Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the Lake District is the perfect destination for a road trip. With its stunning scenery and wealth of activities on offer, it’s no wonder this English region is so popular with visitors from all over the world.
If you’re looking for the best road trip routes in the Lake District, look no further! We’ve put together a list of some of the most scenic drives in this beautiful part of the world.
This trip report covers both leisurely drives and something more adventurous. We have something for everyone. So, pack your bags load up the boot and get ready to hit the open road!
The best scenic drives in the Lake District
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.
There are many reasons why the Lake District is so popular. The area is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, with its dramatic mountains, picturesque lakes, and quaint villages. It is also a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and canoeing.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Lake District is by car. There are many scenic drives that wind their way through the region, offering breath-taking views at every turn. Here are just a few of the best:
The Honister Pass:
This pass takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Lake District, with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road can be quite narrow in places, so it is advisable to take your time and enjoy the drive.
It is certainly the more adventurous drive in the lakes. The pass road takes you through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the Lake District, with spectacular views at every turn. It’s not for the faint-hearted but it’s definitely an unforgettable experience.
The Buttermere Valley:
This valley is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District, including Buttermere itself and Crummock Water. The drive through the valley offers stunning views of these picturesque bodies of water as well as the surrounding mountains.
Windermere:
Windermere is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Lake District and for good reason. This lake is stunning, with its clear waters and pretty surroundings. There are several scenic drives that take you around the lake, offering different views of this natural wonder.
At 10.5 miles long and 220 feet deep, Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England and a true natural wonder. The best way to experience its beauty is to take a leisurely drive around its shores, stopping off at some of the lakeside towns and villages along the way.
The lake at Windermere is a truly special place and even though I’ve been there several times, it’s a place I never tire of.
Windermere has one of the best leisurely drives you’ll find around the lakeshore. This route takes you along the shores of England’s largest lake, past loads of picturesque villages, and through some amazing scenery.
If you only have one day in the Lake District I’d spend a day exploring around Windermere.
If you are planning a visit to this beautiful region, I’d try and give yourself at least 3 or 4 days so you allow plenty of time to explore as you won’t to rush. All I can say is you won’t be disappointed!
Best Road Trip Activities, Lake District
When it comes to road trips, the Lake District is certainly right up there.
Nestled in the heart of England’s stunning countryside, the Lake District is home to some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, including its namesake lakes, mountains and valleys.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing break, the Lake District has something for everyone. Here are just a few of the best road trip activities to enjoy in this stunning region.
- I’ve just talked about Lake Windermere, and it is top of the list for me.
- Hike up Helvellyn
For breath-taking views of the Lake District, hike up England’s third-highest mountain, Helvellyn. At 3,118 feet tall, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views from the summit are more than worth the effort. I normally get a nosebleed if I’m more than a few hundred feet from my car, but I did really enjoy this hike. I did suffer for it a bit the next day though! - Visit Beatrix Potter’s House
If you are planning to take the take kids with you, then this is a winner. My daughter Sophie loved this.
Fans of Beatrix Potter will love visiting her former home in Near Sawrey, a village on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere. The house is now a museum dedicated to the famous author and illustrator and is filled with original illustrations and artefacts. - Take a scenic train ride
The Lake District is home to some of the most scenic railway routes in the country, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely train journey. One of the most popular routes is the Settle-Carlisle line, which passes through 14 tunnels and crosses the stunning Ribblehead Viaduct.
Although I’m a car nut I find travelling by steam train one of life’s great pleasures. Check out the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway website for more information. - Go sailing on Coniston Water
Coniston Water is one of the Lake District’s most popular lakes, and for good reason. Its clear waters and picturesque setting make it the perfect place to go sailing or windsurfing, and there are plenty of boats available for hire. - Explore the town of Keswick
Keswick is a lively market town in the heart of the Lake District, and makes for a great base for exploring the surrounding area. In addition to its many shops and restaurants, Keswick is home to a number of attractions, including the Keswick Museum and Derwent Pencil Museum.
This would in truth be higher on my list, but I went there for an anniversary weekend once with my now ex-wife, so those memories have slightly taken the edge of it for me!
If you have kids and you’re taking the family on a road trip, then I’d recommend the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway path is the perfect option. This flat, traffic-free route is ideal for little ones, and there’s plenty to keep them entertained along the way. From steam trains to castles, there’s something for everyone on this scenic route. - Visit Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
No trip to the Lake District would be complete without a visit to Grasmere Gingerbread shop, which has been making its delicious gingerbread since 1854. Be sure to try a piece (or two!) of this iconic treat during your visit. - Go wild swimming in Derwentwater.
For a truly unique experience, go wild swimming in Derwentwater, one of the Lake District’s most picturesque lakes. With its clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, Derwentwater is the perfect place to take a dip. - Take a cruise on Ullswater
Ullswater is the second-largest lake in the Lake District and is often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lakes’. Take a cruise on one of the lake’s iconic steamships and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. - Walk around Buttermere
Buttermere is one of the Lake District’s most popular beauty spots and is well worth a visit during your road trip. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and there are plenty of walking trails to explore.
How many days do you need in the Lake District?
Lake District is a popular tourist destination in the UK, and for good reason. The area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, including the Lake District National Park.
There are plenty of things to do in the Lake District, no matter what your interests are. Whether you want to go hiking, biking, or just enjoy the scenery, you can find something to suit your needs.
If you’re wondering how many days you should spend in the Lake District, it really depends on what you want to do. If you’re just looking to enjoy the scenery, a few days is probably enough. However, if you want to explore the area more thoroughly, you might want to consider staying for a week or more.
Whatever your plans are, make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything that the Lake District has to offer.
Can you drive around the Lake District?
The Lake District is a stunningly beautiful region of the UK, and driving around its many lakes and mountains is a wonderful way to experience it. However, there are some things to bear in mind if you’re planning on driving around the Lake District.
First of all, the roads can be quite narrow and winding in places. This means that you need to take extra care when driving, and be prepared for sudden changes in the road conditions. Secondly, because the Lake District is such a popular tourist destination, the roads can get quite busy during peak times. So it’s important to plan your journey in advance and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
Finally, please remember that the Lake District is a National Park. This means that there are strict regulations in place to protect its natural beauty. So please respect the environment and drive carefully.
With these things in mind, driving around the Lake District can be a truly wonderful experience. So get out there and explore this amazing region of the UK!
What is the best month to visit the Lake District?
The Lake District is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year. However, some months are better than others for enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Here are the best months to visit the Lake District, according to locals and experts.
September and October are often considered the best months to visit the Lake District. The weather is usually milder during these months, making it ideal for exploring the region’s hiking trails and other outdoor activities. Plus, the autumn leaves create a stunning backdrop for photos.
If you’re looking for a quieter time to visit the Lake District, March and April are usually less busy than other times of year. This is a great time of year to enjoy the region’s tranquility and slower pace of life. However, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable during these months.
No matter when you decide to visit the Lake District, you’re sure to enjoy its natural beauty and charm.
What is the wettest month in the Lake District?
The wettest month in the Lake District is typically October, when rainfall totals can reach upwards of 140mm. This is more than double the monthly average for the region, making it a very wet month indeed. However, this isn’t the only time of year when heavy rains can hit the area – June and July are also often quite wet, with rainfall totals sometimes reaching 120mm or more. So if you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, be sure to pack your raincoat!
More Information
Be sure to check out the Lake District Tourist Board for more help and advice.
I hope you’ve found my thoughts on the Lake District useful. Be sure to check out my Scottish road trip here.
