Your Perfect 7 Day Lake District Itinerary.
The Lake District is a paradise for adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful escape. This 7-day road trip itinerary – adapted from No Fuss Travel Guides: Road Trip Lake District – takes you through breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences – all carefully planned to make the most of your journey. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, cruising England’s longest lake, or stepping into the world of Beatrix Potter, each day offers something new and exciting.
Let’s dive into Day 1: Windermere to Ambleside!
Day 1 - Windermere to Ambleside
Kick off your unforgettable Lake District itinerary with a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and charming lakeside attractions. This first day takes you from the bustling town of Windermere to picturesque Ambleside, packing in everything from scenic hikes to cultural gems – all while keeping travel time minimal so you can maximise your experience.
Drive Time: 30 minutes
Stay: Skelwith Fold Caravan Park
- Fell Foot
This National Trust spot at Windermere’s southern end is perfect for watersports and lakeside walks. You can hire kayaks, rowboats or paddleboards on site. Tip: Parking costs £6-£9 (free for NT members).
- Gummer’s How
A short but rewarding 1.5-mile hike with stunning lake views from the summit. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky descent.
- World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Bring childhood stories to life at this charming Bowness exhibit featuring Peter Rabbit and friends. Tip: Tickets £10.50 adults, £6 children.
- Bowness-on-Windermere
Explore this picturesque village with its historic Blackwell house and lakeside galleries.
- Windermere Lake Cruise
Enjoy spectacular lake views from these hop-on/hop-off boats. Tip: Dogs travel free!
Next: Day 2 takes us to Ambleside and Kirkstone Pass with waterfalls and scenic drives.
Day 2 - Ambleside to Kirkstone Pass
Continue your Lake District adventure with a day packed with waterfalls, historic villages, and breathtaking scenery. This route takes you from charming Ambleside through poetic Grasmere and up to the dramatic Kirkstone Pass, offering a perfect mix of gentle walks and cultural discoveries.
Drive Time: 54 minutes
Stay: Skyeside Camping Park
- Skelwith Force
Kick off the day with this peaceful woodland walk leading to a powerful waterfall. The flat, easy path makes it accessible for all ages. Tip: Park at Silverthwaite car park (///suspends.traps.indoor) for a short 700m walk.
- Ambleside
Explore this lively town at the head of Windermere, packed with cosy pubs, independent shops, and the quirky Bridge House. Don’t miss Rydal Hall Gardens’ 30 acres of free woodland walks.
- Stock Ghyll Force
Follow the red arrows from Ambleside town hall to this stunning 70-foot waterfall. Reward your hike with a hot drink at Force Café. Tip: Look for the picnic bench near the footbridge!
- Rydal Cave
Discover this man-made slate quarry cavern, reached via stepping stones over Rydal Water. Tip: Bring a torch – it gets dark inside!
- Wordsworth Grasmere & Village
Step into poet William Wordsworth’s world at Dove Cottage, then try the famous Grasmere Gingerbread®. The village’s cobbled streets and lakeside views are pure Lake District magic. Tip: Entry to Dove Cottage is £14 (adults), valid for a year.
- Kirkstone Pass
End the day with England’s highest mountain pass open to cars (1,489ft). The dramatic views over Brothers Water are worth the winding drive!
Next up: Day 3 takes you from Kirkstone Pass to Pooley Bridge, featuring Helvellyn and Ullswater steamers!
Day 3 - Kirkstone Pass to Pooley Bridge
Prepare for a day of mountain drama and lakeside charm as your Lake District journey takes you from England’s highest pass to the tranquil shores of Ullswater. This route combines thrilling landscapes with relaxing boat trips and waterfall wonders.
Drive Time: 20 minutes
Stay: Waterfoot Caravan Park
- Kirkstone Pass
Start your day at the Lake District’s highest road pass (1,489ft), where breathtaking views stretch across Windermere and Patterdale. Tip: Park opposite Kirkstone Pass Inn (England’s 3rd highest pub) for drinks with a view.
- Patterdale
This tiny village is your gateway to epic walks including Helvellyn’s famous Striding Edge. Don’t miss the water lilies on Brothers Water in summer. Tip: Park in the free layby opposite White Lion Inn (fits 5 cars).
- Glenridding
Once a lead mining hub, now the perfect base for conquering Helvellyn or hiring boats on Ullswater. Tip: The Sailing Centre offers kayak/canoe hire.
- Ullswater ‘Steamers’
Hop aboard these historic boats to explore England’s most beautiful lake. Tip: Dogs sail for just £1! Pre-book tickets online for best prices.
- Aira Force Waterfall
Discover this 65ft thunderous waterfall via woodland trails or steamer stop-off. Tip: Refuel at the tearoom with Ullswater terrace views.
- Pooley Bridge
End your day in this foodie village – try Granny Dowbekins’ century-old tearoom or the cosy Pooley Bridge Inn.
Coming next: Day 4 takes you from Penrith to Keswick with stone circles, mountain hikes and lake cruises!
Day 4 - Penrith to Keswick
Shift gears from historic market towns to breathtaking lake scenery on this leg of your Lake District journey. Day 4 blends cultural discoveries with outdoor adventures, featuring one of Britain’s oldest stone circles and England’s most picturesque lake drives.
Drive Time: 1 hour
Stay: Lanefoot Farm Camping
- Penrith
Start your day in this vibrant market town, exploring cobbled lanes, indie shops, and the free Penrith Museum (don’t miss the elephant tooth from the castle moat!). Tip: Park at Drovers Lane (£1.30-£5/day).
