A favourite haunt of many an English writer, the vast still lakes and towering peaks of the lake district have long drawn tourists to its towns for a glimpse of the natural beauty. It’s the perfect antidote for a burnt-out city dweller in need of cosy log fires, pints of ale, and afternoons spent rambling through scenic hills. I’ve put together the perfect 3 day Lake District weekend itinerary to make sure you get the very most out of your short stay! Don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Guide to the Lake District for more tips and tricks!
Where is the Lake District?
The Lake District, also known as the Lakes or Lakeland, is a region in the North West of England, known as Cumbria. It’s about 260 miles from London by car, which should take about 4.5 hours to drive.
The Lake District is a popular holiday destination for brits, famous for its lakes, hikes, and mountains. It’s also England’s largest National Park, making it the top destination for hikes in England.
As well as being popular for walking holidays, the Lake District is also known for its historical literary ties. William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and John Ruskin all made homes of the national park.
How to Get to the Lake District
BY TRAIN: The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District, connecting it with London and Glasgow, whilst a direct train runs from Manchester to Windermere. You’ll also find local trains that stop at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere.
BY CAR: If possible, driving to the Lake District is preferable. It provides you with much more flexibility once you arrive and really allows you to get the most out of the beautiful rural landscape.
BY BUS: National Express runs a variety of different bus routes from towns and cities across the UK. Check the website to find the best one for you!
Getting Around the Lake District
The easiest way to get around the Lake District is by car, particularly if you’re keen to see some of its hidden gems. I’d recommend driving to to the area itself so that you have use of your car throughout your stay or, alternatively, hiring a car whilst you’re there. Although there are some local buses, using public transport alone will make it much more difficult to get the most out of this beautiful location.
How Long to Stay in the Lake District
If you’re just looking to get a taste of the top attractions, 2 nights/3 days should be sufficient – many choose it as a weekend break destination. Of course, there’s plenty to do and you could easily spend a week exploring the various pikes, lakes, and museums! How long you choose to stay depends on how much you’d like to do and the pace at which you’d like to do it. This blogpost will provide you with the perfect 3 day Lake District itinerary.
3 Day Lake District Itinerary
Upon first visiting the Lake District, most people are surprised to find just how big it is. You could spend your whole summer here, exploring the various walks and lakes. So if you’re only going for 2 or 3 days, it’s important to narrow down the very best that the Lake District has to offer. If it’s your first time visiting, I’d recommend focusing your time on the south of the Lake District.
Whilst the north is also beautiful, more of the iconic Lake District locations can be found in the south!
Lake District Weekend: Day One
Day 1 of this 3 Day Lake District Itinerary is based in Windermere. This is probably the best known area of the Lake District, as it includes one of the most famous lakes and the busiest town!
Windermere: Things to Do
Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake both in the Lake District and in England. It’s 10.5 miles long, one mile wide, and 220 feet deep. This beautiful lake is quite a sight to behold and definitely worth a visit!
The World of Beatrix Potter
This fun attraction can be found in Bowness-on-Windermere. Here you can explore the enchanting world of Beatrix Potter and meet some of your favourite characters, including Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck. This is a great option for a family trip to the Lake District and is perfect for rainy days.
Orrest Head
Orrest Head is one of the most popular walks in the Lake District. It’s a short, circular walk that can be done from Windermere (where there’s plenty of parking!). The walk is very easy to navigate and largely follows just one lane up to the summit. Reaching the viewpoint should take only 20 minutes or so.
Sunset Cruise on Lake Windermere
Complete your first day by catching an evening cruise on Lake Windermere, which is perfectly timed to watch as the sun sets behind the fells.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand up paddle boarding is a fun way to explore the area from a new perspective and promises plenty of laughs. There are a number of companies that offer this, including Windermere Canoe Kayak. Make sure to book in advance though, if you’re visiting during peak season!
Where to Eat in Windermere
If you’re looking for a nice light lunch, check out Folk. You can find this in the nearby Bowness on Windermere, a short walk from Windermere itself.
The Crafty Baa is a unique, cosy pub with lots of classic, heart-warming food and quirky up-cycled decor.
Lake District Weekend: Day Two
Day 2 of this 3 Day Lake District Itinerary is based in Coniston. This is one of my favourite spots in the Lake District as it has some of the best walks in the area! Here you can have a relaxing day by the lake or try something more exciting!
Coniston: Things to Do
Ghyll Scrambling
Crags Adventures offers a host of fantastic adventure activities in the Lake District but are particularly well-known for ‘ghyll scrambling’ (also known as gorge walking) and canyoning. This involves climbing waterfalls, jumping into pools of water, and ascending streams. It’s a great way to enjoy nature in a new way!
Old Man of Coniston
This famous walk follows a circular route that promises incredible panoramic views. It’s a 6.2 mile route in total and should take about 3.5 hours to walk. There’s free parking at the end of the tarmac section of Walna Scar Road, or you can park in Coniston and walk from there. The nearest post code for your Sat Nav is LA21 8HD.
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is a beautiful spot to do some wild swimming. This short walking route is one of my favourites. It takes you from Coniston to Tarn Hows, with plenty of variety, including beautiful views and gorgeous waterfalls. You’ll finish up at Yew Tree Farm, which was famously used as a filming location for Miss Potter.
The walk is only 1.6 miles and should take about 1 hour in total – although it’ll take longer if you stop for a dip in the lake!
Where to Eat in Coniston
Bluebird Cafe is the perfect lakeside spot to enjoy a light lunch with great views. Here you can find toasties, sandwiches, and soups.
Steam Bistro is a great place to get something more filling. The food here is great and the place has a lovely, cosy atmosphere.
