bodies of water to take a dip in. Windermere’s West Shore is a busier spot though and popular with families and daytrippers with their picnics and paddleboards.

A wild swim is the best way to end a walk and get invigorated for the afternoon walk. To warm up, stop off at  Joey’s Cafe in Claife Viewing Station  for a coffee and an amazing selection of cakes with vegan and gluten-free options that will make your mouth water!

Directions:  From Windermere West Shore, walk to the tarmac road and walk right towards Claife Station then onto Ash Landing Car Park. 

Walk To Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farmhouse

Beatrix Potter grew up in London where her middle-class Victorian upbringing left her in solitude creating art and observing nature. They spent many family holidays away in Scotland and the Lakes, and in 1896, when Beatrix was 30, the Potters stayed in Near Sawrey. She fell in love, writing that  ‘It is as nearly perfect a little place as I have ever lived in.’

From the royalties of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, in 1905, Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top, a working farm, with its farmhouse, farm buildings, and orchard.

In 1913, Beatrix married William Heelis, a local solicitor, and lived in nearby Castle Cottage but kept Hill Top as her place where she felt comfortable. Everything in the house meant something to her. She has paintings, books, and pictures of her as the chair at the Herdwick Breeders’ Association.

It’s lovely to see scenes that appear in Beatrix’s books from her garden, her house, and the landscape around her. Beatrix Potter was so passionate about the Lake District, the land that inspired her works, that she often used the profits to buy more farms and land under threat of development.

When Beatrix died in December 1943 she left 4,000 acres of land to the National Trust, including 15 farms, cottages, flocks of Herdwick sheep, and some areas of outstanding beauty. She left a truly important legacy in the Lake District National Park.

Today, Hill Top is owned and managed by the National Trust. Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse retreat is a  popular attraction in the Lake District .

How to reach Hill Top:  Head along the B5285 for 1.4km, past the Cuckoo Brow Inn towards Near Sawrey. We walked and left our car in Ash Landing Car Park, there were some paths that ran alongside the road. If travelling by car, there is another National Trust car park by Hill Top.

Stay At YHA Borrowdale 

Head off to YHA Borrowdale  located at Rosthwaite along the River Derwent. We booked into an iconic Airstream trailer which was super cool and a touch of luxury nestled into the forest. It’s a perfect location for exploring the southern fells of the Lake District. I loved the vibe in this hostel, and, that’s not just because I was in an Airstream!

• Read my review of glamping at YHA Borrowdale
• Book direct with YHA Borrowdale for the best prices and availability.

Day 3 In Borrowdale & Grasmere | 4 Day Lake District Itinerary

Walk with alpacas at linghom estate.

Who needs Peru when you have alpacas and llamas in the Lake District?  Alpacaly Ever After   is a  social enterprise  that rehomes and cares for these super cute creatures affectionately known as ‘The Woolly Army’. You can book to meet and walk with alpacas or trek with llamas which all goes to caring for the animals in the sanctuary. 

The guide for the day tells you all about the individual characters as well as alpacas in general. My mischievous and adorable alpaca was called Charlie, and apparently, his regular chorus of humming sounds signified he was a happy chappy!

Lingholm Estate on the shores of Derwentwater is stunning, you can even stay there. As the sun was shining it seemed rude not to enjoy a tasty cappuccino with jam & cream scones at the Lingholm Kitchens.

Directions to Linghom Estate:  From YHA Borrowdale, it takes about 25 minutes along the B5289 via Brandelhow. If you are coming through Keswick, drive to Portinscale and turn left into the estate.

Walk Up To Castle Crag Via Millican’s Cave

Castle Crag is a steep-sided, pine-clustered hill in the North-Western fells of the Lake District and is rewarded with incredible views over Derwentwater, one of the  best viewpoints in the Lake District .

The noble Castle Crag is the only Wainwright below 1,000 feet (300 m) which he describes as “so magnificently independent, so ruggedly individual, so aggressively unashamed of its lack of inches.”

Castle Crag was given to the National Trust as a memorial after the First World War by the family of 2nd Lieutenant John Hamer. The memorial is dedicated to the memory of Hamer and ‘the men of Borrowdale’ who lost their lives in the war, and whose names are listed on the stone tablet.

We started the walk from Rosthwaite, through the farmland. Expect a steep incline with a final scramble up the slate summit. Our loop took us back via the River Derwent and Millican Dalton Cave. This route takes approx 2-2.5 hours. Alternative starting points are Grange and Seatoller.

Parking at Rosthwaite for Castle Crag walk:  We were heading up from the village of Rosthwaite. The Pay & Display car park was full but you can pay Scafell Hotel to use their parking for the day.

=>> For a more challenging hike with jaw-dropping views of Derwentwater, try the  Wainwright fells of Cat Bells and High Spy  – honestly, it’s one of the  best walks in the Lake District !

Stay At YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe 

Head off to YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe  located in the heart of Grasmere near all the tasty eateries, quality shops and a gallery of local art. So whether you want to amble around the shops or use it as a base for outdoor adventures, it’s a fab place.

We booked into the landpods for 2 nights for a truly wonderful  eco-friendly accommodation in the Lake District . They are like elevated camping with solar lighting and you can peel back the roof to stare at the stars. Oh, and did I mention, that they have a scurry of red squirrels on their grounds?

• Read my review of glamping at YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
• Book direct with YHA for the best prices and availability

Day 4 In Grasmere | 4 Day Lake District Itinerary

Meander around the village of grasmere.

Grasmere is one of the prettiest villages in the Lake District. It is famous for the much-loved poet, William Wordsworth, a Cumbrian who was born in Cockermouth and moved back to the Lake District to Dove Cottage in Grasmere in 1799 after university and proclaimed that it is ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’. 

With such notoriety, Grasmere is a popular destination for tourists and has flourished with lovely shops, inspiring galleries, and places to eat and stay. 

Visit Wordsworth’s Grave At St Oswald’s Church

St. Oswald’s Church , on the banks of River Rothay, is a medieval church, named after a 7th-century Christian King of Northumberland. It is still an active Anglican parish church and is most famous for being the place of rest for the great poet William Wordsworth and his family including his sister Dorothy Wordsworth.

Behind St. Oswald Church is  Wordsworth Daffodil Garden  which was opened in 2003. The public has participated in the garden by way of the sponsorship of benches, inscribed paving stones, shrubs, and daffodils, and the funds are donated to local charities. It’s a wonderful idea as Wordsworth was so inspired by the sight of daffodils that he wrote about such happiness in one of his most famous poems, “I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud”.

Devour Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread

Victorian cook Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread in 1854 and baked her spicy-sweet chewy biscuity-gingerbread inside her compact Church Cottage home. You will be served lots of ginger-themed foodstuffs by the team in Victorian-inspired dressmaking for a more authentic Cumbrian foodie experience .

Do you need directions? Absolutely not, there are two signs to look out for! If you have been looking at Wordsworth’s graves and Daffodil garden, you will notice a huge queue through St Oswald’s Churchyard. If you wondered why just inhale deeply and your mouth will start watering with the smell of gingerbread. Join that queue whatever you do, it’s delicious.

Visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage

William Wordsworth lived in the humble home of Dove Cottage on the edge of Grasmere  from 1799 to 1808 and it is now open as a museum, orchard, and garden which  Wordsworth described  as ‘the loveliest spot man hath ever found’

Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy Mae Wordsworth wrote poignant journals of their time there allowing the curators to bring the space to life. You can just  imagine him writing his romantic odes and lyrical ballads in tranquil surroundings.

To visit  Dove Cottage , book ahead to be guaranteed your time.

Get Creative (And Eat Cake) In Heaton Cooper Studio

As an art lover, I am always up for appreciating local artists. One of the galleries in Grasmere is Heaton Cooper Studio, where the work of the Heaton Cooper family is exhibited spanning over four generations. In 1938, landscape painter, William Heaton Cooper built his home and gallery in Grasmere but the artistic tradition started with his father, Alfred. Today, Heaton Cooper Studio is still a lovely space selling its paintings and prints.

There is a specialist art shop selling everything an artist, kids, and adults, would need including a fabulous selection of books.

Mathilde’s cafe  is named after Mathilde Marie Valentinsen, the Norweigan country girl who fell in love and married Alfred in September 1894. There is a Scandinavian influence in this contemporary cafe along with the best cake selection I have seen in a long time. Get ready to drool!

Walk To Rydal Caves

Rydal Cave  is a man-made cavern located between Grasmere and Ambleside on the slopes of Loughrigg Fell above Rydal Water. Initially called Loughrigg Quarry, the slate extraction began in the 19th century for roofing tiles and is now disused.

It takes about 30 minutes to reach Rydal Caves from White Moss Common, cross the bridge, wander through White Moss woodlands then walk up through the ferns to the caves. This is an easy walk but you are still treated to enchanting views along the way. 

Rydal Caves are free for the public to enter and there are a number of stepping stones through the shallow water to the back of the cavern. Once you leave the caves, head down to Rydal Water which is a perfect place for a wild swim if you bring your gear. 

Parking for Rydal Water:  We parked in the White Moss car park on the A591. However,  I would recommend NOT to use the White Moss car park  owned by Lowther Estates as it scans your number plate on entering. I paid £6 for 3 hours at the machine but did not buy my ticket for 10 minutes after my car plate was scanned. I landed a £60 fine and there are many more horror stories online. Be very careful with this!

• An alternative car park is Pelter Bridge Car Park.
• There are signs on the route to walk to Grasmere or Ambleside so try and build in the extra time to be able to leave your car elsewhere.

Day 5 In Grasmere | Lake District Itinerary

Hire a boat in grasmere.

Mornings on the water are a dreamy way to get started and  Faeryland Grasmere  is only a short walk from the village where you can drink specialist tea and hire boats for an hour. It’s a romantic way to start the day… or just lots of fun if you are single!

This cute spot is a sweet little haven with an original Romany Vardo on the shore, still in its original state. They blend some tantalising flavours of loose tea that are grown and produced under Ethical Tea Partnership which you can buy online too.

Walk Around Loughrigg Tarn

Loughrigg Tarn  is a small natural lake located at the foot of Loughrigg Fell, south of Grasmere, and is one of the great low-level Lakeland walks. Alfred Wainwright wrote that Loughrigg Tarn is “one of the most secluded of tarns”, rarely being visible from the fells.

To walk around Loughrigg Tarn , there are a number of possible routes you can take. Either by starting at Ambleside, Skelwith Bridge, or Rydal Water.

As we were on a time schedule to catch a train, we cheated and did the 2.75km Loughrigg Tarn loop starting at Tarn Foot Farm. There are a few spaces for parking at the road junction, then walk up to the Tarn Foot houses. Bear right and at a fork stay left and go through a gate. Then simply follow the road around the tarn admiring the astonishing backdrop of the Langdale Pikes. 

Loughrigg Tarn was a favoured place of William Wordsworth who described it as being similar to “Diana’s Looking-glass… round, clear and bright as heaven,” after Lake Nemi, the mirror of Diana, in Rome’s Alban hills.

We had planned to take a  wild swim in Loughrigg Tarn , however, there was a National Trust notice advising that Blue-Green Algae has been identified there which put us off a little. It can cause skin irritation for us humans but it can produce toxins that can kill pets. I saw a guy swimming in a wet suit but in the absence of the gear, I had a paddle and had no reaction.

As we visited in September, there was a blanket of water lily leaves floating on Loughrigg Tarn. I’m sure this is a real picture when they are in bloom.

Parking for Loughrigg Tarn:  Turn off the A593, along Ellers Brow to the  parking area below Tarn Foot Farm .

More Lake District Inspiration

If you’re looking for more Lake District inspiration, I’d recommend  exploring Buttermere   around the lake and hiking the northern fells. Why not do a 5 or 6 day Lake District trip?

Or you could head over the border and check out the  outdoor adventures in Scotland .

Useful Links For Your Lake District Trip

Ready to get planning your 4 days Lake District road trip? Here are some useful links to get you started!

Tourist Info For The Lake District

• Best places to eat  on  Tripadvisor
• Explore with  Visit Lake District  and  National Trust Lake District

Transport + Tours For The Lake District

• Travel by rail, check times and book tickets with  Trainline
• Book your flights deal with  Skyscanner
• Hire your  own wheels with Discover Cars  – an unbeatable award-winning car rental comparison website
• Explore day trips and tours  with  Viator   and  Get Your Guide  

Gear For The Lake District

• Get 15% OFF your  WATER-TO-GO Bottle  (Code WM15)
• Get 10% OFF your  ARTFULLY/WILD ethical clothing  (Code WM10)
• Get your adventure gear  from  Cotswold Outdoor

Travel Insurance

• Get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo . Benefit from 24-hour medical assistance, 365 days a year with single, multi-trip, and long-stay insurance, cover for Covid-19 and non-refundable expenses. The handy app makes this a simple process! They give a little back too by contributing to ‘Doctors Without Borders’.
• SafetyWing for Digital Nomads . Benefit from 24/7 assistance, comprehensive and medical cover including Covid-19. Buy insurance whilst you are travelling, with the option of global health insurance.

