A Weekend in the Lake District

Who needs a weekend abroad when we have the Lake District on our doorstep? Arguably one of the most beautiful places in the UK, the Lake District National Park is home to stunning lakes, rugged mountains and spectacular fells. Its glorious scenery has even inspired the work of many famous faces, from William Wordsworth to Taylor Swift! 

The Lake District is the perfect place to spend the weekend. Whether you're heading on a romantic trip, a walking holiday or an adventurous family getaway, it's one of those places that has something to offer everyone.

How to spend a weekend in the Lakes

Before planning your Lake District itinerary, consider the places you're keen to visit and check the distance between them. Seeing as you're only there for a weekend, you'll want to maximise your time and visit as many beauty spots as possible!

Our best advice is to either pick the North Lakes or the South Lakes. Here's a quick rundown of some of the places you can visit, depending on where you choose to stay.

Ideas for your weekend itinerary in the North Lakes

Keswick

If you're visiting the North Lakes, the market town of Keswick is a fantastic base for your weekend trip. With high-quality hotels, cosy guesthouses and a wide range of pubs, cafes and restaurants at your fingertips, you won't be short of places to stay and eat at.

Derwentwater

The lake of Derwentwater is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Pull on your walking boots and enjoy an 8-mile walk around the lake or opt for a relaxing lake cruise instead. The Keswick Launch has seven landing stages, so you can easily hop on and off to explore the local area.

Cat Bells

To the west of Keswick is the stunning fell of Cat Bells. Start your walk at Hawes End Landing Stage and enjoy sensational views over Keswick, Derwent Water and Borrowdale.

Scafell Pike

Up for a challenge? Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England and about a 20-minute drive from Keswick. 

Buttermere

If you'd prefer to stay in a small village in the North Lakes, we highly recommend Buttermere. Here, you'll be situated closely to 3 lakes, Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater. Enjoy a 4-mile walk around Buttermere, go red squirrel spotting at Crummock Water or enjoy a scenic stroll around Loweswater Lake.

If you're up for a climb, head up to Rannerdale Knott for stunning views of the surrounding area. And if you're visiting in spring, it'll be covered in beautiful; bluebells.

Ullswater

Are you staying in the larger town of Penrith? Ullswater is a must-visit. At 7.5 metres long, it's the Lake District's second-largest lake - easily identifiable by its three unique bends, often described as giving it a 'dog leg' appearance.

Ullswater is a great place for boat rides, kayaking, and guided walks. We highly recommend visiting Aira Force - a magnificent waterfall, with viewing bridges above and below. And if you're up for a hike, why not tackle Helvellyn - the 3rd highest peak in England.

Ideas for your weekend itinerary in the South Lakes

Windermere

If your weekend trip takes you to the South Lakes, Windermere is a fantastic starting point. Not only is it the largest lake in the Lake District but also the largest lake in England, with multiple rivers feeding into it.

Windermere is an excellent spot for rowing, sailing, horse riding, cycling and a wide range of other activities. 

If you're a Beatrix Potter fan (who isn't!), then it's well worth a trip to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction at Bowness-on-Windermere. See your favourite stories brought to life, explore the Peter Rabbit Garden and enjoy a signature afternoon tea at the cafe.

You can also catch a boat from Bowness-on-Windermere to Ambleside - one of the most popular towns in the Lake District.

Ambleside

Ambleside is a bustling town with plenty of outdoor leisure stores, bookshops, gift shops, cafes and restaurants to visit. It's also a hotspot for adventurers, with various activities including abseiling, climbing, bushcraft and sailing on offer.

If you're on a walking weekend in the Lakes, it's worth heading over the top of Loughrigg Fell and along to Rydal Cave, with fantastic views all the way.

Another popular Ambleside walk takes you on a woodland walk to Stock Ghyll Force, a scenic 70ft waterfall. It's a relatively easy and enjoyable walk to do with a young family.

Coniston and Cartmel

Coniston is a good base for walkers and climbers, with direct access to The Old Man of Coniston walking trail promising spectacular views. After your hike, why not treat yourself to a beer at The Coniston Brewing Company and sample the famous Bluebird Bitter?

Or, if you fancy extending your day, head onto the picture-postcard village of Cartmel, just a 40-minute drive from Coniston. This delightful village has a real olde-worlde feel, with a fine collection of artisan stores and quaint cottages. 

But it's not just about the aesthetics. Cartmel boasts some of the best dining in the county with several Michelin Star Restaurants. Of course, its famous Sticky Toffee pudding is not to be missed either!

Grasmere

A literary lover? Then you must visit Grasmere, the home of romantic poet William Wordsworth! It was here Wordsworth was born (in Dove Cottage) and died while out on a walk. His gravestone is one of the most visited literary shrines in the world. Head to the Wordsworth Grasmere attraction to find out more.

But Grasmere isn't just about Wordsworth. It's also an excellent place for exploring on foot. You can walk around Grasmere Lake itself or visit one of the many points of interest, including Easedale Tarn, Helm Crag, Alcock Tarn and Stone Arthur.

Great deals on Lake District Hotels

Are you looking to bag a great deal on a Lake District hotel? We work with some of the world's leading hotel brands, as well as independent guesthouses, to offer you weekend stays at fantastic prices! Pop your requirements into our search engine and book your perfect trip. 

Alternatively, head to our great deals page to see what's currently on offer. We're constantly refreshing this page with new listings from branded hotels and PlansChange sellers. So it's worth checking back to make sure you don't miss out on a money-saving deal!