Lake District Road Trip: 3 EPIC Routes (2022)

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 😀

What better summer activity is there to do than a Lake District road trip? Whether you’re driving up north from London, or just visiting for the weekend, a Lake District road trip is one of the best things you can do in the UK.

The Lake District is known for being one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

Travellers and backpackers travel from all over the world to visit this little haven of serenity, and it’s quickly become one of my favourite places to visit in England.

From wild swimming spots to quaint towns and villages, mountainous views and epic hikes, the Lake District is a great place for a UK road trip.

So how can you do a Lake District road trip? In the following post, I detailed 3 different road trip routes you can do in the Lake District.

These routes can be completed in either car or van (if you haven’t tried van life yet, I highly recommend it), and has camping spots, car parks and everything else you’ll need to plan an EPIC Lake District road trip.

So, with all of my extensive experience and planning, you can skip the hard part and get straight to packing up your car!

Visiting the Lake District? Yay! You might also like…

• Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!
• 9 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 (2022)
• 3 Days in the Lake District: Everything You NEED To Do
• What to Pack for the Lake District: Ultimate First Timer Guide
• Lake District in September: Why It’s the BEST Time to Visit (2022)

Lake District Road Trip

How many days do you need in the Lake District?

This really is down to personal preference, and what kind of trip you want to have.

For example, if you’re a big hiker and want to scale peaks like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Helm Crag, you’re going to need at least 5 days. This gives you enough time to hike and have some rest breaks in between.

If you also want to do some water activities (like wild swimming) explore the villages and discover some of the English countryside, I’d recommend staying for at least 5-6 days. This gives you enough time to hike, swim, eat and explore.

However, even a day trip to the Lake District is worth it.

It’s such a special location that I would recommend visiting the Lake District even if you’re short on time.

Need a 3 day itinerary? Check out my EPIC 3 day route here!

Only have a day to spare? I’ve got you covered! Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!

🌎 Looking for a carry-on bag to hold everything you need for your flight? I spent YEARS looking for a good carry-on that’s accepted by all airlines, and I finally found it. I couldn’t fault this Aerolite backpack!

Can you drive around the Lake District?

Yes, and driving is the best way to get around the Lake District.

The Lake District does have some public transport, but I wouldn’t rely on it.

I’ve seen other bloggers rave about how good it is, but from personal experience (and being from London), I don’t think the public transport in the Lake District is that great.

If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District and do this Lake District road trip. It’s easy to drive around (as long as you don’t mind narrow roads!) and it’s definitely the quickest.

If you’re new to driving in the Lake District, I’ve written some handy tips a bit further down this post!

Whilst visiting the Lake District, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Columbia walking boots!

Can you do a day trip in the Lake District?

It’s not enough to do everything in the Lake District, but it’s definitely enough to get a feel for the area!

If you start early, you’ll have enough time to have a dip in a lake, complete a short hike, eat at a local pub and enjoy some of the famous Lake District scenery.

I’ve written an epic one day itinerary for the Lake District which you can check out if you’re interested.

However, if you DO have the time to stay longer, I would highly recommend booking some accommodation and staying for longer than one day.

Decided you want more than just one day in the Lake District? Yay! Check out my post: Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide.

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

Lake District Road Trip: Route 1 (5 days)

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

Starting point: Kendal

Ending point: Wasdale Head

Optional Stops:

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

Time needed: 5-6 days

Total distance: 87.2 miles

Total driving time: 3.5 hours

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.

Highlights of Route 1

Kendal

If you’re in Kendal and want to stop off, you can pay a visit to Kendal Castle or the museum. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from, and it’s a great gateaway to the Lake District.

Personally, I’d only stop off in Kendal for an hour or two, grab a coffee and then head further into the national park.

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 place to stay in the Lake District, and you can read all about why I think this here: Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!.

I’ve also written a guide on Grasmere, as it’s another one of my favourite villages in the Lake District and has something for everyone.

Waterhead is epic for a Lake District sunset, so I highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the area in the evening.

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.

If you’ve got a good head for heights, have a spare day to summit and a good level of fitness, I’d recommend scaling Helvellyn. It’s known for it’s sheer edges and drops, so I mean it when I say make sure you have a good head for heights!

Scafell Pike

If you’d rather hike to the highest point in England, head to Scafell Pike instead. 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.

You can check out my guide about hiking Scafell Pike here.

Lake District Road Trip: Route 2 (3 days)

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-Windemere

Ending point: Keswick

Optional Stops:

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

Time needed: 3-4 days

Total distance: 23 miles

Total driving time: 45 minutes +

This is a great road trip in the Lake District, and can be done by anyone in a bit of a rush.

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.

Highlights of Route 2

Rydal Caves

If you have a few hours to stop off at the Rydal Caves, I highly recommend it.

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!

Plus, it was even one of the filming locations for Netflix’s ‘The Witcher’!

Honister Pass

One place you don’t want to miss on this Lake District road trip is the Honister Pass.

Right at the end of your road trip, you’ll have the chance to stop off here and admire it in all of its glory.

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 (4 days)

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

Optional Stops:

• Buttermere
• Castlerigg
• Keswick

Time needed: 4 days

Total distance: 50 miles

Total driving time: 1 hour 50 mins

Highlights of Route 3

Whitehaven

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

It’s totally worth visiting and is a fun, bustling seaside town. It’s the perfect start to a Lake District road trip.