PIN FOR LATER – 4 DAY LAKE DISTRICT ITINERARY

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I'm a content creator for She Wanders Miles ♡ Digital marketer, photographer, hiker, and nature lover ♡ Passion for slow, sustainable and responsible travel ♡ Join me in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.

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This 4 day Lake District itinerary looks great to see a lovely variety of spots. I love all the great outdoor vistas. And the castles too. The Airstream looks like such a fun spot to stay. Hiring a boat, hiking the hills and wandering in towns. All great ways to enjoy the Lake District.

The Lake District has it all. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone visiting the UK.

What a wonderful region. It’s really totally my bad that I’m always exploring only big cities when in England. I see myself spending a couple of nights at that cute glamping huts – sooo fun. Also, I’d happily climb the hill in honor of Ms Beatrix Potter. So yes, on my next trip to the UK, I need to travel a bit differently.

That 4 day Lake District trip seems amazing! I love the alpaca. We went glamping on an alpaca farm a few years ago. We were lucky enough to have our tent right in the paddock. The alpacas were so curious and always wanted to see what we were up to.

My family and I have been threatening to take a road trip for a while now, but we could never figure out where to go!! The Lake District might be the perfect spot, all of your pictures make it look like a beautiful destination. The Rydal Caves might be my favorite part!

I loved the Beatrix Potter Hill farmhouse, looks straight out of a fairy tale. The 4 day Lake District itinerary sounds so perfect with stops at beautiful places. I am adding this to my list. Also, it’s great to know that there are lots of YHAs there, I love staying at YHAs usually as I have always had a pleasant stay with them.

For some reason, I have never associated alpacas and llamas with Britain lol. I’m pleasantly surprised.

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A 1 day Lake District itinerary with must see places

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So you want to spend 1 day in the Lake District. We think this is a must if you are planning a trip to the UK. Known for its incredible beauty, rugged mountains, and quaint villages, you will never find a shortage of things to do here. In this post we help you plan a Lake District Day trip, including how to get here, where to eat, and what to see. This itinerary includes scenic gardens, lakeside walks, caves, and boat rides, as part of our recommended 1 day Lake District itinerary.

About the Lake District

Planning your lake district day trip, is a lake district day trip enough, 1 day in the lake district – how to get here, when to arrange your 1 day lake district trip, lake district road trip advice, bowness-on-windermere, lake cruise, rydal water walk, find the rydal cave, 1 day lake district itinerary (including map), eating and drinking on your lake district day trip, more uk day trips.

The Lake District is an area of outstanding beauty, and the largest national park in the UK. It contains around 16 lakes (with way more Tarns or small pools), and 150 high peaks, which includes the tallest mountain in England, Scafell Pike. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and attracts tourists from all over the globe. The Lake District has inspired several writers and poets with its incredible landscape including Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

For a Lake District day trip, you want to pick a specific area of the lakes and stick to it. The area itself is bigger than you would think and it does take time to get between the towns and villages. Also the roads can be quite narrow and winding so you will need to factor that it. In this guide because we were driving from Manchester to we chose to stay around Windermere and Ambleside for our Lake District day trip.

Because we live in Manchester, a Lake District day trip is pretty doable for us. The drive is around 2 hours, and it gives us a good amount of time to explore for the day. That being said if you are coming from further afield, you might want to stay a little longer, because there is so much to see and do. Here is a 4 day Lake District itinerary to give you some ideas if you do have more time.

Now that you have decided to plan your Lake District day trip you might be wondering how on earth you get there. If you do only have 1 day in the Lake District then realistically you want to drive. From Manchester you will need to take the M61 and M6, and you should get to the Lake District in around 2 hours. We highly recommend leaving early because traffic can be a bit of a nightmare during peak times. The good thing is that when driving in the UK you will find the motorways very well signposted, so getting to the Lake District is relatively easy.

You have the option to get the train as well, but again if it is a day trip you are hoping to do it might be more difficult with the trains. There is a regular train from Manchester to Oxenholme, in the Lake District, but from here you do need to change to get to your onward destination. Also the train station in Windermere for example is a bit of a walk to the actual Lake so keep that in mind as well.

Alternatively for your 1 day in the Lake District you can book yourself onto a pre-organised tour.

When planning your 1 day in the Lake District you might be wondering what time of year is best to visit. Personally we think that the Lake District is beautiful year round. But there are some pros and cons to each season. For starters, the weather is obviously going to be better in summer, and the days are longer meaning you can stay out later when hiking or exploring. But summer is also peak season. Accommodation tends to be booked out particularly in August during school holidays. Traffic is also slightly worse, particularly in and around popular spots like Windermere. If you only have 1 day in the Lake District you don’t want to spend it stuck in traffic or queuing for attractions.

Winter tends to be way quieter, but keep in mind the days are much shorter and you might not be able to pack in as much as in the summer. That being said there is something really beautiful about walking around in the middle of a frosty winters day, and retreating to a pub with a fireplace and a hot meal to warm up. If you can plan your Lake District day trip for a crisp and dry day then I definitely wouldn’t discount a winter trip.

We think the perfect time to visit the Lakes is either in Spring or Autumn. The bright floral hues of spring and the red leaves of autumn are a perfect addition to the incredible scenery.

Wondering when the  best and worst time to visit England  is as a whole? Here is a helpful guide.

Realistically to make the most out of your 1 day in the Lake District you are going to want to drive. It is the easiest way to get to each attraction, especially if you only have 1 day to explore.

If you are visiting the UK we recommend having a read of this article with tips on renting a car in the UK .

Here are some of our tips for planning a road trip in the Lake District

• Roads are narrow but generally in good condition making driving around quite easy
• Keep an eye out for weather forecasts and road conditions, flooding can be quite common during the rainy season
• Make a plan but don’t pack things in too tightly as you may want to stop at a hidden gem you discover along the route
• Be prepared to pay for parking, particularly at the more touristy places
• You do get a lot of winding roads so take care around corners as to avoid oncoming traffic
• Always follow the speed limit but do not feel pressure to do the maximum speed. Sometimes locals may get frustrated when you don’t do the max speed on the roads. Obviously they are used to the roads so don’t feel pressure to speed up. Try and pull to the side if it is safe to do so and let them pass you.

Where to go for your 1 day in the Lake District

Now that the formalities are out of the way here are some of our favourite places to help you plan where to go on your Lake District day trip.

Bowness-on-Windermere is a must when you only have 1 day in the Lake District. It is located on Lake Windermere which also happens to be the largest of the lakes. We recommend making it your first stop on your Lake District itinerary because it is very touristy and if you want to beat the crowds (particularly in the summer months) you need to get there early.

Bowness is a great place to explore and we highly recommend taking a walk around the water and taking in the scenery. It is also worth popping into the shops especially if you have a sweet tooth as you will find all sorts of tasty treats like fudge and mint cakes. We ended up buying some bird seed so that we could feed the swans although they did get a little too excited when they saw us walking around with our brown bag full of food! It basically resulted in me being chased by a swan who then grabbed the bag and gobbled up all the seeds.

Practicalities

There is a lot of parking at Bowness though you will need to pay. It’s also easy to get here at it is heavily signposted.

A visit to the Lake district would not be complete without doing a lake cruise. At Bowness there are a variety of different cruises you can choose from, or if you are feeling more adventurous you can rent a motorised boat and do it all yourself.

We have visited the Lakes a few times and we have done both. The motorised boat was a lot of fun, but keep in mind it can be quite expensive and you have to return the boat within an hour(or within a set amount of time depending on how long you have agreed to rent it for). We also had a few close shaves with the ferries as we frantically tried to get out of their way.

The good thing with the cruise is that you can literally sit back, relax, and listen as someone tells you all about Lake Windermere. You can also get off the boat at one of the designated stops, explore, and catch the next ferry back.

We did the ‘yellow’ cruise which is a 90-minute cruise to Lakeside and back. At Lakeside you do get the option to  also book onto the Steam Railway, which we do recommend, as the scenery is really beautiful. I’m conscious that this is a Lake District day trip itinerary, so if you feel 90 minutes is too long, then there are shorter cruises.

Also located along Lake Windermere is the town of Ambleside. Depending on which cruise from Bowness you choose Ambleside (Waterhead Pier) may be one of your stops. It’s much quieter here than Bowness and it is really beautiful particularly if you are here when the sun starts to set.

The only downside if you are trying to explore Waterhead Pier is that there isn’t a lot of parking close by. If you do manage to get a spot though it is worth the visit.

Rydal Hall is one of those hidden gems that you have to add to your 1 day in the Lake District. Or at least in our opinion. It is a former 17th century mansion turned hotel with around 34 acres of grounds including manicured gardens, and waterfalls. Apart from having to pay for parking (more info below) it is free to explore the gardens. One of our favourite parts of the gardens is the grotto pictured below. Apparently William Wordsworth was also a fan which you will see why if you visit.

Close to the hall you will find Rydal Mount and gardens, which is the childhood home of William Wordsworth. You do need to pay to explore the house and gardens (around £7.50 for both) but this is a must for all literary fans.

There is onsite parking if you are visiting the Hall, but it is scarce. It is also a bit steep in terms of price. We paid £10 but we did end up leaving the car here whilst we had lunch and did a long walk around Rydal Water and the caves. All in all we probably left the car here for half a day. Once you have a parking space you need to go to the reception at the hall, pay the fee, and provide your number plate. You are then given a slip to display on your dashboard.

Rydal Water walk is a 2.8 mile walk with gorgeous lakeside scenery. If you want to do the full walk you need to pencil in about 2 hours. If you are only spending 1 day in the Lake District it might not be possible to do the full walk, but it is worth a visit regardless. There are also a lot of places you can just sit and admire the views. We started the walk by the Badger Bar which incidentally is where we recommend you pop in for a pub lunch.

If you take a short forested walk from Rydal Water you will stumble upon the Rydal Caves. The route is pretty well signposted so you shouldn’t get lost. There are a number of stepping stones that you need to navigate which will lead you into the cave. The caves are actually man made which I was quite surprised about, but apparently they are a product of quarrying for slate.

1 day in the Lake District is not complete without chowing down on a delicious pub meal. There are a lot of really good pubs to eat in so it is hard to narrow it down to just one or two. That being said if you are following our 1 day Lake District itinerary as above then we recommend the Badger Bar in Ambleside for lunch. They serve all your english pub favourites like pies, and of course fish and chips. It is a great place to stop and refuel before doing a walk around Rydal water.

Another favourite in Bowness is the Stags Head . They do a good pub meal at reasonable prices, and they have a fireplace to warm you up after a long walk. Food is served until 7pm so make sure you get in before that if you are planning on having dinner here as per our itinerary.

If you are trying to decide between the Lake District or Peak District here is a handy guide.

If you are looking for some more UK day trip ideas you can check out these articles:

1 day in York

Chester day trip itinerary

Robin Hood’s Bay day trip

Peak District day trip

Visiting Portmeirion

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

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Lake District Day Trip Itinerary! Spend 1 Day in the Lake District!

Categories England , Lake District , U.K

The Lake District is a huge area in North West England, 900sqm in fact, but can you see enough on a Lake District day trip to make the day out worthwhile ? Yes, absolutely !

With 1 day in the Lake District, you certainly won’t be able to see everything! But, you’ll be able to see a good portion of the best places to visit in the Lake District and get a good feel for this beautiful part of the UK!

Using my Lake District day trip itinerary below you’ll have time to see mountains, lakes, and pretty English towns. Eat some delicious local food, drive some of the best roads in England and see a waterfall or two, doesn’t sound bad for a day trip to the Lakes right??

Lake District Day Trip

Here’s where we’ll visit:

Lake Windermere

Keswick & derwentwater.

• Castlerigg Stone Circle

Honister Pass

Honister slate mine.

The Lake District is a huge area and there is no way you will see all of the best places to go in the Lake District in one day so it is best to pick an area and explore it well .

It’s also best to pick a Lake District route with short drives between stops rather than driving from each side of the Lake District.

For this Lake District day trip itinerary, I suggest you stay in the North as there are so many iconic places to visit here such as Keswick, Lake Windermere and Honister Pass. You will not be disappointed, or too tired at the end of the day! Ok, you may be a little tired but it will be worth it!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here:

Lake District Day Trip Map

Here is a map of the Lake District with all of the places I have recommended below in my Lake District itinerary!

Lake District Itinerary

If you are coming from the South and entering the Lake District from the South then I suggest driving in through Kendal and then stopping at Lake Windermere because it is the most popular and well-known place in the Lake District so you have to see it on this Lake District day trip!