Lake District Weekend: Day Three
The final day of this 3 Day Lake District Itinerary is based in Grasmere. This is the historic hub of the area and has some of the Lake Districts must-do activities. It’s a very pretty village and promises a mix of beautiful surroundings and fun cultural activities.
Grasmere: Things to Do
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is run by the third-generation descendants of Sarah Nelson, a famous Victorian chef. The tiny little shop has retained its old-fashioned charm, making it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time upon entering. The gingerbread is, of course, delicious and I’d highly recommend buying a little extra for your journey home!
Walk to Alcock Tarn
To get a final fix of the stunning scenery, try this walk to Alcock Tarn. It starts in the centre of Grasmere and is very simple to navigate. It’s fairly steep but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the national park once you reach the top! On the way back down, you’ll also pass Dove Cottage, which was once the home of William Wordsworth.
Dove Cottage: Wordsworth’s House
If you want to continue with your jaunt down memory lane, make a visit to Dove Cottage, which was once the home of William Wordsworth. It was here that he wrote many of his greatest poems, and his sister Dorothy kept her famous Grasmere journal.
Where to Eat in Grasmere:
Mathilde’s Cafe is the perfect place to grab a cup of tea and cake. It’s a lovely spot with light eats such as scones, sandwiches, and baked goods.
If you’re looking for something a little more filling, try Lewis’s or the Grasmere Hotel Restaurant for something special.
Other Places to Visit in the Lake District
Ambleside
This Victorian town is one of the most popular destinations the Lake District. Though small, there’s plenty to do in this area, from breathtaking walks to galleries. Some of the best things to do in Ambleside include:
- Stock Ghyll Force Water Fall
- The Bridge Building
- Stagshaw Gardens
- The Armitt Museum
Buttermere – this lovely little village has the advantage of being closely to three different lakes: Buttermere, Crummock Water, and Loweswater. Some of the best things to do in Buttermere include:
- Scale Force waterfall
- Butness Wood
- Honister Slate Mine
- Scafell Pike – is the highest mountain in England and not too far from Buttermere
Keswick – this town sits close to Derwentwater, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District, which has four little islands in the middle. It’s also well known as the location of the Castlerigg Stone Circle. This mini stone henge is up to 5,000 years old! Some of the best things to do in Keswick include:
- The Derwent Pencil Museum
- Go Ape in Whinlatter
- Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Catbells
- Theatre by the Lake
- The Keswick Museum
Ullswater – this is the second largest lake in the Lake District and in England, at 7.5 miles long. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery that provide dramatic views from the water. Here you can do all sorts of water activities, including kayaking and boat cruises. Helvellyn, the third highest peak in England is also nearby. There are a number of small villages nearby to explore also, including Glenridding, Pooley Bridge, Patterdale, and Howtown. Penrith is the largest nearby town, which is about 20 minutes drive from Ullswater.
What to Pack for the Lake District
Check out my full blogpost all about what to pack for a trip to the Lake District
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When to Visit the Lake District
Remember to bear in mind that it rains 200 days a year in the Lake District! If you’re looking to avoid the wet weather, visiting in summer is your best bet. This will allow you to fully enjoy the lakes and is the best time to visit if you want to go on lots of walks and hikes.
However, it can become expensive this time of year and popular sports and activities tend to get booked up quickly. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds but still hoping to try your luck with the weather, book either end of the summer holidays in early July or September! You can find a full guide about visiting at different times of year here.
Which Area to Stay in the Lake District?
If it’s your first time visiting the Lake District, I’d recommend staying in the south. Whilst the north is also beautiful and definitely worth exploring, a lot of the more popular towns can be found in the south.
I’d recommend staying in one of the following locations:
- Bowness on Windermere – one of the largest towns in the Lake District with plenty of shops, cafes, waterspouts, and easy access to the Beatrix Potter attractions.
- Grasmere – is the historical hub of the Lake District, where you’ll find the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, and Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s home.
- Coniston – is a great base for walkers, as its close to top locations, such as Furness Fells, Tom Gill Falls, and Dow Crag.
If you’re not sure which area you should base yourself in, be sure to check out my area guide to the Lake District, which will let you know the very best spots to stay!
Where to Stay in the Lake District
There are plenty of different options when it comes to accommodation in the Lake District, from luxurious hotels to quality campsites. Here are some recommendations for various budgets:
BUDGET: YHA has a number of hostels available in the Lake District, many with private room options if you don’t fancy sleeping in a dorm!
MID: Craig Manor Hotel. We stayed here on our most recent trip to the Lake District…
SPLURGE: Gilpin Hotel and Lakehouse offers breathtaking views, a heated indoor pool, outdoor hot tub and saunas. It also has its very own michelin star restaurant on site. If you’re looking for a little lakeside luxury, this is the place to be.
Top Tips for Visiting the Lake District
- Avoid the Hardknott Pass at all costs: this single track road runs directly through the national park and, at a gradient of 33%, is the steepest road in England. Whilst it affords fantastic views, it’s a terrifying drive, which is probably best avoided by all but the most experienced of drivers. If your map app attempts to direct you along this route, I’d highly recommend investigating alternative options!
- Download What3Words: this app uses a geocode system to communicate your exact location to emergency services
- Don’t Rely on Your Phone: getting signal in the national park may be impossible at times. Make sure to take a physical map, compass, and a printed copy of any trail instructions!
Lakeland Lingo
The Lake District loves to confuse things by using its own words, so here’s a quick rundown to help you navigate your trip a little more smoothly!
Pike: a pointed, rocky summit
Fell: a hill
Rigg: a ridge
Dale: a valley
Tarn: small lake
Thwaite: a clearing
Planning a Trip to the Lake District? Check Out these Blogposts!
- When to Visit the Lake District
- Where to Stay in the Lake District
- Lake District Packing List
- Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Lake District
