Undoubtedly, England is a treasure trove of natural beauty for travellers around the globe and the Lake District is definitely one of its hidden gems. Located in Cumbria, the Lake District consists of 16 glacial lakes, set amidst green valleys, moors, and surreal surroundings.
In 2017, the Lake District was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in England. The northern part of this region attracts nature lovers and hikers whereas, the southern part is known for historical attractions.
With an array of experiences and an abundance of natural beauty waiting to astound you, it’s a good idea to plan your trip to the Lake District.
This perfect 7 day Lake District itinerary covers all the exciting activities and attractions that will make your vacation incredible.
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A Perfect 7 Day Lake District Itinerary
The Lake District National Park is one of the most popular places to explore in the UK. In this guide, we will discuss the best time to go to the Lake District as covering the following:
- Where to stay in the Lake District
- How to get to the Lake District
- The best time to go to the Lake District
- Day 1 and 2 – Windermere
- Day 3 – Ambleside
- Day 4 – Keswick and Derwentwater
- Day 5 – Coniston and Hawkshead
- Day 6 – Ravenglass
- Day 7 – Ullswater Lake
- Preparing for your trip to the Lake District
How to Get to the Lake District
The Lake District National Park is a mountainous region in the northwest of England. It is easily reachable by public transport, including train and bus, with routes that take you from major cities directly to the centre of Windermere.
If you are flying into the country, the closest airport will be Manchester airport, however, you can still easily reach The Lake District by bus and train from any other part of the country.
National Express Buses connect the Lake District to other parts of the country and West Coast Trains.
View all of the relevant bus and train lines that will get you to Windermere right here.
Reaching the Lake District isn’t a hassle at all. All three options – air, rail, and bus allow tourists to easily get to Lake District. The closest airports are Glasgow and Manchester from Scotland and England respectively. From the airport, you can take coach, train, or bus to reach here.
If you are coming from Dublin, London Southend, or Belfast, then the nearest airport is Carlisle which is around 30 miles from Lake District.
Travelling by Train is a comfortable option and is also a relatively faster and cheaper one. Hop on the West Coast Mainline that operates from London to Glasgow. Get to Oxenholme Station and from there, take a local train to Kendal, Staveley, or Windermere. On the Northern Rail line, you can board a direct train from Manchester to Windemere.
An important tip – if you are an international traveller, it is highly recommended to buy a BritRail Pass that allows you unlimited rail travel in the UK.
However, if you want to get to the Lake District via bus, then National Express is the best option from main cities like Manchester and London. There are direct services from London’s Victoria Coach Station to Windermere.
Though the bus takes longer than the train, it would still reduce the number of transfers. There is an extensive bus network that operates between Cumbria and the Lake District.
The Best Time to Visit the Lake District
Bathed in an abundance of natural beauty, the Lake District remains extremely beautiful throughout the year. Hands down it is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in England.
However, the different seasons influence the landscape and may be a deciding factor in when you choose to visit, depending on your preference.
Spring is perhaps the best season to explore the Lake District, as the region blooms up to its best during this time. This is when blankets of daffodils and bluebells cover the entire woodland. The spring season starts in April and it lasts until May.
Summer will be the busiest time to visit as the days are longer and everyone enjoys the warm weather. This is the time when the landscape comes into full bloom. Summer begins in June and continues until September. July and August are the busiest months in the Lake District, not just with tourists but locals as well.
Though Autumn is not an ideal season to plan your trip to the Lake District, you can still do it if you want to explore with less crowds.
Winter, in general, isn’t ideal for England tourism and is definitely not the optimum time to plan your trip to this part of England. Everything will be covered in snow, which is beautiful, but you will hardly get to witness the real beauty of the attractions you want to cover on the Lake District itinerary.
Day 1 – Windermere
There couldn’t be a better place to start than Windermere for the first day of your 7 day Lake District road trip itinerary. Windermere Lake is the largest of its kind not just in the Lake District, but in England.
Sprawling an area of 10.5 miles, this lake is a haven for thrill seekers. Here you can expect to do activities like paddle-boarding, sailing, and windsurfing.
Unlike at any other lake spot, you can also explore various hotspots around the lake via steamboat and car ferry. This charming spot remains busy all throughout the year, but especially during the peak season.
Apart from the gorgeous beauty around the lake, there is also a castle that dates back to 1940. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, head outdoors rightaway for a gentle walk along the wester shore of Windermere that begins from Ferry House. This well-paved and maintained path serves as the road to the ultimate beauty of this part of Lake District.
Day 2 – Windermere
Whether you are an adventure buff or not, swimming in the Lake District is one of the must-do things for all types of travellers. There are plenty of secret bodies of water to take a dip in and do some wild swimming.
Of all of them, Windermere West Shore is the busiest, likely because of the abundance of actives you can do, including wild swimming, picnicking and paddle-boarding. This is indeed the best to rejuvenate and recharge yourself.
For a spot of sightseeing, head to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farmhouse. Beatrix Potter was a much loved English writer, conservationist, and natural scientist.
This wasn’t just a house to her, but the place she loved the most. Out of all 23 of her books, she wrote 13 of them here at the Hilltop House. Today, it is a museum that displays exhibits related to her life.
Day 3 – Ambleside
The next destination on your 7 day Lake District tour is Ambleside, located in the heart of the Lake District.