Stop at either Bowness on Windermere or Ambleside , both of these are popular towns on the shore of Lake Windermere.

Park up and have a walk around the edge of the Lake and pop into the small town. You’ll find plenty of cafes and takeaway cafes here for food and drink to give you some energy to start your day in the Lake District.

Taking a boat trip out onto Lake Windermere is one of the top things to do in Windermere , they run for approximately 60-90 minutes so if you feel like you have time and there is a boat leaving soon then I definitely recommend it.

If you fancy a walk and to see a viewpoint overlooking Lake Windermere then a popular walk to do is Orrest Head Walk from Windermere .

Related Post for more easy walks in the Lake District you can do with 1 day in the Lake District: 10 Easy Lake District Walks!

From Lake Windermere, drive North up to Keswick. Although you don’t want to spend all of the time in your car on this Lake District one day trip, driving is also part of the fun because the views are consistently incredible.

On the way to Keswick from Lake Windermere up the A591 you’ll drive past a couple of Lakes including Grasmere Lake and Thirlmere Lake , if you keep a lookout then there are places to stop on the side of the road for some quick photos.

If you’re into the mysteries of British Stone Circles like Stonehenge , on the way into Keswick detour slightly and head to Castlerigg Stone Circle and try to work out its history.

Keswick is a typical market town in the Lake District and I suggest visiting here on your Lake District 1 day itinerary because once you are parked up in Keswick town you can easily walk to Derwentwater in 10 minutes so this stop enables you to see 2 of the best places in the Lake District in one stop!

Keswick is full of outdoor shops, one of the top things to do in Keswick is to visit the pencil museum if that’s your kind of thing. You’ll also see a lot of fudge and chocolate shops in Keswick including Roly’s Fudge Pantry which makes incredible Fudge!

It’s a 10-minute walk from Keswick town centre to the shores of Derwentwater , you can have a walk around some of the lakes or take a 50-minute boat ride out on the lake and you will have ticked another of the famous Lake District Lakes off of your list on this day trip!

When you leave Keswick, drive towards Honister on the Honister Pass . This road will take you along the side of Derwentwater so if you didn’t have enough time to visit it before, at least you can drive past it and appreciate its full beauty!

The B5289, which is also Honister Pass , is one of the best roads in the Lake District. It connects Keswick with Buttermere Valley and beyond. It’s one of Cumbria’s highest passes and is famous because of the steep valleys on either side.

For the best part of Honister Pass, I recommend driving all the way to Buttermere from Keswick where you’ll also get to see the beauty of Buttermere Lake on the way, and then turning around and driving back to Honister Slate Mine, another top place I recommend visiting on this Lake District 1 day itinerary!

The road is sharp and steep in many places and just fits 2 cars side by side so be careful when you drive.

Honister Sale Mine is a great place to end your Lake District day trip I think because there are few things to do in Honister depending on what you like and how you feel.

Honister Slate Mine offers a beautiful view down Honister Pass and it has a small museum, cafe and shop where you can buy some slate goods to take home. It’s also easy to park up in and costs £5.00.

There are also many Honister Mine activities on offer such as an Underground Tour and Via Ferrata . You may need to book these in advance, especially in the high season. Have a look at their website here .

If you want to do some walking on this day trip to the Lake District before you leave, from Honister Slate Mine car park you can walk up the side of the mountain. It is a steep walk but not too bad and at the top, you’ll see slate that is still being mined and have a flat peak you can walk along.

Another walk I recommend is up to Dale Head.

Dale Head Walk

The Dale Head Walk is 1 mile up and 1 mile down from Honister Slate Mine but it is a steep walk so it will take at least 40 minutes each way. On the walk up you’ll see views of Scafell pike, England’s tallest mountain behind you as well as lots more peaks that make up the Lake District.

At the top of Dale Head, you’ll be treated to an amazing view of the untouched valley below and can continue onto some more viewpoints if you have time.

Here’s my full post on How to do Dale Head Walk from Honister !

This 1 day Lake District itinerary will pretty much fill your day, but remember there are so many more places in the Lake District and this area should be enjoyed at a slow pace too, so even if you end up spending all day around Windermere or Derwent Water and not gone anywhere else, you have still made the most of your day trip to the Lakes!

Is it possible to visit the Lake District on a Day Trip?

Yes! But this really depends on where you are travelling from in the UK.

If you are going to do a Lake District day trip from Manchester or Lake District day trip from Liverpool or surrounding places in the North like Leeds, Chester or Nottingham for example, then yes , you can definitely make a full day trip to the Lake District and see a lot by yourself if you leave early and give yourself a full day.

If you don’t have a car or don’t want to go alone, you can do a day tour from Manchester like this .

Lake District Day Trip from London

If you want to do a Lake District day trip from London then I would suggest looking into Lake District tours from London like this because the drive from London to the Lake District is 5-6 hours meaning it is not possible to go there and back in one day and see enough of the Lakes.

However, if you get a very early train from London to the Lake District which takes less time at 3.5 hours. You can hire a car, then it will be more possible, but you will be in for a long day, that’s for sure!

Here are some Lake District tours if you want to see the area with a guide and if you don’t have transport:

From Liverpool: Lake District Sightseeing Day Trip

From Manchester: Lake District Sightseeing Day Trip

From Chester: Lake District Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

From London: Lake District Tour with Cream Tea & Cruise

From Lake District: Ten Lakes Full Day Tour

From Lake District: Western Lakes Full Day Tour

How to get around the Lake District?

When I first visited the Lake District, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the towns, villages and country roads in the Lake District are connected by public transport.

However, driving yourself around the Lake District is definitely preferable , especially on a Lake District day trip and in this 1 day Lake District itinerary I am going to assume you have a car!

Search for the best car hire prices here!

I hope you enjoy your Lake District Day Trip itinerary!

• For more of my Lake District and UK posts see:
• 15 UK Staycation Ideas For This Year To Visit The Best Of The UK!
• How To Do Orrest Head Walk from Lake Windermere Easily!
• Best Things To Do in Lake Windermere To Avoid the Crowds!
• 20 Ideas For Day Trips From Birmingham By Coach, Train & Car!

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Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

Even if you only have a day to explore the Lake District, it’s still a chance to see some of the most beautiful scenery England has to offer.

The 2362 square kilometres of English countryside is famous for its mountains, lakes, hiking trails, and traditional English villages, and it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK.

However, seeing everything the Lake District has to offer in one day would be impossible. It’s a big place, and in a day you can only scratch the surface.

But if you do only have a day to explore, I still recommend doing it. Just driving through the landscapes of the Lake District is enough to warrant a day visit.

This post is split into two parts, an itinerary for two different types of people. The first suits a slower traveller ; someone who doesn’t need to rush to see it ‘all’.

And then the second, an itinerary that’s suited to someone who is happy whizzing around, seeing as many parts of the Lake District as possible.

Whichever type of traveller you are, this post details how to experience and enjoy the Lake District in just one day.

Visiting the Lake District for the first time? Check out my other posts!

• Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know
• Castlerigg Stone Circle Walk: Routes, Tips & Guide!

Want to start your digital nomad life?

Check out my ebook page (click here!) to see if there’s a guide that suits you. I’m here to help you leave the 9-5 and work remotely around the world! 💻 🌎

Lake District Itinerary 1 Day: A Summary

The Lake District is located in the north of England, around a 6-hour drive from London. It’s one of the country’s most famous national parks, with almost 16 million tourists visiting every year.

For us, it’s somewhere where we can escape the bustle of London and retreat to the countryside for a few days of walking, hiking, home-cooked meals, large glasses of red wine by the fire and hearty pub lunches. Sounds dreamy, right?

Whilst the Lake District deserves more than a day to visit, a day is better than nothing.

Just driving through the green, rolling hills, past fields of grazing sheep and cows, with the famous Lake District grey slate buildings and Roman walls. Visiting the Lake District, even for a day, is one of the best ways to see the real heart of the English countryside.

Where to stay in the Lake District

If you’re only staying in the Lake District for one day or one night, I recommend staying in Ambleside. Ambleside is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is one of my personal favourite areas , as it’s within walking distance of Lake Windemere.

If you’re only visiting the Lake District for one day, it’s an easy way to see some of the quintessential grey slate buildings, traditional pubs, and modern Lake District restaurants.

• If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside , I recommend staying in the  YHA Hostel.  It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡  BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
• Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside?  Our favourite is  Grayling Cottage . It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡  BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!
• For a luxurious one-night stay in Ambleside,  check out  The Ambleside Inn .  It’s an 18th-century hotel which will give you a true ‘English countryside’ experience. ➡  BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

How do I get around the Lake District?

If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. If you only have one day, you don’t want to be spending hours waiting for public transport. Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

However, if you haven’t got access to a car, exploring the Lake District in a day can still be done! The Lake District has amazing public transport (a lot better than some of the rest of the country), and you can whizz around on buses and boats. For more information about travelling around the Lake District without a car, you can check out my guide here.

Tips for driving in the Lake District

Driving in the Lake District is an experience due to its narrow and winding roads. Most of the time the roads won’t be too busy, unless you are travelling during the English summer months (June – August). When driving around the Lake District, just be sure to:

• Keep an eye on the weather, as it can change quickly. The Lake District experiences a lot of rain.
• Parking can be expensive. Download the apps RingGo and JustPark to make parking easier and quicker.
• Be prepared for wildlife in the middle of the road at any time of day.

➡ Need to hire a car in the Lake District? We rent our cars in the UK from this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

Lake District Itinerary 1 Day: Route One

This itinerary is for a slower traveller visiting the Lake District in one day.

Bowness-on-Windemere > Lake Windemere > Ambleside > Latrigg > Keswick

🌅 Morning: Eat breakfast in Bowness-on-Windemere, followed by a lake activity on Lake Windemere, the biggest lake in the national park. This lake is walkable from Bowness, so you can spend a couple of hours here after breakfast. Either hire a paddle board or a small boat to experience the lake. Stop for lunch at The Boathouse before heading off for your afternoon activities.

⛰️ Afternoon: Head to Ambleside, around a 10-minute drive north of Bowness-on-Windemere. Explore the town, stop for coffee , and have a slow walk up to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall. If you’re checking into a hotel for the night, this is a great time to do so.

🌇 Evening: In the evening, take a drive to Latrigg . It should only take around 30 minutes and is one of the best viewpoints in the Lake District National Park, and one that doesn’t take long to hike to! The viewpoint is a short 15-minute walk from the car park, and it has beautiful views over Keswick during sunset.

As you’re then only five minutes from Keswick, you can eat dinner here and explore. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from, and it is also known for some of the best Indian restaurants in the Lake District too!

Alternative option from Keswick: Visit the mystical Castlerigg Stone Circle ! Find out more information about the Neolithic site here.

Lake District Itinerary 1 Day: Route two

If you’d like to see a little more during your trip to the Lake District, this one-day itinerary is for those who can travel around at a faster pace.

Coniston (Coniston Water) > Tarn Hows > Ambleside > Grasmere > Waterhead

🌅 Morning: Start off with a wild swim in Coniston Water. Coniston Water is one of my favourite places to wild swim in the Lake District because of its calm waters and absence of large motorised boats (unlike Lake Windemere). There are also some great places to grab breakfast in Coniston, like our favourite, Herdwick’s Cafe.

⛰️ Afternoon: A short 10-minute drive from Coniston is Tarn Hows , one of the Lake District’s easiest yet most scenic walks. There are lots of green spaces for a picnic, so if the weather is nice, pick up some lunch in Coniston beforehand.

After Tarn Hows , head to Ambleside. Grab a coffee, browse the shops, and check into your hotel before driving to another quintessential Lake District town; Grasmere . Grasmere is one of the prettiest towns in the Lake District, and even if you only visit for 30-45 minutes, it’s worth strolling through.

🌇 Evening: For your evening in the Lake District, head to the waterfront at Lake Windemere. There are plenty of pubs to choose from, at the Waterhead, in Bowness-on-Windemere or in Windemere itself. These three areas all have beautiful lake views, and it’s a chance to relax after your busy day and watch the sunset.

➡ Don’t forget to pre-book your Lake District accommodation . You can check prices and availability here.

Is 1 day enough in the Lake District?

One day in the Lake District is a short amount of time, and if you can visit for longer, it is worth doing. To really experience the Lake District, it’s hikes, walks, quintessential villages and copious amounts of things to do, I recommend staying for at least 4-5 nights.

However, if you are on a tight time schedule, the Lake District can still be enjoyed within a day. You may only get to see a couple of places, but it’s still enough to enjoy the warm and welcoming Lake District atmosphere and to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole of the UK.

How many days do I need for the Lake District?

If you are visiting the Lake District for the first time, I recommend at least 4-5 nights.

This gives you the opportunity to hike some of the biggest peaks (like Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain) and swim in some of the lakes. It will also give you enough time to enjoy the scenery and get to know some of the small Lake District villages.