Buttermere

Buttemere is known for being one of the best walks in the Lake District. It’s one of my favourite lakes, and it’s one not to be missed on a Lake District road trip.

The walk around Buttermere is around 4.5miles 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!

It’s definitely one to visit on your Lake District road trip and soak up some of the dramatic atmosphere.

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.

Don’t miss it on your road trip!

Best Campsites in the Lake District

All of these campsites have either been used by myself or a friend who has recommended them.

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

Campsites in the Lake District aren’t generally too expensive and cost about £8 per adult per night on average.

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 a day.

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.

🗺️ My wild swimming must-have: If you’re wild swimming, make sure you pack a Microfibre towel (and this one linked is super pretty too). They make life easier when getting in and out of the water, they’re portable and easy to carry on any kind of day trip. I’ve had mine for years and use it on every lake trip!

Wild Camping in the Lake District

It’s a sad one, but wild camping is not allowed in the Lake District *cry*.

What makes me sad is this was my favourite thing to do on our Scotland road trip. Nothing beats just finding a random spot to park up and sleep for the night!

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.

However, 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. Meaning you CAN wild camp in certain places if you have a motorhome or campervan.

This usually means parking on open moorland or mountain away from improved agricultural land or woodland.

However, it is still best to park up 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.

🗺️ My Lake District must-have: A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst driving! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

Driving tips in 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 on drink 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 a good condition, but they are narrow and winding.
• Carry a paper OS Map in case of emergencies.
• You will find hidden gems every time you start driving. Although you’re going to be packing things into this 1 day trip, you’re going to want to have some empty time to stop off on those magical spontaneous finds!

Want to take photos or videos in the water? You need a GoPro! I use mine every time I wild swim in lakes or the ocean. It’s an incredible way to keep your memories forever!

Renting a vehicle in the Lake District

Renting a car or van in the UK isn’t too complicated, but can be expensive. You may want to shop around online before your trip to find an affordable price for you (especially if you’re a backpacker).

Alternatively, check into a Lake District hostel or post on some Facebook groups to see if anyone wants to split the cost and do a Lake District road trip together (just make sure you vet them first!)

I recommend renting a car outside of the Lake District for your road trip. Although this may seem strange, you can easily rent a car from a local town like Lancaster or Carlisle and then drive into the national park.

You’re going to get cheaper prices and have better availabilty if you’re travelling during peak times.

Here’s some rules 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 1 driver. This starts from £10 per day (dependent on the company).
• You MUST have insurance to drive in the UK (more on this in the next section!)

Are you going on a Lake District road trip? Don’t forget to take a phone holder for your car. If you need to follow GPS to get around the lakes, you’ll need to prop your phone up somehow! We bought ours a few years ago and have used it on every road trip. Trust me – they never supply one!

Insurance in 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 withn roadside assistance too.

Rentalcover.com are great for this!

Backpacking for the first time? Or want to know where to find the best travel deals? Check out my travel resources for the inside scoop!

Wild swimming and have valuable tech on you? Don’t forget to buy a waterproof phone case (so you can still take photos!) and a dry bag. You’ll never have to worry about damaging expensive tech again!

What to pack for a Lake District road trip

As well as packing your regular items for a road trip, these are some of my essential items for the Lake District:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
• 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!)

When is the best time to visit the Lake District?

You can visit the Lake District 365 days a year. It truly is an ‘any kind of weather‘ place to visit in the UK.

However, if you want the cheapest prices, visit in the shoulder season (autumn and spring). This is when the Airbnbs and hotels are at their cheapest, and you still get some dry and sunny days!

During the winter months (November – February), the Lake District is known to get quite a bit of snow. If you’re visiting during the colder months, make sure you pack the necessary warm clothes (especially if you want to hike).

The summer months in the UK (June – August) are always the most expensive, and the busiest. I’ve visited the Lake District during this time, and although the weather has been amazing, you can expect to share your trip with a lot of other tourists!

Visiting the Lake District in winter? Check out my post: 23 Things to do in the Lake District in Winter (2022)

🗺️ My Lake District must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos?  📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)

Lake District Driving Times and Distances

Here are some quick driving time references for your journeys.

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-Windemere 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

Best 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 Windemere
• Eat fudge at Roly’s in Keswick
• Visit the Honister Pass

🗺️ My Lake District must-have:  I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!

Lake District Road Trip: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it!

The best Lake District road trips, with some handy and helpful info for your tour.

Doing a Lake District road trip? I’d love to hear about it! Make sure you let me know over on Instagram or leave a comment below!

Trust me, travelling around the Lake District in a car is something you won’t forget for a while. It’s pretty incredible!

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

Other Lake District posts:

• Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!
• 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
• Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots
• Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)
• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)
• Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know (2022)
• Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
• Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!

LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT?

Hey you! 🙋‍♀️ I quit my job in 2021 to become a full-time travel blogger + visit as much of the globe as possible. Come and join me on my chaotic and hilarious travel journeys!

📷 Instagram: @jennie_wanders

🎥 Youtube Channel: Jennie Wanders 

📍Pinterest: Jennie Wanders Travel Blog