Lake District Road Trip: 3 EPIC Routes (2023)

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Going on a Lake District road trip? You lucky thing! Use this guide to help you plan your Lake District road trip itinerary and have the English road trip of a lifetime!

We visit the Lake District from London every year and can easily say it’s one of our favourite places in the UK.

Depending on distance, you can do one of these Lake District road trips in as little as five days.

These Lake District road trip routes can be altered and changed to suit your needs. 

Throughout this post, I have included handy resources and links for your road trip planning, as well as the best companies for car rentals and accommodation.

Other Lake District posts:

• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• Getting Around the Lake District Without a Car FULL GUIDE
• Lake District Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide

Lake District Road Trip: Route 1

This is a great Lake District road trip for anyone wanting to see a large amount of the national park in a short amount of time.

📍Starting point: Kendal

🗺️ Ending point: Wasdale Head

🛞 Total distance: 87.2 miles

🚗 Total driving time: 3.5 hours

⏰ Time needed: 5-6 days

Optional Stops:

• Bowness-on-Windermere/Windermere
• Waterhead
• Ambleside town centre
• Coniston
• Grasmere
• Keswick
• Buttermere
• Wasdale Head

This is one of my favourite Lake District road trips, as you get to really see some of the best places in the national park.

From the bustle of Kendal with its cute tea rooms and independent stores, to the sunsets at Waterhead and discovering William Wordsworth’s home in Grasmere.

During this road trip, you will see some of the Lake District’s best towns and villages (Ambleside, Keswick, Grasmere and Coniston) and have time to scale peaks like Scafell Pike and Helm Crag.

Things to do on Lake District Road Trip 1

📍 Kendal

Kendal is one of the largest market towns in the Lake District. It’s home to both the Kendal Castle and museum. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants, and it’s a good first stop on a Lake District road trip.

📍Ambleside (Waterhead, Grasmere)

If you’ve seen any of my other Lake District posts, you’ll know how much of a fan I am of Ambleside. It really is the best village to stay in and visit in the Lake District. Grasmere is also a quaint English village that is worth visiting, and Waterhead is great at sunset!

📍 Helvellyn

In between Grasmere and Keswick, you’ll be able to stop off at the dramatic Helvellyn, one of the toughest and well-known peaks to climb in the area.

📍 Scafell Pike

If you’d rather hike to the highest point in England, head to Scafell Pike. Near the end of this road trip, it’s another tough climb that will take you nearly 1000m about sea level. Our favourite option to summit Scafell Pike is to start in Langdale, but there are lots of options available. This is a good route because of its scenic trails and epic beauty along the way.

Related post: Hiking Scafell Pike from Langdale.

Lake District Road Trip: Route 2

A quicker road trip in the Lake District which still offers incredible views, lake days and a trip to some of the most beautiful and quaint villages in the area.

📍 Starting point: Bowness-on-Windermere

🗺️ Ending point: Keswick

⏰ Time needed: 3-4 days

🛞 Total distance: 23 miles

🚗 Total driving time: 45 minutes +

Optional Stops:

• Bowness-on-Windermere
• Ambleside
• Rydal Water/Rydal caves
• Grasmere
• Thirlmere Water
• Keswick
• Honister Pass

This is a great road trip in the Lake District, and can be done by anyone with less time to spare.

You’ll still have the chance to summit peaks like Helvellyn if you wish, but you can also do the easier walks like Rydal caves and a stroll around Thirlmere.

Things to do on Lake District Road Trip 2

📍 Rydal Caves

The dramatic remains of an old Lake District slate mine dating back to the 19th Century, the caves have become a fun hotspot for anyone wanting to admire the surrounding views and explore the caves.

Just make sure you’ve got your dry bag and waterproof phone case if you’re planning on heading in!

🎬 The Rydal Caves were one of the filming locations for Netflix’s ‘The Witcher’!