Other things to do in the Lake District

There are plenty of things to do in the Lake District. It’s one of the reasons why we return again and again each year! Some of the best things in the Lake District include:

• Hiking Scafell Pike , Helm Crag or Helvellyn
• Walking around some of the Lake Districts’ famous lakes, including our favourite; Blea Tarn
• Enjoying the nightlife and pubs in Keswick
• Visiting the busy market town of Kendal
• Trying water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding and rowing
• Exploring the Rydal Caves
• Take a trip to a local brewery
• Taking a lake cruise around Lake Windemere
• Enjoying fish and chips near the lake
• Walking the Orsett Head trail from Windemere
• Eating fudge at Roly’s in Keswick
• Visiting the Honister Pass

When is the best time to visit the Lake District?

You can visit the Lake District 365 days a year ; as it’s an ‘any kind of weather’ destination in the UK. However, if you want the cheapest accommodation prices, visit in the shoulder season (autumn and spring). During the winter months ( November – February), you can expect layers of snow to be covering the trails and paths.

Summer months in the UK (June – August) are always the most expensive months to visit the Lake District, as well as being the busiest. But of course, it’s when you’ll get the best weather, with dry, hot and sunny days.

➡ Visiting the Lake District in winter ? Check out this detailed guide on what to do during the colder months.

What to pack for a day trip to the Lake District

If you’re only visiting the Lake District for the day, make sure you have everything for a normal day in the countryside. These are some of my essential items for the Lake District:

• A lightweight  waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots  (that won’t slip)
• An  umbrella
• A  waterproof day bag
• A  waterproof phone case  (which can also be used for  wild swimming  when it’s sunnier)
• A  portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro  for waterproof camera footage
• A  waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle  to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A  Dry Robe , as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)

Check out my detailed travel packing list here!

Do I need a SIM card to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

Booking hostels?

Choosing the right hostel as a backpacker is crucial to how successful your trip will be. Always use Hostelworld.com for the cheapest rates, widest availability and most importantly – honest reviews from other travellers! Click here to view the best hostels for your trip.

Do I need a car to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.

If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!

What tours should I do in the Lake District? 

Looking to book a tour in the Lake District? Tours are one of the best ways to see the hidden gems of the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!

When travelling, we use this company to book our tours . Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else! 

➡ You can check out available tours in the Lake District with prices here!

Lake District Itinerary 1 Day: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it. Everything you need to know about what to do on a Lake District one-day itinerary.

As always, if you have any questions or worries about your trip to the Lake District, contact me on my Instagram or in the comments below.

Happy travelling!

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MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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Lake District Itinerary Without Car

Visiting the Lake District without a car is entirely possible and can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re looking to explore the stunning natural landscapes, visit historic sites, or simply relax and unwind, the Lake District offers a wealth of options for the car-free traveler.

Getting to the Lake District Without a Car

The easiest way to reach the Lake District is by train. Major railway stations include Windermere, Kendal, and Penrith, from which you can easily connect to buses or taxis to your accommodation.

Here are some sample train routes and travel times:

Public Transport Options

Once you’ve arrived in the Lake District, you’ll find a comprehensive bus network that connects the major towns and villages. Many bus stops are located near train stations, making it easy to transfer between modes of transport.

Some popular bus routes include:

• 208 and 508 buses from Windermere train station to Glenridding for the Helvellyn walk
• 555 bus from Grasmere to Keswick and Derwentwater

In addition to buses, there are also ferries that operate on Lake Windermere and Derwentwater, providing scenic routes and access to various walking trails.

Recommended Walks and Attractions

The Lake District offers a wealth of stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities that can be easily accessed without a car. Here are some of the top recommendations:

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Catch the 208 or 508 buses to Glenridding and follow the trail to the summit of Helvellyn. You can return via the 555 bus from Dunmail Raise.

Take the ferry from Keswick Launch to Hawes End and walk to the base of Catbells. The 6km circular route offers stunning views of Derwentwater and Skiddaw.

Dove Cottage

Catch a bus from Ambleside to Grasmere and visit the former home of William Wordsworth, a renowned English poet.

Accommodation and Dining Options

There are plenty of accommodation and dining options in the Lake District that are easily accessible without a car. Some recommendations include:

Castlerigg Hall

Offers glamping and holiday hire accommodations that are easily accessible by public transport.

Applegarth Villa Hotel

Located in Windermere village with good bus and ferry connections.

Urban Food House and Homeground Cafe

Recommended restaurants in Windermere.

Sample Itinerary

Here’s a sample 5-day itinerary for exploring the Lake District without a car:

Day 1 : Arrive in Grasmere and explore Rydal Water, including Rydal Mount and Gardens. Day 2 : Visit Keswick and Derwentwater using the 555 bus from Grasmere. Day 3 : Explore Easedale Tarn and other walks from Grasmere. Day 4 : Take a Mountain Goat Tour. Day 5 : Visit Ambleside and Windermere, with options to walk to Stagshaw Gardens and Orrest Head.

By using public transport and planning your itinerary around bus and ferry schedules, you can enjoy a car-free holiday in the Lake District and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of this region.

References: – Castlerigg Hall. (2023). Lake District holidays without a car | Guide. Retrieved from https://www.castlerigg.co.uk/views-from-castlerigg/lake-district-without-car/ – A Lady in London. (2010). Lake District without a Car – How to Travel Cumbria Using Public Transport. Retrieved from https://www.aladyinlondon.com/2010/08/lady-in-the-lake-district.html – Tanya Arya. (2024). A 5-day Lake District itinerary without a car. Retrieved from https://tanyaarya.co.uk/archive/a-5-day-lake-district-itinerary-without-a-car – Wanderlust Chloe. (2024). Visiting The Lake District Without A Car: 2024 Guide. Retrieved from https://www.wanderlustchloe.com/visiting-the-lake-district-without-a-car/ – Reddit. (2024). Lake District without a car – am I dreaming? : r/uktravel. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/uktravel/comments/1cfu978/lake_district_without_a_car_am_i_dreaming/

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4 Days in the Lake District (Central Lakes) by Public Transport

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Spend 4 days in the Lake District exploring charming villages, going on long, leisurely walk, and eating at delightful village pubs! This is a car-free Lake District itinerary which means there’s no need to drive for this itinerary is totally doable using public transport.

Lake District | England

Lake District was everything I had imagined from years of reading Wordsworth and Coleridge. Soaring fells swathed in swirling mists, lakes and tarns reflecting the frivolous moods of the sky overhead, rolling hills, colours of autumn leaves… it is ecstatic, it is beautiful, it is acres and acres of solitude and peace as I have never known before.

Located in northwest England, Lake District is the most-visited National Park in the UK. Here, sixteen major lakes glisten between the country’s highest mountains, in dramatic ghylls and secret dales, and the landscape is dotted with charming, chocolate-box villages with their whitewashed houses and jaunty pubs. The beauty of the Lake District has serenaded poets and painters since time immemorial and the moment you set foot here, you will know why. It is inspirational! This region is best savoured slowly, so unless you have a month or more to spend here, we recommend returning and returning again to explore this gorgeous corner of the world.

This car-free 4 days in the Lake District itinerary covers the central lakes: Windermere, Grasmere, Ambleside, and Hawkshead.

“The fleeting hour of life of those who love the hills is quickly spent, but the hills are eternal. Always there will be the lonely ridge, the dancing beck, the silent forest; always there will be the exhilaration of the summits. These are for the seeking, and those who seek and find while there is still time will be blessed both in mind and body.” Alfred Wainwright

4 Days in the Lake District: Itinerary

Railways: can i take the train to the lake district, buses: how to explore the lake district on buses, day 1: travel to the lake district via penrith, day 2: explore grasmere, day 3: visit ambleside and rydal | continue to hawkshead, day 4: explore hawkshead | return via keswick.

⭐ Booking your trip via the links on this page will earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support – Mohana & Aninda.

TIP : In the Lake District, you will come across a host of new words such as fell, howe, tarn, pike, etc. For a quick lesson on such place names, see Cumbria Toponymy .

Public Transport in the Lake District

First things first. This car-free 4 days in the Lake District itinerary would not have been possible without the excellent public transport in the Lake District.

Yes, you can take the train to the Lake District ! The northwest mainline runs along the western edge of the Lake District from Carlisle in the north to Oxenholme in the south. Roughly halfway between Carlisle and Oxenholme is Penrith. Avanti West Coast and Transpennine serve this route.

There are two other railway lines in the Lake District:

• Oxenholme to Windermere served by Northern
• The scenic Cumbria coastal rail route served by Northern

The train station you pick will depend on the areas you want to explore. For example:

• For the northern lakes, pick either Carlisle or Penrith.
• For the central lakes, pick either Penrith, Oxenholme, or Windermere.
• For the southern lakes, pick Oxenholme.
• For coastal Cumbria, pick a station on the Cumbria coast.

Also read : Craving more car-free holidays in the UK? Spend a weekend on the shores of Loch Ness with our Exploring Loch Ness (North) by Public Transport: Long Weekend Guide .

Though there are a few local bus companies in the region, Stagecoach pretty much has a monopoly in the Lake District. They have divided Cumbria into zones . Besides the usual single and return tickets, they have two main types of tickets:

• Day Rider: £9 (adults, 2022) for unlimited rides within a single zone.
• Explorer: £12 (adults, 2022) for unlimited rides in multiple zones. These tickets also include Newcastle and Lancaster.

If you are travelling by train, you will have to ride a Stagecoach bus to your final destination in the Lake District. Pick up a timetable at the station or see the Stagecoach website for the latest information. Some of the important connections (Summer, 2022) are as follows:

• 554 to Keswick (only four buses a day)
• 79 to Keswick (Saturdays only)
• X4, X5 to Keswick
• 508 to Windermere via Patterdale (once every two hours to Windermere)
• 41 to Kendal
• 555 between Keswick and Kendal via Ambleside and Grasmere. Some services continue to Lancaster.
• 599 between Bowness and Grasmere via Ambleside
• 505 between Windermere and Coniston via Ambleside and Hawkshead

Central Lake District Itinerary

NOTE : We travelled from and to Edinburgh but you can use this 4 days in the Lake District itinerary if you are travelling from any other city in the UK.

Plan to reach Penrith by noon, then take the 508 bus from Penrith to Windermere. The bus stop is right outside the station.

A scenic road trip but car-free? Sign us on! Stagecoach route 508 covers a very scenic route and is a treat in itself! It runs along the northern shores of Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the region, then ascends towards the Kirkliston Pass. It was misty the day we travelled and it felt like we were back in the Scottish Highlands! We highly recommend this route!

Spend some time exploring the marina at Bowness. The little town is dotted with pretty shops and cafes where you can spend hours sipping a hot chocolate and gazing at Windermere.

From Bowness, take the 599 to Grasmere, your destination for the day.

TIP : For an extra £5.5 (adults, 2022), you would add a Windermere lake cruise to your bus ticket and then cruise from Bowness to Ambleside.

STAY IN GRASMERE : There is no dearth of B&Bs, inns, holiday homes, and self-catering cottages at Grasmere. We stayed at the YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe Hostel for £29 a night for a private room for two. See more Grasmere accommodations here .

Short on time? Why not join a Lake District tour led by local experts?

Day 2 of this car-free 4 days in the Lake District trip starts bright and early and head towards the scenic Easedale Tarn after breakfast. The Easedale Tarn walk is breathtaking! Head uphill from the YHA, till you reach a wee wooden bridge. Cross it and walk down the stream and suddenly you are treated to towering crags split by a roaring waterfall. Press on along the well-marked path, past Sourmilk Ghyll and the sparkling waterfall, and before you know it, there’s Easedale Tarn. It doesn’t tease you at all; it just startles you with all its glory. Besides a couple and a small group of swimmers at the far end of the tarn, there was no one else and we sat in the sun, on the shore, and marvelled at this beautiful blue tarn set amidst this amphitheatre of slate-grey mountains.

The walk back can be boggy and we had to hop over stones most of the way. Wear good walking shoes, preferably waterproof ones.

Later in the day, we walked the circumference of Grasmere. The woodland was quiet and the leaves had just begun to turn. It was a gorgeous day and there were families on the small, sandy beach and children playing and it made for very lovely scenery.

It was a day dripping with natural beauty but it wasn’t over. After dinner at the YHA, we were exploring the grounds, admiring the woodlands and the beautiful property that housed the YHA when a pair of deers appeared out of nowhere. They stopped awhile and looked at us and we looked at them, still as statues as if bewitched, till they turned and galloped away gracefully.

We started day 3 of our 4 days in the Lake District trip with a short, early morning ramble to Allan Bank , the former home of William Wordsworth. It doesn’t open that early, so we just sat on a bench and admired the towering fells and a distant waterfall. The light in the Lake District is magical at all hours but in the early hours of the day, it has an indescribable quality.

