Discover the Beauty of the Lake District National Park

Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District, England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Lake District travel guide highlights how to get there, where to stay, and some of the best places to visit during your trip. Located in northern England, close to the Scottish border, the Lake District is filled with lush hills, striking mountains, and peaceful lakes such as Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater. Just 71 miles from Manchester, it’s the perfect escape into nature for a weekend break or a longer holiday.

Getting to the Lake District: Best Transport Option

Travelling to the Lake District is straightforward, with several transport options available.

Coach:A good option for budget travellers. The journey can take up to 10 hours, with ticket prices between £30 and £50 each way. It’s slow, but affordable and scenic.

Train:A faster option, with travel time from London at around 3 hours. Prices range from £50 to £200 each way. Booking 2–3 weeks ahead is recommended for the best fares.

Car:For flexibility and scenic views, driving is ideal. The journey from London takes around 5 hours. Hiring a car in cities such as Manchester, Kendal, or Lancaster is convenient and makes sightseeing around the Lake District much easier.

Where to Stay: Top Lake District Accommodations

You’ll find lovely places to stay across the Lake District, especially in towns like Windermere, Keswick, and Ambleside. We chose Windermere as our base, a peaceful and scenic spot that’s perfect for exploring the area.

During our stay, we booked the Brathay Apartment in Windermere via Airbnb. This modern apartment is located close to Lake Windermere, shops, and restaurants. It features:

• Two queen beds

• One double bed

• Two bathrooms

• A well-equipped kitchen

• On-site parking

It’s ideal for families or groups and provides easy access to walking trails and boat trips.

Other Recommended Accommodation

The Inn on the Lake is another fantastic option. This 4-star hotel sits along the shores of Ullswater and is perfect for romantic getaways or family stays. It offers comfortable rooms, lake views, and proximity to popular walking routes.Learn more about the Inn on the Lake here.

Top Things to Do in the Lake District Travel Guide

From scenic walking trails to charming historic towns, here are some must-see attractions and activities in the Lake District.

Peaceful views across Lake Windermere, surrounded by hills and calm water.

1. Lake Windermere

Boat Rides and Lakeside Views

Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, is the heart of the Lake District. Surrounded by Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, it’s ideal for boat cruises and lakeside walks, offering impressive mountain and forest views.

A scenic drive through Kirkstone Pass, offering wide-open views of mountains and valleys in the Lake District.

2. Kirkstone Pass

A Scenic Drive Through the Mountains

Take a memorable drive along the Kirkstone Pass, one of the Lake District’s most picturesque routes, accessible via the A592. This road offers breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and valleys, perfect for photographers and nature lovers.

Cosy streets of Keswick lined with local shops, cafés, and warm lights.

3. Keswick

Explore the Historic Market Town

Keswick is a historic market town in the northern Lake District, known for its lively town square, independent shops, cafés, and easy access to Derwentwater. It’s an excellent stop for exploring local culture and nearby walking trails.

A peaceful woodland walk through dense greenery, offering a quiet escape into nature in the Lake District.

4. Orrest Head Trail:

Family-Friendly Walk with Panoramic Views

The Orrest Head Trail is an easy, family-friendly walk offering panoramic views over Lake Windermere. This gentle trail, ideal for beginners, takes 30-45 minutes to complete and leads to a stunning view of the Lake Windermere and the surrounding hills.

Aira Force waterfall flowing through a steep woodland gorge.

5. Aira Force

Woodland Walk to a Stunning Waterfall

Head to the eastern Lake District to visit Aira Force Waterfall, a spectacular natural feature surrounded by woodland. Follow the trail through towering trees, cross footbridges, and climb stone steps to enjoy the magnificent view of this powerful waterfall. Aira Force is a fairy-tale setting, perfect for photos and a peaceful nature experience.