📍Honister Pass

The pass starts at Gatesgarth Farm (south of Buttermere) and connects the Buttermere valley with the end of Borrowdale Valley.

It reaches 1167ft at the summit and is one of the highest passes in the area. You can drive the Honister Pass and stop off along the way to soak in the views.

Lake District Road Trip: Route 3

This route is more for a traveller who wants to spend some time at the seaside as well as in the Lake District National Park.

📍Starting point: Whitehaven

🗺️ Ending point: Ullswater

⏰ Time needed: 4 days

🛞Total distance: 50 miles

🚗 Total driving time: 1 hour 50 mins

Optional Stops:

• Buttermere
• Castlerigg
• Keswick

Things to do on Lake District Road Trip 3

📍Whitehaven

One of the best places along the coast for a sunset, and I highly recommend sticking around for some fish and chips and a seaside treat!

📍Buttermere

Buttemere is known for being the home of some of the best walks in the Lake District. The walk around Buttermere is around 4.5 miles and takes about 3 hours to complete.

Make sure you have good hiking boots, as there is a small section where you’ll need to scramble over rocks!

📍Castlerigg

Castlerigg is known for its famous stone circle and surrounding views of Helvellyn and High Seat. The Castlerigg stone circle is one of the earliest British circles, which was raised in the Neolithic period over 3000 years ago!

📍Ullswater

Ullswater is the second biggest lake in England, and third deepest at 250 feet. It can either be explored by foot or car. The lake is surrounded by incredible mountain scenery and has some lovely walks for those who want to see the lake a bit closer.

Walking around the entire lake might not be an option (it’s roughly 20 miles), but there are options such as renting a boat and paddleboard or just walking a shorter section.

Renting a car or van for a Lake District road trip

🚗 Hiring a car to do your Lake District road trip? Read these rules first about renting a car in the UK:

• The legal driving age in the UK is 17, but in general you’ll need to be 18-21 to rent a car (depending on the company). You might want to check this out before you plan your road trip.
• If you’re under 25 renting a car in the UK, you may have to pay a fee. This ranges between £30-£50.
• You will be asked to pay an upfront deposit. Depending on the car and length of the rental, this can cost between £200-£500. If you’re worried about this, it’s best to ask upfront before you book.
• Don’t forget to add an additional driver if there will be more than one driver. This starts from £10 per day (dependent on the company).
• You MUST legally have insurance to drive in the UK.

If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. 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. Be sure to pre-book your car rental before arriving in the country to avoid disappointment!

➡ LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

Driving tips for the Lake District

Driving in the Lake District is an experience. Whilst it’s safe and the roads aren’t too busy (except during peak times), the roads are narrow and it’s important to drive safely and at a good pace. Here are some tips for driving in the Lake District:

• Like the rest of the UK, England drives on the left-hand side of the road.
• There is zero tolerance for drunk driving in the UK.
• Be aware of cyclists, walkers and animals on the road, especially around windy and twisty turns.
• Keep an eye on the weather, it can change quickly. Be prepared for heavy rainfall!
• Parking can be expensive. You may want to download the apps RingGo and JustPark to make parking easier and quicker.
• In general, the roads are in good condition, but they are narrow and winding.
• Carry a paper OS Map in case of emergencies.
• Your signal may dip in and out in the English countryside. I recommend getting an eSIM (if you’re from overseas) to get mobile data across the country.
• Most drivers in the UK are sensible and follow the rules. Seatbelts are mandatory and you will be stopped and fined for not using one. Traffic lights are followed religiously.

Car insurance for the Lake District

If you’re planning a Lake District road trip, you will need a minimum of third-party insurance cover.

This covers theft and fire, so if you get into an accident, you’ll be liable. If you want to avoid this, make sure you buy fully comprehensive insurance with roadside assistance too.

➡ LOOK AT CAR INSURANCE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

Parking in the Lake District

Parking in the Lake District can be expensive. There are many car parks in the main towns, which can cost up to £10-15 per day.

