The Lake District in north-west England is one of the most beautiful areas of natural scenery in the UK. With its famous fells, traditional towns, and stunning lakes in the Lake District National Park, it is a dream destination for walking, culture, and history. This guide offers a five-day short break itinerary to help you experience the very best of the Lake District.
Why Choose a Lake District Short Break?
With fifteen official lakes, dramatic mountains, charming towns, and a rich literary heritage, the Lake District National Park is one of the most inspiring destinations in England. A short break of five days offers enough time to experience the highlights while leaving plenty to discover on a return visit.
Lake District Highlights in Video
Before diving into the daily itinerary, enjoy this short video slideshow of my Lake District short break. It features lakes and landscapes of the Lake District National Park.
Lake District video: a 5-day journey through the lakes in the Lake District National Park.
Day One: Arrival in Windermere
Travelling by train to the Lake District National Park is simple, with connections from London to Windermere via Manchester. Staying in Windermere means you are within easy reach of tours, bus stops, and the main attractions of the Lake District. After checking in at a cosy guest house, stroll the high street filled with pubs, shops, and restaurants, and enjoy your first evening in the Lakes.
Day Two: The Ten Lakes Tour
A full-day bus tour of ten lakes in the Lake District gives you the chance to see much of the park in one go. The itinerary often includes:
The Lakes of the Lake District
From Windermere to Derwentwater, Ullswater, and Coniston Water, this route highlights some of the most famous lakes in the Lake District National Park. Expect breathtaking views, woodland bluebells in spring, and countless photo opportunities.
Grasmere and Wordsworth’s Heritage
Visit the charming village of Grasmere, home to the world-famous Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop and the graveyard of poet William Wordsworth.
Castlerigg Stone Circle and Keswick
Stop at the mysterious Castlerigg stone circle before reaching Keswick, a lively market town where you can explore the streets, pubs, and dog-friendly culture.
Coniston Water and Derwentwater
Enjoy a boat trip on Coniston Water and later admire the spectacular “Surprise View” of Derwentwater, two highlights of any trip to the Lake District.
Day Three: Coniston, Langdale and Ullswater
The morning brings a private tour of Coniston Water and Brantwood, the historic home of John Ruskin. Art lovers will enjoy galleries showcasing the Heaton Cooper family of artists. In the afternoon, another lakes circuit reveals Ullswater and smaller tarns, each offering new perspectives on the scenery of the Lake District National Park.
Day Four: High Adventure in the Lake District
The “High Adventure” bus tour showcases the rugged passes and elevated views of the fells. Highlights include:
Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway
Ride the historic narrow-gauge railway through valleys and open countryside.
Muncaster Castle
Discover Muncaster Castle with its bird of prey shows, gardens, and fascinating history. This stop is often a highlight of any Lake District short break.
Day Five: Beatrix Potter’s Lake District
On the final morning, visit Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter, where the National Trust preserves her house and gardens. It’s a delightful family-friendly experience, with Peter Rabbit characters hidden throughout the grounds. This tour offers a fitting farewell to the Lake District.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lake District
Where is the Lake District National Park?
The Lake District National Park is in Cumbria, north-west England. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers more than 900 square miles of mountains, valleys, forests, and lakes.
How many lakes are in the Lake District?
The Lake District is home to 16 main lakes, including Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, and Coniston Water. In addition, there are many smaller tarns and reservoirs scattered across the fells.
Which is the largest lake in the Lake District?
Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District and in England, stretching over 10.5 miles. It is popular for boat trips, water sports, and scenic walks along its shores.
What are the main towns in the Lake District?
The main towns in the Lake District include Ambleside, Keswick, Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere, and Grasmere. Each offers its own charm, from lively markets to literary heritage sites.
When is the best time to visit the Lake District?
The Lake District can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer bring wildflowers and warmer weather, autumn offers colourful landscapes, and winter is quieter with dramatic scenery, though rain is frequent at all times of year.
How do you get to the Lake District National Park?
You can reach the Lake District by train, car, or bus. The nearest major train stations are Oxenholme (for Kendal), Windermere, Penrith, and Carlisle. From there, local buses and taxis connect you to towns and villages across the park.