The original plan was to visit Rydal Mount, the home of William Wordsworth, and enjoy a walk around Rydal Waters and White Moss but we were exhausted after the walks on the previous day and decided to skip Rydal on this trip. Instead, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the Grasmere Tea Room, then took the 555/599 to Ambleside. Don’t forget to pick up some famous gingerbread from the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop !

At Ambleside, treat yourself to a snack– we enjoyed an excellent sausage roll and pastries from the Cornish Bakery–, then go on the Stock Ghyll Force Walk . The woodlands are glorious and the waterfall is a must-see! Fall colours were just showing and we could guess how brilliant they get in autumn. The walk was muddy in parts but the woodlands were really, really lovely.

Ambleside is really pretty but bursting with tourists. If you don’t mind the crowds, spend some time exploring the charming lanes and popping in and out to giftshops and bookshops.

After lunch, take the 505 to Hawkshead, one of the area’s prettiest villages.

Also read : Visit the pretty village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond on a weekend. See Things to do in Luss to know more.

Are you a Beatrix Potter fan? Join a curated tour that takes you on a Beatrix Potter pilgrimage in the Lake District.

On the last day of our 4 days in the Lake District, we travelled to one of the Lake District’s prettiest villages. The crowds were thinning when we reached Hawkshead and we spent some time ambling around the chocolate-box village. If you are a Beatrix Potter fan, pop into the exhibition gallery to see her works. We spent way too long popping in and out of shops, picking up chocolates and relishes and pates and chutneys. The Hawkshead Relish Co. is a must-visit and so is the Chocolate Factory. Hawkshead is also a destination on the William Wordsworth trail. The famous poet went to the Hawkshead Grammer School.

We were really tired by then, so dragged our feet to the YHA Hawkshead Hostel for the night where we spent a lazy evening drinking beers and watching the sunset from the glamourous picture windows.

The next morning of our car-free Lake District trip started with a wee walk up a hill for a view of Elterwater which whetted our appetite and we had a filling vegan breakfast at Ginny’s Teapot. We wanted to do the 40-minute walk to Beatrix Potter’s home at Hill Top but decided to give it a miss and wandered around the village. Lunch at the King’s Arm or the Queen’s head (we chose the latter and it was fantastic!) before heading back to Windermere for a bus/train back home.

We really wanted to go on the Tarn Hows walk but had to skip it due to logistics. Instead, we travelled all the way to Keswick to see the Thursday Market and try some of the famous Hungarian goulash at the Dog and Gun before taking the bus to Carlisle and then the train home to Edinburgh.

So that is how we spent a memorable 4 days in the Lake District. Have you been to the Lake District? What did you think of our car-free Lake District itinerary?

More Lake District Travel Guides

• Things to Do In Borrowdale
• Stock Ghyll Force Walk, Ambleside
• Watendlath and Dock Tarn Walk, Lake District
• Riding the Scenic Cumbrian Coast Railway

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Mohana & Aninda

Mohana and Aninda are travellers and advocates for car-free travel. Two-together is their travel blog where they document their travels to encourage and inspire readers to seek solace in new places, savour local cuisines, and relish both unique and everyday experiences. When they are not travelling, they are actively researching trip ideas and itineraries, obsessing over public transport timetables, reviewing travel budgets, and developing content for their blog. They are currently based in Edinburgh and exploring Scotland and beyond by public transport.

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8 responses to “4 days in the lake district (central lakes) by public transport”.

Super helpful! I hate driving! Thanks for the write up. Looks like a great holiday.

What a lovely area! It hasn’t really been on my radar but your photos are convincing me it definitely should be!

I so prefer using public transport while traveling. It provides so much insights rather than riding around in a car.

Such a beautiful area! I’ve never heard of it before, but I would love to visit and see the waterfalls!

I have wanted to see the Lake District for so long. I just loved your photos. I would also take public transport as I can’t imagine driving on the wrong (left) side of the road lol!

This is such a beautifully written article, and I LOVE that you did it all on public transport. I only wish the trains were cheaper in the UK. I live in Devon and I’d love nothing more than to hop on a train to the Lakes, but it’s so expensive to travel all that way by train 🙁 Great article though, and your photos are gorgeous.

Thank you so much! I wish the tickets were cheaper too. We usually book 10-12 weeks in advance and they are slightly more cheaper from Edinburgh but even then I wouldn’t really call them cheap tickets. At least the £2 bus fares are still on and makes it affordable to explore the region.

Would love to go back to Ambleside

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Tripadvisor 5* Rated

Last Minute Trips

5* tripadvisor rated, book now for 2025, lake district advanced walking tour - guided, at a glance.

• 6 days, 5 nights
• 3* or 4* Hotels
• Pickup: Penrith
• Carbon: 82kg CO2e
• Difficulty: Hard

Join us for this fully guided walking tour of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and England's largest National Park

Experience first-hand the stunning landscape that inspired famed English poet, William Wordsworth and beloved author Beatrix Potter. Conquer the towering heights of Helvellyn and Scafell Pike, some of the highest peaks in England, or stay lower down in some of the beautiful verdant valleys of the Lake District – the choice is yours. Explore vibrant market towns of Keswick and Ambleside. Marvel at the mirror-like surface of Buttermere lake and surrounding fells, widely regarded as one of England’s most captivating landscapes. Feast on fantastic cuisine from favourite local restaurants, refresh with a pint in atmospheric pubs, and rest up at the end of each day in the comfort of your hotel.

With an experienced local mountain leader guiding you every step of the way, join one of our Active England tours and discover the majesty of the Lakes.

• Explore the National Trust site of Derwentwater and an ancient stone circle 
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Buttermere and tick of some of Wainwrights summits
• Conquer the famous Helvellyn and Catbells summits with an early morning sunrise hike
• Sample local ales and handmade treats in the bustling market town of Keswick
• Scale England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike

Your Itinerary

Arriving at Penrith railway station for 1.00pm, meet your local guide and make a short transfer to the bustling market town of Keswick. Nestled below the Skiddaw mountains, we begin our tour with an introductory walk to the Castlerigg Stone Circle. A fascinating spot, this local landmark is thought to be an incredible one-thousand years older than Stonehenge. After enjoying the awe-inspiring views over Derwentwater, one of the first National Trust sites in the UK, we walk back into Keswick for our first dinner together as a group.

We take to the fells and the Buttermere valley, walking the Buttermere ring and with the option to tick off several Wainwrights by climbing Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike, and Whiteless Pike. Upon reaching the summit, we’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of Buttermere, famous for its glorious setting among the northern fells. As a reward for your efforts, we’ll spend the late afternoon tasting delicious local gin and feasting on some well-earned Cumbrian dishes.

We set out at dawn, catching a magical sunrise from the summit of Catbells. We promise the view will be worth the early start! We’ll then make our way to Ambleside for lunch and a relaxing afternoon in one of the Lake District’s premier towns. For those wanting more of a challenge, your guide will be more than happy to take you up Helvellyn, the third-highest peak in England and often referred to as England’s greatest walk. We dine this evening at The Royal Oak, widely known to be Wordsworth’s favourite hideout.

We set out a little later today, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy Keswick’s many delightful shops and cafés. After picking up some lunch from Relish, a favourite local sandwich shop, we make our way to the imposing Langdale Fells. Not to be missed, Wainwright himself once said that “no mountain profile arrests and excites the attention more.” Along the way, we marvel at several different peaks, including the Langdale Pikes. We finish our day of fell-walking with a late afternoon stroll to Wainwrights, where we rest and recover with a perfect pint of local ale.

Today we tackle Scafell Pike. At 978 metres, it’s England’s highest mountain and a popular destination for fell walkers. Our local guide will lead you on a quieter but no-less stunning route, avoiding the crowds by approaching via the lush Great Langdale valley. After conquering Scafell, and enjoying a picnic lunch of Relish sandwiches, Kendal mint cake and Grasmere gingerbread, we make our way gently down to welcoming atmosphere of The Royal Oak for a celebratory dinner. This particular walk isn’t for the faint-hearted, but we promise it’s one of the most rewarding routes the Lakes has to offer. There are many different options on this day, and if you don’t fancy going all the way to the summit, your guide will take you an alternative route.

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Penrith. Here we say farewell and provide any help you might need with your onward travel.

Handpicked Accommodation

Lacet House This Bed & Breakfast with countryside views is set within the heart of Ambleside and offers a full English breakfast every morning. All the rooms have tea/coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

Chestnut Villa Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park and surrounded by stunning fells, Chestnut Villa was built in 1850 as a coaching inn. Each room offers a beautiful view of the surrounding fells and has a smart TV and tea/coffee making facilities so you can relax in this tranquil haven with a warm welcome.

The George Hotel The George Hotel is in the centre of Keswick and is one of the oldest Inns in the Lake District. Built in 1655 it is full of wonderful character with exposed beams & sashed windows. The dining room offers legendary pub classics, with delightfully fresh modern twists. An anthology of expertly crafted cask ales adorn the bar, juggling with expertly distilled gins and plenty of wine.

What our guides say...

The Lake District is a very special place and you can see why it has inspired so many authors and adventurers

What’s Included

• All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary
• All breakfasts and x2 dinners (excluding dinner drinks)
• Walking poles
• GPS routes, provided via RideWithGPS (app available for Apple or Android)
• All special events, iconic points of interests, expert guests and entrance fees
• All transportation from rendezvous to farewell locations
• All baggage transportation
• All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
• Services of a professional local guide

Accommodation Types

We have handpicked the best family run, independent and country hotels, pubs and guest houses. Cosy and with informal dining, these country hotels are friendly and relaxed, with great menus with locally sourced food and ales. Our handpicked accommodation is 3* with the option to upgrade to 4* for an additional cost.

Difficulty Level

This tour is rated hard , meaning it’s appropriate for guests who enjoy a reasonably challenging walk and can handle a few inclines. We cover varied terrain, with a few steeper walks which are slightly more demanding. Your holiday, however, will be tailored by your guide to suit your individual preferences. Daily distances range from 4-10 miles, with varying elevation gain on different days. Rewarding views are guaranteed!

Equipment Provided

We’ll provide walking poles if required.

Pre & Post Tour Travel

Pick-up location: Penrith railway station. Our walking holidays are designed to be completely relaxing, with the start of our tours sitting within easy reach of London, Bristol or the Midlands. This tour begins from Penrith, a direct 3-hour train journey out of London, so that you can begin your holiday stress-free. End-of-tour location: Penrith railway station.

Where is the Lake District? The Lake District is in the North West of England, with rugged mountains (fells), dramatic lakes (meres) and deep valleys formed by Ice Age glaciers. It contains England’s highest mountain, and deepest lake, and is both a National Park and a World Heritage Site, in recognition of its natural wild beauty and cultural significance, having inspired generations of poets, writers and artists.

What is the best way to get to the Lake District? The best way to travel to the Lake District is by train, approximately a 4 hour direct journey from London Paddington to Penrith.

You can also fly into Manchester and transfer to the start of the tour from there. We can also arrange pre and post accommodation at a range of different locations so you can arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to start your tour.

Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer for you from London – the drive is approximately 5 hours.

How hilly is the Lake District? The North of England is hillier than many of the other regions of England. However the Lake District has a variety of routes which makes the regions great walking country and suitable for those who are moderately fit and active. There are many hills, fells and moors but the incredible views from the top more than make up from the ascents! However, you will be able to miss out some of the steeper inclines – or add in some hillier walks for those looking to stretch their legs. There are routes for everyone and we can tailor your tour to your specific preferences.

Make this trip private

Our private tours are based on our tried and tested group departures with two key differences. They offer you the freedom to travel when you wish and with whoever you’d like to holiday with.

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Carbon Footprint

What’s the Number? Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, we’ve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. We’ve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliers…

What does the number mean? We’re going to improve this by measuring and reducing our footprint each year. That means working with our suppliers to make changes that have a more positive impact on us and the planet. What does this look like in reality?

• Redesign trips to reduce our carbon impact
• Working closely with all our suppliers across England to join us on our decarbonisation journey
• Switching up our vehicle fleet to electric
• Investing in projects that permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere for any emissions that remain.

We’ve got a long way to go but we’re on our way to net-zero We’re committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. We’ve taken ownership of our carbon footprint and are on a mission to reduce our emissions year on year.

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In choosing Active England you are travelling with a company that takes its commitment to sustainable tourism very seriously. We have partnered with ecollective to help us measure and reduce our carbon footprint, and we work closely with our suppliers to make small changes that have a positive impact on our planet. 

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25 May 25 – 30 May 25

15 jun 25 – 20 jun 25, 29 jun 25 – 04 jul 25, 27 jul 25 – 01 aug 25, 07 sep 25 – 12 sep 25, 21 sep 25 – 26 sep 25, 05 oct 25 – 10 oct 25.

