Gorgeous landscapes dotted with serene lakes and overlooked by misty mountain ranges, rolling hillsides, quaint villages, Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth – the Lake District has it all. It’s one of the most popular destinations to visit for tourists and locals alike and, while a lot of visitors choose to drive or take a guided tour, it is also possible to explore the area using public transportation.
Bear in mind that many of the quaint little villages and rural attractions are not easily accessed by rail or bus, so we suggest basing yourself in one of the larger towns for a few days and taking one of the many excellent day tours.
Get in touch to book your trip to the Lake District and more at sales@britishtips.com or 021 975 2047.
TIP! It’s important to book well in advance as accommodation is limited in the Lake District so it sells out far in advance, as do tours and boat trips. Peak season is in summer, but it’s busy all year around.
The nearest major train station to the Lake District is Oxenholme, from which you can catch connecting trains to smaller stations, such as Windermere, Kendal, or Penrith. Public buses run by Stagecoach are another great way to get around to destinations like Keswick, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Coniston; you can buy tickets on board from the driver, or purchase one of the multi-use options. Be aware that public transportation services may be less frequent in more remote areas of the Lake District, and it’s a good idea to plan your journey in advance.
This itinerary visits Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick, Grasmere and Ravenglass.
Train from London to Windermere: Start your trip at London’s bustling Euston station for the 4.5-hour trip to Windermere. You’ll need to change trains at Oxenholme (or make your first stop here for the night before moving on to Windermere).
Drop off your bags at your hotel and head out to explore the pretty town of Windermere. You can visit the World of Beatrix Potter, take a peaceful boat trip on Lake Windermere (pictured), and pop in at some of the many excellent cafes, restaurants and shops. Treat yourself to a decadent quintessential cream tea, and, if you’re feeling more energetic, take a walk or hike on one of the many trails around the lake.
Overnight in Windermere.
Day trip by bus from Windermere to Ambleside (return): Catch a local bus from Windermere’s Bus Rail Interchange to Ambleside, which gets you there in just 15 minutes.
Ambleside is a charming town at the northern end of Lake Windermere and you can easily spend all day here, soaking up the atmosphere. Visit the 17th Century Bridge House (one of the region’s most photographed buildings), brush up on your local history at the Armitt Library & Museum Centre, and enjoy the birdsong at Stagshaw Garden. Take a short stroll to Stock Ghyll Force – a tumbling waterfall just outside town; there are also many longer walks in the area, such as the 10km walk to Rydal. A cruise from Ambleside Pier is an ideal way to appreciate the lake. There is so much to discover in Ambleside, you’ll need a full day here before hopping onto the bus back to Windermere.
Overnight in Windermere.
Bus from Windermere to Keswick: Take the 555 Stagecoach bus to Keswick, which will get you there in around 1 hour, travelling through some beautiful scenery.
Once your bags have been stashed at your hotel, you can explore the charming streets of Keswick. Pop in at the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, the Pencil Museum (surprisingly fascinating) take a boat trip on Derwentwater, and visit the prehistoric Castlerigg Stone Circle nearby.
Overnight in Keswick.
Bus from Keswick to Grasmere: Take the 555 Stagecoach bus to Grasmere for a day trip.
Take a day trip to Grasmere, a beautiful village known for its connections to William Wordsworth, where you can visit the poet’s former home, Dove Cottage (now a museum), explore the charming shops and cafés, walk along Grasmere Lake, and visit one of the many beautiful waterfalls in the vicinity. More energetic people could tackle the 3.3km round-trip hike up to Helm Crag for incredible views. Don’t forget to try some of the famous Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere gingerbread. Alternatively, we recommend a guided tour.
Head back to Keswick for the night.
Bus and rail from Keswick to Ravenglass: Take the X4 or X5 bus to Workington (+- 1 hour), then hop aboard the train to Ravenglass (+- 50 minutes).
Ravenglass is a pretty coastal village with a maritime history dating back 2000 years, in the western Lake District.
– Take a ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, known as the La’al Ratty, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
– Explore Muncaster Castle and its beautiful gardens.
– Visit the RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve for birdwatching or enjoy a walk along the beach.
Overnight in or near Ravenglass, or head to Lancaster to overnight.
Rail from Ravenglass to Lancaster: Hop aboard the 2-hour train to Lancaster. If you’re heading straight back to London, the route from Ravenglass takes around 5.5 – 6 hours with a change or two en route.
Lancaster is somewhat of a hidden gem in Northern England, and its one worth visiting.
Alternatively, connect from Ravenglass to London via Lancaster and head straight back.
Although you’ve come to the end of your trip to the Lake District, we hope you’ll be left with fantastic memories and photos – and are planning your next trip to this beautiful region.
To book your rail or car hire, accommodation, and tours, please get in touch at sales@britishtips.com or call 021 975 2047. We’re looking forward to assisting you!
This itinerary has been written by British TIPS with the aim of inspiring and assisting you in planning your next trip. All information is correct at time of writing. However, things can change so, before visiting, it is always important to check. We are happy to assist!
