The UK Lake District is ideal for scenic walks, lakeside towns, cosy stays, and a slower pace. This guide covers what to do, where to base yourself, what to book ahead in peak season, and simple ways to plan a trip that is easy, flexible, and lower-impact.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Walking, scenery, pubs and cafes, cosy breaks, photography
- Ideal trip length: 2 to 5 days
- Getting around: Car is easiest, but car-free trips are possible with trains plus local buses and ferries
- Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn for quieter trails and good light
- Booking tip: Accommodation sells out quickly in school holidays and summer weekends
Top things to do in the Lake District
- Boat trip on Windermere (or a lakeside walk if you prefer)
- Ambleside to Waterhead walk, plus cafes and shops in town
- Grasmere village and a short walk to viewpoints
- Tarn Hows circular walk (gentle and very scenic)
- Catbells (a classic with big views, pick a clear day)
- Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick
- Derwentwater lakeside walk (easy and rewarding)
- Stock Ghyll Force waterfall walk near Ambleside
Where to stay in the Lake District (best areas)
Choose your base based on the vibe you want.
Keswick (north Lakes)
Great for: first-timers, lots of walks nearby, easy access to Derwentwater
Vibe: lively, walk-friendly, a great all-round base
Ambleside (central Lakes)
Great for: classic Lake District scenery, Windermere access, varied walks
Vibe: busy but charming, excellent for short breaks
Windermere and Bowness
Great for: lakeside stays, boat trips, families, easy restaurants
Vibe: popular and convenient, good transport links
Grasmere (quieter, scenic)
Great for: slower pace, gentle walks, a more village feel
Vibe: peaceful, postcard scenery, great for couples
Coniston (west of Windermere)
Great for: a quieter base, Coniston Water, relaxed walking
Vibe: calm, outdoorsy, less crowded than the main hotspots
What to book ahead (do not leave these last minute)
- Accommodation for summer, bank holidays, and school holidays
- Popular lake cruises (especially Windermere) at peak times
- Car hire if you are not driving your own car
- Parking plans (some areas fill early, arrive earlier than you think)
- Any guided experiences you really want (walks, photography, etc.)
Easy itineraries
Lake District in 1 day (highlights)
Pick one base (Keswick or Ambleside) → one classic walk (Catbells or Tarn Hows) → lakeside stroll → sunset viewpoint and a cosy pub dinner
Lake District in 3 days
Day 1: Settle in + lakeside walk (Derwentwater or Windermere)
Day 2: One bigger walk (Catbells or a ridge walk) + village stop (Grasmere)
Day 3: Waterfall or gentle trail (Stock Ghyll Force or Tarn Hows) + scenic drive or bus route
Lake District in 5 days
Add a second lake area (Coniston or Ullswater), a quieter village day, and one rest day with short walks, cafes, and viewpoints rather than trying to hike every day.
Getting to the Lake District and getting around
- Arriving: Trains commonly connect via Oxenholme or Penrith, then local trains (Oxenholme Only) buses or taxis into the Lakes
- Driving: Great flexibility, but plan parking and start early in peak months
- Car-free option: Choose a base with good bus links (Keswick, Windermere, Ambleside) and plan walks that start and finish near bus stops
- Comfort tip: Weather changes fast, pack layers and a waterproof even in summer
- Simple planning rule: one main walk per day, keep the rest flexible
Book your Lake District trip
Simple low-impact travel tips for Lake District
- Stay in one base and explore locally instead of driving to a new trailhead every day
- Use local buses where possible and pick circular or point-to-point walks that suit public transport
- Stick to marked paths to reduce erosion, especially after rain
- Bring a reusable bottle and snacks to cut single-use waste
- Support local cafes, shops, and pubs, and take litter home if bins are full
Lake District essentials to pack
- Waterproof jacket and a warm layer (even in summer)
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots with grip
- Small daypack and a reusable bottle
- Portable charger
- Hat and sunscreen (yes, still useful on bright days)
- OS Maps or an offline map app (handy when signal is patchy)