Looking for expert recommendations for your visit to the Lake District in England? You have come to the right place. In this post, Fiona (a native Brit), shares with us the ideal 3 day Lake District Itinerary. In other words, how to experience the perfect 3 days in Lake District UK.
Quaint rural villages, stunning landscapes and of course the beautiful lakes make this part of Northwest England worth visiting as you’ll discover in this Lake District itinerary.
The Lake District lies in the heart of a Cumbria. It’s a National Park with Unesco World Heritage status, and its breathtaking vistas are numerous.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s an overwhelming amount of walks that take you across the fells and tarns. On return to your base, you’ll find an abundance of cosy pubs with log fires, real ale and friendly locals. Lovers of food have three Michelin starred restaurants to enjoy and plenty of local goodies to savour.
The area also has a close affinity to literature and art. It’s thanks to the author Beatrix Potter that the landscape of the National park has remained untouched.
Beatrix loved the Lake District so much that she purchased 4000 acres and 14 farms which she donated to the National Trust upon her death. A formidable lady who achieved so much given that women’s place in society during the late 19th and early 20th century.
Note: You can learn more about Beatrix on this half-day tour which takes you to visit her home and also all the scenic areas that made her fall in love with The Lake District region.
In addition, The renowned poet William Wordsworth was born and indeed spent much of life in Cumbria. The natural beauty of the area inspired many of his famous poems, including Daffodils.
Getting around Lake District
The easiest way to get around the Lake District is by car. If you are worried about your carbon footprint, you can hire an electric vehicle through Co-Wheels. There are charging points on the car parks at Coniston, Grasmere and Glenridding.
Some buses regularly run along the main road and around the area, but if you want to reach the Lake District hidden gems, you will need a car.
Booking.com
Lake District 3 day Itinerary – How to spend the perfect 3 days in Lake District!
Day one
Spend the morning exploring the attractions of Grasmere Village. Start at St Oswald Church where you can see the grave of William Wordsworth and enjoy the splendid views of the river from the daffodil garden.
Take a walk along some of the coffin route which is known for being one of Britains best trails. Along the way, you’ll pass both Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. Both are former homes of Wordsworth and well worth visiting.
Its an easy walking route that’s mostly flat and you can reach Rydal Mount in under an hour. From the church, turn left and continue along the main road towards Ambleside. Follow the signs to Dove cottage and then look out for the public footpath to Alcock Tarn and Coffin Route to Rydal.
From Rydal, you can catch the 599 bus back to Grasmere or continue walking around the full circuit of Rydal Water which will take a couple of hours.
If you have limited time, you can also book a full-day tour to see the best ten lakes in the Lake District.
Dove cottage
Dove Cottage was home to William Wordsworth and his sister for eight years. You can take a look inside the picturesque cottage and see some of his famous manuscripts at the museum next door.
Rydal Mount
From Rydal Mount, you get fantastic views over Lake Windermere, the largest body of water in the lake district. Wordsworth lived here between 1813 and 1850.
Take in a tour of the house and gardens which are beautiful. You can see the family rooms which display portraits, artefacts and first editions of his works.
The fells give a perfect backdrop to the exquisite garden which is filled with shrubs, rhododendrons and lawns. The view of the Rydal Water is particularly stunning from the summer house. If you are visiting in early April, take a walk to Dora’s field before leaving to see the stunning array of daffodils. The small area lies between the house and the main road next to St Mary’s church. After the death of his daughter, William and his family planted hundreds of daffodils as a memorial to Dora.
You might also like: The best spots to visit in The UK for nature lovers!
Allan Bank House
An alternative place to visit in Grasmere, if you are looking for somewhere to sit and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside is Allan Bank House.
It’s an easy 10-minute walk here from the centre of Grasmere. Another of Wordsworth’s homes but this one is a little more quirky.
The National Trust owns the property which has various rooms to enjoy. You can enjoy painting in the art room or get creative in the craft room. There’s a library in which you can relax and read a book, or you can sit by the fire in the study and admire the view.
There’s also a playroom which has loads of toys to keep the children entertained not to mention a fantastic dressing up box.
Lunch
Grasmere has numerous cafes to chose from for a bite to eat. Personally, my favourite is Greens which has a great selection of salads and sandwiches.
For dessert, I’d take a walk to Grasmere’s other famous attraction, the Gingerbread Shop. Sarah Nelson’s recipe has been around for decades, and the unique taste is loved by even those who despise gingerbread.
Ambleside
In the afternoon, take the car or catch bus 599 to Ambleside. The small town is one of the most popular places in the Lake District, and during the summer months, there’s plenty of boat rides and water activities to enjoy.
Catch the ferry over to Brockhole, the National Park visitors centre or hire a rowing boat and enjoy the water.