But there are also a number of free car parks around the national park, usually in remote areas in the countryside. Just be sure to check the board and when the car park is paid or free to use.

My advice is to park further out of town (like Ambleside or Keswick) and walk in to make your car parking fee cheaper.

Or, if you’re a regular visitor to the UK, it might be worth investing in a National Trust membership. Most sites in the Lake District are owned by the National Trust, so with the membership, you get free entry and parking.

Our membership is now at the top of our Christmas list each year! 😅

Lake District driving times and distances

Here are some quick driving time references for your car journeys in the UK.

Outside of the Lake District:

• London to the Lake District: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Manchester to the Lake District: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Birmingham to the Lake District: 2 hours 30 mins

Inside the Lake District:

• Bowness-on-Windermere to Ambleside: 12 minutes
• Ambleside to Grasmere: 12 minutes
• Grasmere to Keswick: 20 minutes
• Keswick to Ullswater: 25 minutes
• Castlerigg to Keswick: 5 minutes
• Coniston Water to Ambleside: 26 minutes
• Scafell Pike to Ambleside: 25 minutes
• Whitehaven to Keswick: 35 minutes
• Kendal to Keswick: 52 minutes

Where to stay in the Lake District

If you’re only staying in the Lake District for a few nights, 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 Windermere.

If you’re only visiting the Lake District briefly, 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!

Getting 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 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. You can check out my guide here for more information about travelling around the Lake District without a car.

➡ 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!

Wild Camping in the Lake District

Unless you have permission from the landowner, wild camping in the Lake District is not allowed. This includes camping in car parks or roadside verges.

If you have a motorhome or campervan, although it isn’t legal, landowners do not mind it as much and have tolerated it over the past few years.

This means you can wild camp in certain places if you have a motorhome or campervan. This usually means parking on open moorland or mountains away from improved agricultural land or woodland.

It is still best to park at a campsite for the night if you’re not sure about whose land you’re on. If you’re unsure about any wild camping rules, check out the Lakedistrict.gov website for the latest updated info.

Best Campsites in the Lake District

If you’re hiring a van to get around the Lake District, I recommend the following campsites for a top-up of electricity and water. Campsites in the Lake District aren’t too expensive and cost about £8 per adult per night on average.

• Syke Farm Camping Ground, Buttermere
• Chapel House Farm, Stonethwaite
• Baysbrown Farm, Ambleside
• Great Langdale National Trust Campsite, Ambleside
• Thirlspot Farm, Thirlmere

Other things to do on a Lake District road trip

Here are some of my other recommendations for when you have a Lake District road trip, especially for the days when you don’t want to be behind the wheel!

• Hike Scafell Pike, Helm Crag or Helvellyn
• Have a pub lunch in Ambleside
• Visit the quaint town of Grasmere
• Try wild swimming in one of the epic Lake District lakes
• Walk around one of the other lakes like Buttermere or Derwentwater
• Enjoy the nightlife in Keswick
• Relax at a cafe brunch or breakfast
• Visit the busy town of Kendal for some shopping
• Try some water sports on one of the lakes (my favourite is Coniston Water)
• Park up somewhere random in the countryside and go on one of the walks
• Explore the Rydal Caves
• Take a lake cruise
• Have a spicy meal at a local Indian restaurant
• Enjoy fish and chips near the lake
• Take the Orsett Head walk from Windermere
• Visit the Honister Pass

Lake District Road Trip: FAQs

1) 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.

2) 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.

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

3) 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!

4) 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!

Lake District Road Trip: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about planning a Lake District road trip. When you’re planning a trip to Lake District, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Lake District content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

Other Lake District posts:

• Latrigg Walk, Lake District: Complete Guide & Tips!
• Lake District in September: Why It’s the BEST Time to Visit
• Best Hiking Boots for the Lake District

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