Visiting The Lake District Without A Car

From trains and buses, to bikes and boats, it turns out you really can visit the Lake District without a car!

I’ve just returned from an exciting car-free adventure in England’s beautiful Lake District. It was my second time in the region. Two years ago, I spent a few days embracing my inner adventure chick by day, and feasting on incredible local cuisine by night.

I totally fell in love with the landscapes. Those epic mountains, valleys, forests and lakes. The rich purple of the heather covering the hills, and the deep blues of the region’s many lakes. It really is a photographer’s dream!

I was invited to return this year by the GoLakes team at Cumbria Tourism, and replied with a big fat YES! Even better, they wanted me to explore the region car-free. Anyone who knows me well will be aware that while I do have a driving license, I’ve barely driven in eight years. The thought of getting behind the wheel terrifies me – no doubt the same feeling for anyone travelling in the passenger seat!

I’m always excited to discover beautiful places in England are accessible without a car. The Lake District is a place that many people might think you can ONLY reach if you drive, but it’s definitely not the case.

So along with explaining a little about the public transport in the Lake District, I wanted to share what we got up to on our three-day car-free adventure. 

But first, check out the video from our trip…

Travelling From London To The Lake District Without A Car

Do you need a car to visit the Lake District? No! I used public transport and found the journey very easy. I travelled from London to the Lake District by train, leaving from London Euston and arriving in Penrith three hours later. I love travelling by train – all that time staring out of the window as the landscapes change. Time to catch up on work. Pop some tunes in my ears and away we go!

Penrith lies just outside the Lake District National Park, but it’s the main hub for people visiting the eastern edge of the park. It’s close to Ullswater (the second biggest lake in the Lake District), which, if you want to follow in my footsteps, is where we spent most of our trip.

From Penrith Station you can catch the 508 bus which goes from Penrith to Windermere, and stops at several places around Ullswater. It’s worth noting that there are a few diversions in operation around Ullswater due to the rebuilding works taking place at Pooley Bridge.

You can find more info about getting around by public transport on the Lake District’s website , which includes all the bus routes in the region connecting popular spots such a Windermere,  Keswick and Grasmere.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Lake District?

England is a country obsessed with weather. Don’t know what to say? Comment on the weather! Us Brits talk about it a lot, but contrary to what you may have heard, we don’t have awful weather in England. It’s just a little unpredictable and varies from region to region.

You can expect average lows of around 5 °C in London in January / February, and highs around 25°C in July / August.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit the Lake District, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring! 

I’ve never been a fan of November in England. It’s the wettest month of the year, and while December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic around the country which always puts a smile on my face!

Also, it’s worth noting that the winter months of January and February are pretty bleak months to visit, but it’s when you’re most likely to experience snow in England. The majority of England’s snowfall happens in places with high altitudes, including right here in the Lake District.

Touring The Lake District Without A Car – A 3 Day Itinerary

  The Lake District is a large region, so my top tip if you’re visiting without a car is to base yourself in one or two areas, rather than trying to cover too much ground. We stayed around Ullswater, and enjoyed a number of activities, a few types of accommodation, and got stuck into some great cuisine too!

Activities In The Lake District

Aira force hike.

I could hear Aira Force waterfall well before I could see it. The thundering power of the 65-foot drop down through the rocks to the pools below. It was a rewarding moment too, as I’d just completed a 4-mile hike from The Quiet Site (where we were staying) and my legs were excited for a good rest!

The hike itself is absolutely spectacular, and if I were to only recommend one activity from my trip, this would be it! BONUS – it’s free and proof you don’t need a car to see some of the most beautiful parts of The Lake District! The Quiet Site have produced a detailed map to reach the falls, and it works well as an 8-mile loop if you want to return there afterwards.

We passed along craggy rocks, through magical forests, climbed over stiles, opened and closed several kissing gates and emerged at several spectacular viewpoints. My favourite overlooked Ullswater from quite a height, and offered some of the best panoramic views I’ve seen in the Lake District.

Ullswater Steamers

The Ullswater Steamers offer a great way of reaching different parts of the lake, all while enjoying spectacular views. The boat service, which is now in its 160 th year, connects Pooley Bridge, Howtown, Glenridding and Aira Force. After our waterfall hike we hopped on board at Aira Force, and headed to Glenridding. Later we caught the last boat of the day down to Pooley Bridge.

If you’re visiting on a blustery day, don’t worry – you can stay cosy inside the cabin, enjoying a cuppa, a hot chocolate or something stronger from the on-board bar. You’ll find the Ullswater Steamers timetable online , where you can also book tickets before your visit.

E-Biking Around Ullswater

Looking for other ways of getting around the Lake District without a car? How about renting an e-bike? While even the fittest of cyclists might struggle with the region’s hills, these days e-bikes are opening up cycling in this region to all.

Arragons Cycles offer cycle hire at Lowther Castle, Hillcroft Park and at their store in Penrith. Just book your ride in advance and you can enjoy exploring the region on two wheels. 

In the Ullswater area, there’s a great network of trails through the Lowther Estate , which shows off some of the region’s prettiest scenery, including ancient woodlands, pretty countryside and the River Lowther.

Water Sports At Glenridding Sailing Centre  

So if going on the Ullswater Steamers isn’t quite the ‘water activity’ you’re looking for, I’d recommend spending some time at Glenridding Sailing Centre . We hired a canoe for a couple of hours and went out for a relaxed paddle on Ullswater, but you could also hire kayaks and sailing boats. I also spotted some fab experience days , which would be perfect if you’re visiting in bigger group.

There’s something so liberating about paddling out on a vast expanse of water like Ullswater. We explored the little bays, waved as sailors breezed past, visited the tiny islands in the middle of the water, and enjoyed uninterrupted lake views.

Shopping And Eating In Pooley Bridge

The quintessential English village of Pooley Bridge has had a tough few years. After the old bridge (from which the village gets its name) was severely damaged by Storm Desmond in 2015, the village was a little cut off for a while. Thankfully the situation has improved, with the side where the Ullswater Steamers dock being connected to the village by a temporary footbridge. Work on the new road bridge is ongoing (due to complete Spring/Summer 2020).

From the pier, it’s just a few minutes walk to the centre of the village, and all you could need for a lovely afternoon by the lake. There’s gastropub The Crown Inn, country pub Pooley Bridge Inn and gourmet restaurant 1863 (more on two of those below), Granny Dowbekins Tearooms, Chestnut House (great for gifts, local foods, and its huge range of gin) and The Barn (selling handmade fudge).

You can walk the main street in about five minutes, but it’ll take you a lot longer if you pop in and look at each shop. As the rain started to fall, I loved looking at all the knick-knacks and gifts for sale. We left with a bag of mint chocolate fudge, a jar of local chilli chutney, and a slightly tipsy head after sipping several samples of local gin!

Where To Stay: Lake District Hotels & Quirky Accommodation

On my first visit to the region, I was really impressed with the quality and variety of places to stay in the Lake District . This time I split my time between two very different styles of accommodation. No doubt one of them will appeal to you…

Casual and quirky: The Quiet Site  

The Quiet Site’s reputation preceded it! Yes, this was somewhere I’d been excited to visit for a while after seeing it on social media. The campsite is famed for its quirky Hobbit Hole accommodation. There are 15 Hobbit Holes, plus static caravans, areas to pitch tents, and wooden camping pods.

The Hobbit Holes are built into the side of the hill, and are super cute, with round windows, deck chairs and a table outside. They’re deceptively roomy inside too, with a large cushioned area sleeping 2 adults and 2 children, plus a kettle, microwave, fridge and a separate toilet and sink. For showers you’ll need to head to the shower block by the entrance.

I really enjoyed the bar at The Quiet Site – a cosy place open in the evenings, with a pool table, board games, roaring log fire and reasonable drinks. There’s also a brand new zero-waste store selling everything you could need for glamping or camping, including bread, soup, fresh milk and snacks. Plus, if you don’t fancy cooking, The Saucy Sausage (on site food truck) serves up tasty sausage-based dinners and breakfasts!

As for accessibility when visiting without a car, The Quiet Site is a little out of the way, BUT don’t let that put you off. The staff offer complimentary pickups from places close by. We caught the 508 bus from Penrith to the Brackenrigg Inn (5 mins away by car) and were collected from there.

Smart and comfortable: 1863

I was aware of the Lake District’s love of ‘restaurants with rooms’ from my previous visit, so was excited to check in to 1863 in Pooley Bridge. What does this mean? Basically there are plenty of great places to stay where the emphasis is on gastronomy, but the accommodation is great too.

There are seven bedrooms at 1863, each with unique and elegant décor. I adored our room ( Room 6 ) which is built into the eaves of the building, and features vibrant floral wallpaper, decadent soft furnishings and a chic bathtub.

If you get a chance, take a seat by the fireplace in the lounge area and look through 1863’s ‘first year’ book. I was amazed by owners’ Mark and Anne’s incredible vision as they transformed the building into what you see today.

The main event though? The food – just wait until you read about our meal at 1863’s restaurant.

Where To Eat In The Lake District

Gourmet cuisine at 1863 , pooley bridge.

1863’s restaurant deservedly holds two AA rosettes. We enjoyed over two hours of entertainment as we worked our way through the 6-course tasting menu with wine pairings.

Highlights included an earthy beetroot dish with creamy goats’ cheese and light beetroot crisps, a decadent duck dish with celeriac puree and a crisp duck pastilla, and a sweet and tangy damson dessert served with raspberry and a meringue that was almost too pretty to eat!

Chefs create beautifully-presented, balanced dishes, with flavours that combine effortlessly together. The wine pairing worked well, and surprisingly started with a red, before moving to white. If you’re looking for a special meal in the Lake District, this is THE place to visit.

Hearty Pub Grub At The Crown Inn

Overlooking the new bridge construction is The Crown Inn, a 17 th Century coaching inn serving up hearty pub classics. When the sun is shining, the terrace is a great spot to enjoy the view, or if it’s chilly, warm up inside by a cosy log fire.

On the menu you’ll find gastropub staples, including sausage and mash (Cumberland of course!) burgers, fish and chips, pies and steaks. Quality is good and portions are big, so it’s a great place to rest up after an adventurous day in Ullswater.

We tucked into tempura fried king prawns, followed by rump steaks and shared a moreish sticky toffee pudding for dessert. After a long day of hiking, canoeing and more, it was just what we needed!

So can you enjoy a Lake District holiday without a car? I think from my post you can see you definitely can! For details of accommodation, food, attractions and experiences in the Lake District, Cumbria, check out www.golakes.co.uk

A big thanks to the GoLakes team at Cumbria Tourism for inviting me to explore the Lake District without a car. As always, all words and opinions are my own.

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

4 thoughts on “Visiting The Lake District Without A Car”

Wow, what beautiful photos. I absolutely adore the Lake District and this sounds like my perfect holiday. I have visited a lot but never stayed at or eaten at any of the places you’ve mentioned so will definitely check those out. I can’t believe how much you crammed in without a car. Great post, will be bookmarking it for our next visit!

Thanks Rachel – it was a gorgeous trip and it really is surprisingly accessible!

Hi Chloe. This is a wonderful review. I like you would need to visit car free. I have 2 gorgeous pooches who’d love an adventure here. Would you happen to know if any of the accommodation sites accept dogs. And for my partner, he’d not be able to do the wonderful walks but could still come. He’s disabled and uses a mobility scooter, so did anywhere have disabled access? Thank so much in advance. Really looking forward to visiting.

Hi Joanne, Lots of accommodation in the lakes accept dogs. I couldn’t tell you off the top of my head, but I know it’s quite common as lots of people like to explore with their 4-legged friends! A few of the larger hotels have lifts which may be best for your partner. There’s some helpful info here: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/accessible-for-all Hope that helps. Have a great trip. I loved it!!

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The best one week Sardinia itinerary

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This Mediterranean giant, second only to Sicily in size, remains one of Italy's best travel destinations. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this expert Sardinia itinerary will guide you in planning the perfect trip. From the winding streets of Cagliari to the glamorous Costa Smeralda, we'll help you squeeze the most out of this enchanting isle in just one week.

Travel ideas for Italy, created by local experts

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Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

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Florence. A mere mention of the name conjures up grand images of Renaissance romance, awe-inspiring art and astonishing architecture. Come and see for yourself.

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The best one-week Sardinia itinerary

Planning the perfect one-week sardinia road trip.

Rugged, sun-drenched coastlines , prehistoric ruins, and some of the Mediterranean's most pristine beaches – Sardinia is a great place to explore. A week-long road trip is the perfect way to experience this unique island. Here’s our favorite way to spend a week in Sardinia: 

Day 1: Cagliari

The first day of this Sardinia itinerary starts at the Cagliari Airport, where you will pick up your rental car. Start by exploring Caligaria , the island's capital that's equal parts medieval charm and modern Mediterranean with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Here you’ll find lively piazzas and narrow streets that are great for exploring.