You could also take a walk to Stock Ghyll Force to see the spectacular waterfall or visit the Armitt Museum, which has an exciting collection of books, paintings and manuscripts.
Evening meal
Lovers of fine dining should not miss the opportunity of eating at the Forest Side restaurant. The ten-course tasting menu at this one-star Michelin restaurant is sublime.
If you prefer somewhere a little less formal, there are numerous restaurants in both Ambleside and Grasmere to enjoy.
RECOMMENDED: Top things to do in Brighton, UK
Day two
Start the day at Blackwell Arts and Crafts house near Windermere.
Blackwell House is a stunning art deco building which enjoys magnificent views over Lake Windermere. It was the former holiday home of Sir Edward Holt, the proprietor of the famous Manchester Brewery Holts.
The decor of the house is stunning with its stained glass windows, and intricate wooden panelling. One of the highlights is a rare hessian wall-hanging in the dining room.
Look out for the neighbouring herd wick sheep in the surrounding fields as they are unique to the area.
How to get to there
Follow the signs to Bowness-on-Windermere and then Blackwell. Take the road to the right at the B5360 at the fork. There are signposts to the house and parking is free when you get there. There are no public transport options to get here, but you could take bus 599 to Windermere and then get a taxi
The world of Beatrix Potter
One of the area’s most visited attractions is the World of Beatrix Potter in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
For some, this part of the lakes may be too busy, but the attraction is worth a visit.
Beautiful Figurines bring to life the enchanting tails from books such as Peter Rabbit. No matter how old you are, the depth of detail and craftsmanship of the characters is delightful.
The tour begins with a short film which gives a brief, but insightful look into the life of Beatrix and her characters. It takes no more than an hour to walk through the tour, and you can’t help but admire the attention to detail at every point.
Having enjoyed an insight into the characters of Beatrix Potter take a drive to the quintessential village of Hawkshead.
Many of the buildings here date from the 17th Century, and there are some delightful tea rooms and shops.
ANOTHER FAVORITE: The perfect 3 days in London!
How to get to Hawkshead
To get here, follow the A591 and then the B5286. Cars are not allowed in the village, but there is a car park on the outskirts. If you are relying on public transport, take the ferry from Bowness to Ferry House. Then follow the footpath to Hill Top, which is signposted. From Hill Top, the 525 bus regularly runs in summer between here and Hawkshead.
Lunch
If you love cats check out Kittchen, a cat cafe in the heart of the village. Their mezzo boards (which include a vegan option) are superb with much of the produce locally sourced.
An alternative place for lunch is the Minstrels gallery, which is an excellent choice if you fancy indulging in afternoon tea.
Hawkshead Gallery
The 17th Century building was once the solicitor’s office of Beatrix Potters husband. Today it’s a gallery dedicated to her work.
On display are many of her watercolour paintings, sketches and letters. The narrow corridors and staircases within the old building are also intriguing. The whole place has a lovely ambience and is well worth a visit.
Wray Castle
On your return to Grasmere, stop by the beautiful castle of Wray. You can walk from Hawkshead although its approximately 5 miles or take the minibus 505 if you don’t have a vehicle.
You can also get to Wray Castle by boat from Windermere in summer.
SUGGESTED READING: Off the beaten path places to visit in London
The castle is not real; it was built as a private house in 1840, but its splendid turrets and gothic architecture make it a fairy tale building. Inside the rooms are elaborate with grand spaces and narrow servant passages. There’s a Peter Rabbit adventure that you can take or enjoy a stroll around the gardens and waters edge.
Evening meal
If you have a car, take a drive to the Drunken Duck after leaving Wray Castle. Follow the B5286 and turn left towards Barngates. It’s about a 10-minute drive. The food is exceptional, and the cosy interior is every bit as snug as you could imagine from a traditional English pub.
Day Three
Take a scenic drive along the A591 to Keswick in the North Lakes.
If you want to extend the journey, you could take in the Kirkstone Pass. To reach the start of the kirkstone pass head back to Windermere and take A592 through Troutbeck. On either route, the scenery is exquisite, particularly if the sun is shining.
Castlerigg Stone circle
On route to Keswick, it’s worth stopping at the Castlerigg stone circle which is on the road to Penrith just outside of town.
The panoramic views over Helvellyn and high seat make this one of Britains most exquisite stone circles. It’s also one of the earliest, dating back to 3000BC.
The site is free to visit, and you can park near the gate on the lane.
Keswick
Keswick is a market town, and there’s plenty of shops to enjoy. There are several places where you can hire bikes if you want to explore the surrounds of Derwent water or you can take a boat ride.
I would just stop for a coffee break and continue along the Keswick loop which takes in another of the areas most scenic drives along the Honister pass.
Visiting The UK during Christmas? Check out The Best Christmas Markets in The UK!