After hitting the water and indulging in different water sports, day 3 at Ambleside will be a little less hectic. There are actually plenty of things to do and places to visit in this part of the Lake District.
Jenkin Crag is one of the lesser-known, yet amazing, places to visit here in Ambleside. A two-hour walk from car park point in Waterhead takes you to the ancient woodland located above Ambleside.
After the 2-hour walk, there is an amazing view point at the top, Jenkin Crag, that offers sweeping views of Ambleside and the surrounding landscapes from up above. If you are visiting in spring, then the walk becomes even more special as the woodland will have an ocean of bluebells
If you still want to be in the water or a 2 hour hike seems a bit challenging, then go for a Steamer Trip. These are one of the more traditional experiences in the Lake District.
On the journey, you’ll soak up the sublime views of Windermere’s fells, lakeside houses, and Belle Isle. The trip operates throughout the year.
Day 4 – Keswick and Derwentwater
The next stop on your 7 day Lake District itinerary is Keswick which is around 21 miles from Windermere. Keswick is a market town in the Lake District that has its own charm and significance.
The town is close to the northeast shore of the very famous Derwentwater Lake – the main highlight in Keswick. Surrounded by beautiful hills, the lake is a stunning spot for people to relax and unwind.
There are plenty of things to do in Keswick. But for the ultimate experience filled with thrill and adventure, you can indulge in a number of water-sports such as kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and paddle-boarding. In addition, there are countless walking trails that offer picturesque views of the surrounding lake and mountains.
Just outside of the town is Castlerigg Stone Circle, another popular tourist spot in the region. It is an English Heritage Monument that dates back to 300 BC. Visit the site not just to traverse back into Neolithic history, but to admire the panoramic backdrop.
Day 5 – Coniston and Hawkshead
Coniston is another popular destination in the Lake District which appeals to adventure seekers. Visiting Coniston is definitely one of the best things to do in the Lake District, so it had to be on this itinerary.
Coniston Water is the third largest lake in the Lake District region. On the banks of the lake, there are a number of villages and other places of tourist interest such as museums and water sports.
From kayaking to paddle-boarding to motor-boating, there are a wide options of things to do in Coniston. Whilst your re here, also visit Hawkshead Village. Located at the bottom of Hawkshead Hill, the village sums up everything beautiful and intriguing about this region. There is plenty 17th century architecture to adore and appreciate.
Day 6 – Ravenglass
Ravenglass is the next stop on your 7 day District Lake tour. This quaint, little hamlet is a coastal community in its own sense. The town once served as a prominent harbour for Romans in the 2nd century.
Today, it is home to two of the most beautiful natural lakes – Windermere and Wast Water. While staying in this town, you have got plenty of amazing things to do; hiking being one of them.
Other interesting attractions that you must see on your 7 day Lake District trip include the UNESCO-listed Muncaster Castle. It should definitely be your first activity in Ravenglass!
Legend says the castle is haunted, understandable with a rich history of more than 800 years. Overlooking the majestic River Esk, the castle is also a home to exquisite artworks and antiques.
Visiting the ruins of the Roman Baths is another one of the best things to do in Ravenglass. This historical construction dates back to AD 130 and is known for being some of the tallest Roman constructions in northern Britain. Also known as Wall Castle with 13 feet of height, these ruins are sure to entertain kids and adults alike.
Day 7 – Ullswater Lake
We’ve saved the best for last! Let’s make your last day in Lake District a memorable one and for that, there is no place better than Ullswater Lake. It is the second largest lake in the region and one of the most beautiful.
The reason the lake is so popular is because of the dramatic views that surround it. Even better, it has a circular 20-mile route which can be enjoyed on a hop-on-hop-off bus ride!
The lake hosts different recreational activities like boating, sailing, windsurfing, and canoeing. You can also go cruising here at Ullswater Lake on a steamer. Another key highlight that you must visit here is Helvellyn Fell, ideal for climbers.
Before You Leave for The Lake District
Before you head off on your trip to The Lake District, there are certain things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth trip. These include what to pack, where to stay and what travel insurance to book.
How Do I Get to The Lake District?
The Lake District National Park is a mountainous region in the northwest of England. It is easily reachable by public transport, including train and bus, with routes that take you from major cities directly to the centre of the town of Windermere.
If you are flying into the country, the closest airport will be Manchester airport, however, you can still easily reach The lake District by bus and train from any other part of the country.
National Express Buses connect the Lake District to other parts of the country and West Coast Trains.
View all of the relevant bus and train lines that will get you to Windermere right here.
What Should I Pack for The Lake District?
What you need to pack for the Lake District will rely highly on when go. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and freezing rain.
The temperatures generally vary from 10C° to 25C° during these months, with a mixture between cold, northerly winds and warmer southerlies. There is a small amount of rain, with maybe 1 in 7 days receiving rainfall, which makes it perfect for days out exploring the beautiful city.
During the Summer months in the Lake District, temperatures tend to range from 20C° to 30C°, with some days topping 35C°. When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in the Lake District can be strong, especially in the summer months.
If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in the Lake District, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance?
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your 7-Day Lake District Itinerary. If you have visited this amazing place, let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this photo guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own English adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our England content for more inspiration to our beautiful home country.
When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.
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