Start your day with a walk through the historic Castello district. Here you can visit the Bastione di Saint Remy, a limestone fortification that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Make sure to also see the nearby Cattedrale di Santa Maria, a 13th-century cathedral featuring a unique blend of Pisan-Romanesque and Baroque architecture.

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

When it’s time for lunch, stop by Sa Domu Sarda, a relaxed spot known for its traditional Sardinian food. Be sure to try the  culurgiones — a tasty pasta stuffed with potatoes and pecorino cheese.

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Cagliari Cathedral and climb the Torre dell'Elefante, a 14th-century tower offering stunning views of the city.

Where to stay in Cagliari

• Best for a boutique stay:   Neko Boutique Hotel . This charming hotel offers uniquely designed rooms in a restored historic building. Its central location, attentive service, and stylish decor make for a great place to stay in Cagliari.
• Best for luxury experience:   Palazzo Doglio . This five-star hotel combines opulent design with top-notch amenities. 
• Best for budget-friendly comfort:   Boutique Hotel Carlo Felice . Situated near Cagliari's main attractions, this affordable hotel offers comfortable rooms friendly service — and complimentary breakfast.

Traditional Sardinian embroidered dresses, parading in the streets, Italy © hybridimages/Shutterstock

Day 2: Costa Rei

After breakfast, you'll set off on a scenic 1-hour drive east to Costa Rei, enjoying some stunning coastal views along the way. This area is famous for its pristine beaches, but there’s much more to explore. Start your day at the Scoglio di Peppino, a distinctive rock formation that's become a symbol of Costa Rei. From there, you can take a short hike to the Torre di Sarrabus, a 16th-century Spanish watchtower that offers panoramic views of the coastline. This tower is part of a very old defensive system.

In the afternoon, head over to Cala Pira, a secluded beach surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and known for its crystal-clear waters. It’s a great spot to try windsurfing or paddleboarding, both popular activities in the area. As the day comes to an end, take a stroll through the charming village of Muravera, known for its citrus fruits and traditional handicrafts.

Where to stay in Costa Rei

• Best for a boutique stay:  La Villa Del Re . This adults-only luxury hotel offers an intimate beachfront experience with elegant rooms and stunning sea views. Its infinity pool, gourmet restaurant, and attentive service create an atmosphere of refined relaxation.
• Best for beachfront convenience:   Hotel Ristorante Il Vascello . Located steps from the pristine Costa Rei beach, this hotel combines comfort with easy seaside access. Its on-site restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, while the friendly staff ensures a pleasant stay.
• Best for wellness enthusiasts:   Costa Rey Wellness & Spa Resort . This expansive resort boasts a comprehensive spa center, multiple pools, and various dining options. It has spacious rooms and great proximity to the beach.

Scoglio di Peppino beach, Costa Rei, Muravera, Castiadas. Sardinia © Shutterstock

Day 3: Cala Gonone

The third day of this Sardinia itinerary starts with a  2.5-hour drive to Cala Gonone, a picturesque town in the Gulf of Orosei. 

Once you arrive, start with a visit to the Grotta del Bue Marino, a series of sea caves known for their stunning stalactites and stalagmites. These caves were once home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal, which is how they got their name.

If you’re more in the mood for hiking, head out to the Gola di Gorropu, often referred to as Europe’s Grand Canyon. This impressive gorge, with walls reaching up to 500 meters, offers trails for all fitness levels and showcases some of Sardinia's most dramatic interior landscapes. 

For dinner, make your way to Ristorante Ispinigoli, which is set in a natural cave for a truly unique dining experience. Be sure to try their roasted suckling pig, a local Sardinian specialty. Cala Gonone has a relaxed, coastal vibe with just the right amount of adventure, making it a great stop on your Sardinian trip.

Where to stay in Cala Gonone

• Best for a boutique stay:  Margaida Boutique Hotel & SPA . This stylish hotel offers a serene retreat with modern rooms and a luxurious spa. Its hilltop location provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Orosei, while the infinity pool adds a touch of elegance.
• Best for sea views:   Hotel Caramare . Perched on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this hotel boasts panoramic vistas from every room. With a private beach area and an excellent restaurant.
• Best for family-friendly amenities:   Hotel L'Oasi . This welcoming hotel features spacious family rooms and a large outdoor pool. Its proximity to the beach, coupled with a kids' play area and friendly staff, makes it ideal for vacationing families.

Cala Luna beach in Cala Gonone, Sardinia © Shutterstock

Day 4: Olbia

Day four starts with a 1.5-hour drive north to Olbia. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, head over to the port for a boat trip through the stunning Arcipelago di La Maddalena. This protected group of islands and islets is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the Mediterranean. 

As you sail through the turquoise waters, keep an eye out for dolphins —they’re often spotted in this area. Also be sure to visit the famous Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on Budelli Island, with its unique rose-colored sand made from coral and shell fragments.

In the late afternoon, return to Olbia and explore the town's historic center. Here you can take a stroll along Corso Umberto, the main shopping street, where you can browse local handicrafts and sample traditional Sardinian sweets like seadas , a delicious fried pastry filled with cheese and drizzled with honey. For dinner, stop by Bacchus Restaurant, known for its excellent wine selection and traditional Sardinian dishes. 

Where to stay in Olbia

• Best for a boutique stay:  Hotel Stefania Boutique Hotel by the Beach . This elegant beachfront property offers stylish rooms with sea views. Its intimate atmosphere, excellent restaurant, and proximity to Pittulongu Beach make it perfect for a luxurious, relaxing getaway.
• Best for beach lovers:  Hotel Mare Blue . Situated directly on Bados Beach, this hotel provides stunning sea views and easy beach access. With comfortable rooms, a beachfront restaurant, and water sports facilities.
• Best for city exploration:  Hotel Centrale . Located in the heart of Olbia, this hotel offers a convenient base for discovering the city. With modern amenities, helpful staff, and proximity to shops, restaurants, and historical sites.

Italy, Sardinia island, the ancient lighthouse at the entrance of the gulf of Olbia © Shutterstock

Day 5: Olbia

The fifth day is for exploring Olbia and the surrounding areas more. You can start your morning with a visit to the Chiesa di San Simplicio, a stunning Romanesque church and one of Sardinia's most significant medieval landmarks.

If you want to get a feel for local life, try to visit Olbia's lively market, which takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. You can wander through stalls packed with fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional crafts. It's the perfect chance to try some regional favorites like pecorino cheese and bottarga (cured fish roe).

From there, you can take a short drive to Costa Smeralda , famous for its upscale resorts and breathtaking beaches. Our recommendation is to spend some time relaxing at Spiaggia del Principe, a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach with clear turquoise waters.

Travel tip: While the Costa Smeralda is beautiful, it can be quite expensive. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on one of the public beaches to save money.

San Simplicio Church in Olbia © Shutterstock

Day 6: Alghero

Spend today exploring Alghero, often called "Little Barcelona" because of its rich Catalan influence. Begin your day with a stroll along the ancient city walls, where you'll get amazing views of the sea and the charming old town. Make a stop at the Torre di Porta Terra, a historic tower that now features a multimedia museum about Alghero's past.

For lunch, head to La Botteghina, a cozy spot in the heart of the old town. Don't miss out on their Catalan-style lobster, a dish that highlights Alghero's Spanish roots. Afterward, wander through the local market to check out fresh produce and Sardinian treats.

In the afternoon, hop on a boat to Capo Caccia and visit Neptune's Grotto, a stunning sea cave filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. If you're feeling adventurous, climb the 656 steps of the Escala del Cabirol (Goat's Steps) for incredible views of the coastline.

Where to stay in Alghero

• Best for a boutique stay:  San Francesco Heritage Hotel . This elegant hotel occupies a restored 15th-century monastery. Its central location and charming courtyard provide a unique, intimate experience.
• Best for spa relaxation:  Hotel La Margherita & SPA . This contemporary hotel boasts a luxurious spa center with various treatments and facilities. Its rooftop terrace offers stunning sea views.
• Best for budget-friendly comfort:  Hotel Alguer . This affordable option offers clean, comfortable rooms in a convenient location. With friendly staff and a short walk to the beach and old town, it's ideal.

Stairways to stalactite cave of Neptune Grotto in Alghero in Sardinia ©  Prashant_Agrawal/Shutterstock

Day 7: Alghero

For the final day, you've got two great options to choose from. If you're into wine, you can take a tour of the nearby Sella & Mosca winery, one of the biggest in Europe. You'll get a taste of Sardinian winemaking traditions and sample some fantastic local wines, including the famous Cannonau.

If history is more your thing, you could visit the Nuraghe di Palmavera, an ancient site with impressive prehistoric stone structures that are unique to Sardinia. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the island’s Nuragic civilization, with around forty "domus de janas" (fairy houses) carved into the rock dating back to 3300-2500 BC.

To wrap up your trip, treat yourself to a farewell dinner at The Kings in Alghero's old town. Their tasting menu highlights the best of Sardinian cuisine, with fresh seafood, locally sourced meats, and traditional desserts — a perfect way to end your stay.

Don't miss Palmavera on you Sardinia itinerary, Porto Conte, Alghero © Shutterstock

If you’re ready to hit the road, here are some tips from our local travel experts . If you’re exhausted from the hours of research that come with planning a trip, consider our tailor-made trip service . Our experts can craft a customized itinerary, taking care of all of the planning and booking. See some of our trip ideas for inspiration.

How to get around in Sardinia

Forget public transport – to really see Sardinia, you'll want your own set of wheels. Renting a car is the best option as it gives you the freedom to veer off the beaten track and discover those hidden coves and mountain villages that make the island so special.

Brace yourself for some seriously jaw-dropping coastal drives. The twisting roads hugging Sardinia's rugged coastline offer fantastic views.

For island-hopping, the best way to get around is to jump on an organized boat tour. It's less hassle and you'll get to learn a lot more about the area along the way.

Fishing traps in Alghero harbor, Sardinia island © Shutterstock

Where to stay in Sardinia

If you're on a budget, inland towns can often offer more affordable options without sacrificing charm.

For a more authentic experience, consider staying at an agriturismo (farm stay). You'll get a real feel for rural life, and most of the time, you’ll be treated to delicious home-cooked meals made with fresh local ingredients.

If you're after luxury, check out the resorts in Costa Smeralda. Just be ready to pay premium prices, especially in the summer. Booking ahead is a smart move if you want the best spots.

If you're figuring out where the best place for you to stay in Sardinia is, see our detailed guide .

How to get to Sardinia

However you're planning to arrive, make sure to book early, especially if you’re traveling during the busy summer months.

• By plane : Sardinia has three main airports – Cagliari Elmas (CAG) in the south, Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB) in the northeast, and Alghero-Fertilia (AHO) in the northwest.
• By ferry: If you prefer a scenic journey, ferries run from various Italian mainland ports. The main operators are Tirrenia, Moby Lines, and Grimaldi Lines. An overnight ferry can even save you on accommodation.

When to visit Sardinia

Spring ( April to May ) and autumn ( September to October ) are ideal for visiting. The weather is mild, ranging from 59°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C), and you won’t have to fight for space on the beaches. These seasons are also perfect if you’re into hiking or biking.

If your main goal is beach time, summer ( June to August ) is when you’ll get the most sun. Just be prepared for crowds and higher prices, as it’s the peak tourist season. The island will be buzzing, but everything comes at a premium during this time.

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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One Day in Phoenix Itinerary: Best of the City in 24 Hours

After road-tripping through North Arizona and Sedona, the natural next place to visit is the state capital, Phoenix, the 5th most populous city in the United States. Based on my personal favorite activities when I visited, I’ve put together a one day in Phoenix itinerary that will especially be useful if it’s your first time in town.

I spent a couple of days here, driving through different neighborhoods and parks, but the city is so overwhelmingly large that a Phoenix day trip is not really enough time.

But let’s work with what we’ve got, just make sure to include a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West and an evening hike up Piestew Peak. I’ll also suggest more places to visit if you have extra time.

Sample One Day in Phoenix Itinerary

Here’s a packed day trip itinerary for you to have everything conveniently in one scroll. And if you’re trying to get a lay of the land, this half-day guided tour covers many of the spots on this itinerary.

3 Cities & Nature Tour

Best for first-time visitors strapped for time

Early Morning:

• If you’re up for an early wake-up, go for a tiny hike up  Papago Park’s Hole-In-The-Rock trail.
• In the same park, head to  Desert Botanical Garden.
• Alternatively:  You can also start your day with a  balloon ride at sunrise ( Click here to book ).

Mid-Morning:

• I’m a huge Frank Lloyd Wright fan, so a visit to  Taliesin West  was a must for me. But it is far north, and their guided tours are quite expensive.  Note: They only have guided tours from 10 am, with the last starting at 1:20 pm , then officially closing at 5pm.