Keswick Loop
From Keswick take the B5289 towards Borrowdale. For those who don’t mind small roads its worth making a detour to Ashness Bridge one of the most photographed places in Cumbria by professionals.
Be forewarned the road is narrow, and there are few spots to pass, should you meet another vehicle. It’s also rather steep in places, but you don’t need a 4wd.
Surprise View – A Hidden Gem
If you drive across the bridge and continue for 1/4 of a mile, you’ll reach one of the hidden gems in this part of the world.
Few visitors make it up here, but the breathtaking view across Derwent water is one of my favourites.
There is a small car park and a bench from which you can admire the views across the water to Cat Bells. It even looks stunning if the weather is misty.
Back on the B5289 follow the signs towards Buttermere which takes you through the Newlands Valley.
Lunch
Along the way stop at Croft House Farm Cafe in Buttermere for a bite to eat. The homemade cakes are delicious, and there’s a good selection of coffee, including ones with flavoured syrup.
The Honister Pass starts at Gatesgarth Farm at the south end of Buttermere. It takes you across Cumbria’s highest points rising to 1167 feet in height at the summit.
Keep following the signs to Honister slate mine if you are unsure. There are several viewpoints to stop and enjoy the spectacular vistas. It’s simply breathtaking. However, it is not for drivers that lack confidence there’s a steep descent after the quarry, and a low gear ratio is essential.
You may prefer to book a tour to experience this part of the lake district itinerary.
If time permits or if you prefer to skip the scenic drive above, take a visit to Cockermouth. It’s about an hours drive from the end of the Honister pass or 20 minutes from Keswick along the A66.
The colourful town is home to Jennings Brewery if you fancy some beer tasting and you can visit the house where William Wordsworth was born.
There are plenty of small independent shops, which include antiques, arts and crafts and a delightful bookshop.
The history of the town is fascinating, and there’s an informative display in the centre if you wish to know more.
You can also pick up a trail leaflet at the tourist information which walks you through the town’s history. After the horrific floods in 2009, one of the largest Romano settlements was discovered here during the clear-up operation.
From Cockermouth back to Grasmere its approximately a 40-minute drive along the A66 and A591.
Where to stay during your Lake District Itinerary
There is no shortage of accommodation throughout the Lake District, with something to suit every budget. Grasmere makes for a good base as its more central than Windermere, but if you’re happy to hire a car, there are some delightful BnB’s that are off the beaten track.
Five-Star Hotel
In Grasmere, the Wordsworth Daffodil and Spa Hotel will not disappoint. With luxurious rooms, an indoor pool, spa treatments, and an awarding winning restaurant, there’s much to enjoy.
Quirky accommodation
Beatrix Potter once owned the Lindeth Howe Hotel. It’s quirky, yet the sophisticated interior is a delight. Unique features such as the hanging books above the fireplace and the butterfly trail carpet that leads to the bar may not suit everyone but they certainly, add character.
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Windermere, and the 2 AA Rosette restaurant serves an English style menu with much of the produce sourced locally.
Heidi’s Grasmere Lodge
Heidi’s Lodge is a charming BnB in the heart of Grasmere. There’s free on-site parking, and the rooms enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding fells. It’s the perfect home away from home, which you need to book well in advance as it’s popular.
Booking.com
Best time to visit the Lake District
Whatever time of year you visit there is a good chance that it will rain during your stay. The landscape around here is not green and full of water for no reason. However, between April and September, the weather is warmer, and all the National Trust properties are open.
During the winter months, some sites close, but it’s much quieter, which makes it more attractive. The restaurants and hotels are open year-round as its a popular place to go hiking in the UK.
Getting to the Lake District from London and Beyond
The nearest airport is Manchester or Glasgow. From Manchester airport, there is a train that connects to Windermere. You can also catch a train from London Euston direct to Windermere which takes approximately three and a half hours.
Train services also connect Edinburgh and Glasgow with Windermere. On some train routes, you may have to change at Oxendale, which is not difficult.
National Trust Pass
If you are an international visitor, you can save money on entry to National Trust sites by purchasing a pass online. The pass gives you free entry to over 300 historical houses and gardens throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information click here.
While many visitor’s to the UK enjoy the delights of the London few get out into the countryside. Britains heart is in its rural villages as you’ll discover on this Lake District itinerary.
This is a guest post by: Fiona from the Blog Passportandpiano.com
Author’s Bio: Fiona is an international music examiner whose work takes her to schools all over the world. Her travel blog Passport and Piano is growing fast. It provides inspiration, travel tips and resources to help people to visit unique destinations which are away from the ordinary. You can follow her adventures on Facebook and Pinterest @Passportandpiano.
Enjoyed reading? Save it for later on Pinterest!
Pingback: Top places to visit in the U.K. for nature-lovers - Dreams in Heels - Travel and Lifestyle Blog by a Latina Abroad