- Castlerigg Stone Circle
Step back 5,000 years at this Neolithic marvel with 360-degree mountain views. Tip: Arrive early for parking – or walk 30 mins from Keswick.
- Keswick
Discover this classic Lake District town with its brewery tours, crazy golf, and Alhambra Cinema. Tip: Hope Park offers RC boats and lakeside strolls.
- Derwentwater Circular Drive
Take a stunning 9-mile scenic loop around the lake, passing Ruskin Memorial and Lodore Falls. Tip: Drive clockwise for best views of Skiddaw!
- Derwentwater
End your day on the water with cruises, kayak hires, or wild swimming. Tip: Derwentwater Marina rents boats; Keswick Launch offers hop-on cruises.
Coming next: Day 5 ventures to Whinlatter Forest and the dramatic coastline of St Bees Head!
Day 5 - Keswick to Santon Bridge
Adventure deepens as your Lake District itinerary pushes west to ancient forests and dramatic coastlines. This day delivers thrilling contrasts – from the treetop trails of Whinlatter to the crashing waves at St Bees Head, with literary legends and waterfall wonders along the way.
Drive Time: 2 hours
Stay: The Old Post Office Campsite
- Whinlatter Forest
England’s only true mountain forest offers cycling trails, Go Ape adventures, and a WildPlay Trail for kids. Tip: Book bikes in advance at Cyclewise Whinlatter.
- Buttermere
Walk the gentle 1-2 hour lakeshore circuit (dogs off-lead welcome) with picture-perfect mountain views. Tip: NT members park free – arrive early in summer.
- Scale Force Waterfall
Seek out the Lake District’s highest waterfall (170ft drop) via a 2.5-mile hike from Buttermere. Tip: Keep dogs leashed near steep drops.
- Whitehaven
Explore this Georgian harbor town that inspired New York’s grid system. Don’t miss the lighthouse and 1920s Gaiety Cinema.
- The Rum Story
Dive into 18th-century smuggling tales at this museum in a former rum merchant’s cellars. Tip: Try their signature 1785 rum blend!
- St Bees Head Heritage Coast
Walk clifftop paths to a working lighthouse and secluded Fleswick Bay. Tip: Main car park costs £8 max.
- Egremont
Visit the 12th-century castle and time your trip for September’s legendary Crab Fair (gurning competition included!).
Next up: Day 6 features Scafell Pike and Ravenglass’ magical castle!
Day 6 – Santon Bridge to Millom
Prepare for raw Lake District grandeur as you conquer England’s rooftop and discover hidden coastal gems. This day balances epic mountain challenges with magical castles and waterfall dips – a true highlight of your Lake District adventure.
Drive Time: 1 hour 50 mins
Stay: Harbour Lights Campsite
- Wastwater
Walk the shores of England’s deepest lake (258ft) with alpacas from Wastwater Alpaca Trekking. Tip: Cash only at Wasdale car park (£9 all day).
- Ritson’s Force
Cool off in these cascading waterfalls and swimming holes. Tip: Park at Wasdale Head Inn if stopping for food.
- Scafell Pike
Summit England’s highest peak (3,209ft) via Wasdale’s direct but challenging route. Tip: Allow 3-6 hours and check AllTrails for navigation.
- Ravenglass
Explore the Lakes’ only coastal village with Roman ruins and a unique shingle beach. Tip: £5.50 daily parking in village.
- Muncaster Castle
Tour this haunted 11th-century castle with owl displays and ghost stories. Tip: Check seasonal opening times online.
- Stanley Ghyll Waterfall
Hidden bonus! This 60ft cascade near Eskdale requires a 1.5-mile woodland walk (park at Dalegarth Station).
Final day next: Black Combe hikes and Cartmel’s sticky toffee pudding await!
Day 7 – Millom to Grange-over-Sands
Close your Lake District adventure with coastal breezes and historic architecture as you journey from wild beaches to elegant seaside promenades. This final day blends history, wildlife, and well-earned relaxation.
Drive Time: 45 mins
Stay: Homeward bound (or extend the magic with an extra night)
- Silecroft Beach
Walk 3 miles of sand and shingle under the dramatic shadow of Black Combe fell. Tip: Glen from Scafell Pike recommends sunset visits!
- Millom
Spot lighthouse-dwelling birds at RSPB Hodbarrow Reserve before catching a show at intimate Beggars Theatre.
- Furness Abbey
Explore haunted 12th-century ruins where kings once walked. Tip: Book online for discounted entry (£7.50 adults).
- Holker Hall & Gardens
Tour this lavish Neo-Elizabethan estate with deer-filled parkland. Tip: Adult tickets grant season-long access!
- Grange-over-Sands
Stroll the unique saltmarsh promenade in this elegant Victorian town – the perfect peaceful finale.
Lake District itinerary complete! From mountain peaks to coastal retreats, you’ve experienced the very best of this breathtaking region.
Your Perfect Lake District Adventure Awaits
From the shimmering waters of Windermere to the dramatic peaks of Scafell Pike, this 7-day Lake District itinerary has taken you through the very best of England’s most breathtaking national park. You’ve explored hidden waterfalls, stepped into literary history, cruised glacial lakes, and discovered coastal gems – all while experiencing the warm hospitality of Cumbria’s charming villages.
For more detailed guides, hidden gems, and expert tips to plan your perfect Lake District road trip, be sure to check out No Fuss Travel Guides: Road Trip Lake District. Packed with carefully curated itineraries, local insights, and practical advice, it’s the ultimate companion for stress-free adventure in this spectacular region.
Happy travels!