Early Afternoon:

• Get a feel of contrasts walking through  Old Town Scottsdale  to  Fashion Square  across the river.
• Optional: Wonderspaces  (in Fashion Square) is one of my favorite immersive art x tech collectives.

Afternoon: 

• Head to downtown Phoenix  for more museums and artwork.
• Check out the  Roosevelt Row Arts District  for street art, local galleries, and trendy bars.
• Eat at  The Churchill  for food court-style dining and artisan pop-ups.
• See the entire horizon twinkling at the top of  Piestewa Peak  in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Note: The trail is quite steep and more challenging at night, in case you prefer having a guide here.

Recommended Places to Stay in Phoenix: Downtown

• 📍Luxury: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape
• 📍Mid-Range: Found Re Phoenix
• 📍Budget: Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix

Quick Facts to Visiting Phoenix

I was surprised when I found out that Phoenix was the fifth-largest city in the US. But once you experience driving through it, you’d believe it! With over 300 days of sunshine per year, this sun-soaked desert metropolis was actually once the floor of a shallow sea approximately 1.8 billion years ago. Totally a desert city now. 

What to Do in Phoenix in One Day

Early morning: papago park.

Papago Park is a good place to start if you’re up for early mornings. The famous hike there is short, and the botanical garden opens early at 8 am, so it doesn’t cut into your other activities. 

Hole-In-The-Rock Trail

The Hole-In-The-Rock Trail is a beloved local gem of Phoenix. This short, relatively easy hike gets you views of the city and surrounding desert. Despite being only 0.3 miles long, it’s a nice hike with a slight elevation change of just around 200 feet. 

The trail leads you to a large sandstone hill with a hole in it. It’s more like a natural window carved out by the elements over thousands of years. This ‘window’ is the perfect framing for your sunrise photos! 

Because of its accessibility, it can get a bit crowded, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Desert Botanical Garden

Right around the corner, the Desert Botanical Garden features a 140-acre wonderland of over 50,000 plants across five thematic trails. These plants represent a broad spectrum of desert plants, including agave, cacti, and numerous species native to deserts worldwide. Of course, you’ll get to see the giant saguaro cactus, the symbol of the American Southwest.

Aside from walking along the plant-laden trails, you can view the glass artwork installations by Dale Chihuly or pay a visit to the Butterfly Pavilion. If you happen to be around in the evening, the garden paths are lit with luminaria bags, and live music performances are part of the garden’s seasonal events.

Over the City Balloon Ride at Sunrise

If you’re up for something a bit fancier, how about kickstarting your day with a hot air balloon ride over Phoenix at sunrise ? Despite being in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix is actually built around hills and mountains, making it an interesting cityscape to see from up above.

After about an hour of flying, you’ll descend and have a classic champagne toast to celebrate your safe landing, a ballooning tradition since the 18th century. This experience usually includes a fancy breakfast served in the desert.

It’s a bit pricey, but this is a dang popular activity and the incredible views make it a worthy splurge. 

Mid-Day: Best Things to Do in Scottsdale

Technically not in Phoenix, you could spend an entire day just in Scottsdale, hitting its various highlights and swinging at golf courses. As we only have one day, here are some places I recommend checking out.

Taliesin West

A quite far drive up north, Taliesin West is probably the most famous of Frank Lloyd Wright’s works. The winter home and studio of the legendary architect have been converted into a museum where you can peek into his and his student’s lives. It’s literally now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national historic landmark. 

Wright believed in harmonious living with the environment, which is evident in his seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Drawing inspiration from local materials and the natural landscape, he created innovative building designs using materials found in the local desert. 

There are several tours to choose from, each highlighting different aspects of Wright’s life and work. Personally, I went with the 90-minute guided tour, and it really brought the architecture to life. 

However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there’s also a 60-minute audio tour that you just connect to your phone. Also, if you’re a student, ask for the discounted tickets! 

Book your tour in advance  here , as they tend to sell out quickly. 

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale takes you back in time with its Western-themed historic district that combines modern amenities and old-world authenticity. This part of town preserves its history with brick sidewalks, old-fashioned streetlights, and rustic storefronts while having trendy shops and art galleries.

The unique shops have everything from Native American crafts and Southwestern art to fashionable clothing and jewelry. The famous Old Town Candy & Toys has nostalgic sweets and cool toys.

The Scottsdale Arts District is renowned for its high concentration of galleries. If you happen to go on a Thursday evening, the galleries host the weekly ArtWalk event with public art displays, artist demonstrations, and live music.

Old Town Scottsdale also hosts the city’s largest farmers market every Saturday.

Fashion Square

This upscale shopping center with over 200 stores makes it one of the largest malls in the Southwest. And it is just across the street from Old Town Scottsdale, a huge contrast. 

Between them is a really nicely built-up river that divides them. There was an art event on the night we went, so the entire riverside was filled with neon sculptures and artsy mist portals.

The Fashion Square is a great place to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at one of the high-end restaurants like Ocean 44 or Toca Madera.

Wonderspaces Arizona

If you’re familiar with Meowwolf, Wonderspaces follows a similar concept. Let me start by saying that if you’re into interactive technology art, Wonderspaces never fails to impress. I’ve been to the Austin location twice.

The artwork is incredibly creative, and they have a rotating selection of extraordinary installations, so it’s always a different experience. The exhibits are usually changed every few months.

Plus, there’s a bar and lounge area to grab a drink, relax, and discuss the amazing art you’ve just seen.

Afternoon: Best Things to Do in Phoenix

Choose your pick of premier museums.

Phoenix is home to several top-rated museums that cater to different interests. The ones I included in the itinerary above are the ones I find the most interesting, but here are a few options closer to the downtown area: 

First on the list is the   Heard Museum . Renowned for its extensive collection of Native American art, the Heard Museum is a deep dive into the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Southwest.

The  Musical Instrument Museum   showcases over 7000 instruments from around the globe. You can hear, see, and even play some of the instruments here.

Mark  Phoenix Art Museum  for a diverse collection spanning different eras, mediums, and cultures.

Visit the  Arizona Science Center  for hundreds of interactive exhibits about the human body, journey through the farthest reaches of outer space, or feel what a simulated monsoon is like.

Then a bit outside town in nearby Tempe, the Center of the Arts (pictured below)

Roosevelt Row Arts District

Roosevelt Row Arts District, or RoRo, is known for its colorful murals, art galleries, and monthly art walks, which turn the area into a street festival. This is my favorite part of downtown, and I had a blast watching graffiti artists putting up new work. 

Aside from outdoor murals, art boutiques and galleries line the streets. And the district has many trendy eateries and breweries.

The area is quite large, so join a local guide to find the best artworks.

Everyone, from artists to local businesses, comes together to celebrate creativity and community during the First Fridays Art Walk. This event, held on the first Friday of every month, is the country’s largest self-guided public art event.

A Stroll Through the University of Arizona Campus

The university is basically downtown. You can walk through the main campus, but around the area are also places like the  University of Arizona Museum of Art  and the university’s  Arizona Stadium.  

If you’re interested in the wonders of outer space, there’s the  Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium  or the  UA Campus Arboretum,  which houses a diverse collection of trees.

Her Secret is Patience

I came into downtown downtown basically to check out this art piece. Resembling a floating, luminescent jellyfish in the desert sky, Her Secret is Patience is a public art installation. Inspired by a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, it’s a tribute to the beauty of patience and the enigma of time.

Suspended 100 feet above the Civic Space Park, this piece of art is illuminated at night by colorful LED lights and shifting patterns.

Verdict:  It’s cool, but I shouldn’t have driven out of my way for it. I would’ve spent more time in the arts district.

Evening Hike: Piestewa Peak

This is by far the most memorable thing I did in Phoenix. Even though it’s more challenging at night, I wouldn’t exchange the nighttime view for any other time. Plus, you’re not under the unshaded desert heat. 

If you’re a hiker, go for a night hike at Piestewa Peak. Just do it. Situated within the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Piestewa Peak is the second-highest point in the Phoenix Mountains, commanding an elevation of 2,610 feet.

The trail is about 1.2 miles long each way, with a climb of 1,200 feet in elevation. It was pretty steep the whole way. But you’ll have panoramic views of the Valley of the Sun at the peak. And at night, the entire city twinkles with lights all below you and the stars above you.

Although it’s a popular trail, we barely ran into anyone on a weekday night. Although I went post-dinner, I think timing your hike to reach the peak around sunset would also be stunning.

Where to Stay in Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale are my top neighborhood recommendations to stay in. Scottsdale has more of an affluent vibe, with a great art scene and proximity to outdoor activities. Downtown Phoenix has more nightlife and easy access to artistic venues and sporting events. Otherwise, Tempe, Glendale, Biltmore, and Paradise Valley are other good and safe neighborhoods to stay in.

Best Hotels in Downtown Phoenix

Places to visit with more time, other things to do in phoenix.

• South Mountain Park and Preserve:  One of the largest urban parks in North America, it has breathtaking views of the skyline. 
• Phoenix Zoo:  Known as one of the nation’s top 5 zoos for kids, it features interactive exhibits and close encounters with diverse animals.
• Arizona Capitol Museum:  This museum focuses on Arizona’s government and political history.
• Chase Field:  Home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, it’s the first stadium in the United States with a retractable roof over a natural grass playing surface.
• Arizona Biltmore Hotel:  A historic resort known for its distinctive architecture, it’s often called the “Jewel of the Desert.”
• Scottsdale’s Museum of the West:  This museum showcases the culture and history of the American West.
• Camelback Mountains:  Consisting of two peaks, this mountain is a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and cityscapes. 
• Japanese Friendship Garden:  An Asian-style garden with a tea house, koi pond, and traditional Japanese plants.
• Dobbins Lookout:  The summit of South Mountain for amazing views

Day Trips from Phoenix

• Bartlett Lake  (1+ hour): A peaceful lake for boating and water fun.
• Saguaro National Park  (1.5 hours): An iconic desert landscape filled with the nation’s largest cacti.
• Tucson  (1.5 hours): Home to Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park, they also have Sonoran-specific food and some cool air-related museums.
• Sedona  (2 hours): Famous for its red rock formations, spiritual vortexes, and energetic arts scene.
• Montezuma Castle National Monument (2 hours): Well-preserves ancient Native American dwellings.
• Jerome  (2 hours): A ghost town now a haven for artists.
• Flagstaff  (3 hours): Gateway to the Grand Canyon with a cute downtown area in the Coconino National Forest.
• Grand Canyon South Rim   (3.5 hours): Need I say more? It’s an American icon.
• Petrified Forest National Park  (3.5 hours): Find landscapes with colorful petrified wood and geological features. 
• Page  (4+ hours): Explore Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell.

Is 1 Day Enough for Phoenix

While it’s possible to scratch the surface of what Phoenix has to offer in a single day, this city is physically too big to call it after a day. The itinerary I laid out above is a rush, with lots of driving, and may feel rushed.

Additional days can be spent slowing down the pace, visiting more museums, attending sporting events, or going for day trips at nearby national parks .

Best Time To Visit

Phoenix is warm and sunny throughout the year, making it attractive, especially as a winter getaway. The best seasons to visit are winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). Temperatures are great for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and discovering the art scene. Spring brings slightly warmer temperatures but remains comfortable and has the added beauty of blooming desert flowers.

On the other hand, summer (June to August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. If you can handle the heat, this season sees fewer crowds and lower hotel rates.

How to Get Here

Phoenix is easily accessible from anywhere. 

By Air : Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the primary airport and one of the busiest airports in the nation. From the airport, downtown is only a 10-minute drive away. 

I’ve actually found it to have some of the cheapest domestic flights in the country. Score the best flight prices using  Expedia .

By Road : the Phoenix area is well-connected by a network of interstate highways. If you’re coming from the West Coast, Los Angeles is about a 6-hour drive on the I-10 East. From the east, Tucson is just a 2-hour drive on the I-10 West. If you’re driving from the north, Las Vegas is about a 4.5-hour drive on the US-93 South.

Once you’re in the city of Phoenix, rent a car if you don’t have one. Find great rental car deals with  DiscoverCars . Otherwise, the public transportation system includes buses and light rail, but it will only reach some attractions and hiking spots.

Final Thoughts: 24 Hours in Phoenix

I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this sun-soaked city. There are certainly a lot of popular attractions to add to this day itinerary, including being surrounded by hiking trails right in the town and having lots of unique museums. 

If you’re up for more adventures in the Grand Canyon state, check out our other Arizona guides below.

Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in Arizona?

Arizona is amongst my top favorite places in the world. I’ve vanlifed around and through this great state back and forth, north and south, multiple times on my road trips. If you’re looking for more itineraries on Arizona, check out these other destinations.

• Perfect One Day In Petrified Forest National Park Itinerary
• One Day in Saguaro National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
• One Day in Grand Canyon South Rim: First-Timers Itinerary

Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.

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