The English Lakes in the Lake District National Park, located in the north-west of England is an area of outstanding beauty. Covering 2,292 square kilometers with rugged fell mountains, placid ribbon lakes, glacial valleys, known for its historic literary associations (Willliam Wordsworth & Beatrix Potter) and character-filled market towns including Kendal, Keswick, and Ambleside. The popular vacation destination joined the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, and Machu Picchu in 2017 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Lake District has come a long way since being formed 500 million years ago when it was first part of the continent called Laurentia. Colliding with another continent called Gondwana causing the rocks to be folded and uplifted. Today there are 16 major lakes and reservoirs (Bassenthwaite, Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Coniston Water, Hawes Water, Thirlmere, Ennerdale Water, Wast Water, Crummock Water, Esthwaite Water, Buttermere, Grasmere, Loweswater, Rydal Water, and Brotherswater. The main official lake is Bassenthwaite Lake located near the market town of Keswick because the rest are either meres or waters. Though, the most well-known and largest natural lake (mere) at 10.5 miles long, one mile wide, and 220 feet deep is Lake Windermere with watersports, rental boats, and scenic ferry/boat trips. Here are some of the best things to see and do while visiting the English Lakes for one week.
One Week Itinerary For The English Lakes
How To Get To The English Lakes/Lake District
We travelled (group of 22) by train first-class from London Euston with Avanti to Oxenholme (the main train station serving the Lake District) then onto Bowness-on-Windermere with a private coach. You can also travel from Glasgow Central on the same line. There is also the option to travel by train to Penrith (LNER available from Edinburgh) and jump onto the Stage Coach Bus no 508 which takes approx 1 hour 40 minutes. (Sign up to Avanti West Coast/LNER email alerts to receive the best train fares when booking in advance).
Though to have more flexibility, you might like to hire a car. Please beware some of the roads are narrow, busy, and car parking at some locations is limited.
Traveling Around Lake Windermere
Traveling around Lake Windermere is very easy, with the local train station, ferries across the lake, and local buses.
There are a few ferry options available, taking you to different places across Lake Windermere. You might like to visit Ambleside, Lakeside, or Brockhole. Each has places of interest, attractions, and lovely walks.
The other option is to jump on board the Lakesider 599 Open Top Bus which runs every 20 minutes. Stopping at Windermere, Ambleside, Brockhole, Grasmere, and Kendal. With a flat fare of £2 per person per journey!
With lots of options, how will you explore Lake Windermere?
Where to Stay In The Lake District National Park
There is a wide selection of accommodation to suit all budgets from hostels, B&B's to luxury hotels. We stayed at the 3* Belsfield Hotel in central Bowness-on-Windermere, located at the top of a hill with magnificent views across Lake Windermere. The rooms are very comfortable and a delicious selection of both hot and cold breakfast options. There is also an on-site car park.
What To Eat & Drink While Visiting The English Lakes
No visit to the Lake District would be complete without tasting some of the superb chocolate. As a bonified chocoholic I can highly recommend Friars. The independent family company for nearly 100 years offers a wide range of delicious luxury chocolates, with ethically sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. I visited the Keswick Market Square store, with its large selection of chocolates both pre-packaged and luxury gift-wrapped including seasonal delights.
Did you know sticky toffee pudding was first invented at Sharrow Bay on Ullswater and of course the world-famous Kendal Mint Cake. Romney's Kendal Mint Cake was immortalised in history on 29th May 1953 when it was said to have been carried on the first successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Though it is called a cake, there are no eggs or flour! Made with four simple ingredients: sugar, glucose, water, and peppermint oil. Today still a family business in the fourth generation, using the same recipe.
While strolling around Lake Windermere you might like one of the 50 flavours of delicious Lakes Ice Cream (Hand crafted with passion for 30 years in Kendal). Thoroughly enjoyed the Biscoff ice cream single cone. Yum! I have also heard that the Grasmere gingerbread is also a delicious treat. Unfortunately, I haven't managed to try this yet. There is also the Cumberland sausage. Distinctive as it comes in a coil rather than links. What will you try?
Day 1
Early departure from London Euston - Oxenholme first class with Avanti West Coast Train. Then onwards by private coach to Bowness-on-Windermere and check-in at the Belsfield Hotel. Free time this afternoon to explore Bowness, small shops, cafes, restaurants, historical, and cultural attractions.
Day 2
After a scrumptious breakfast at the Belsfield Hotel, it was a short downhill walk to the pier for our first boat trip to Lakeside. The 40-minute scenic boat trip onboard MV Swan (1938) with Windermere Lakes Cruises was informative, relaxing, and enjoyable.
On arrival, it was a short walk over to The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway for the 20-minute traditional steam locomotive journey to Haverthwaite. Then onto a private coach for an afternoon visit to Lakeland Motor Museum (opened 1978). The museum is home to a unique collection of 30,000 exhibits including classic cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and motoring-related items & memorabilia. It is in two buildings, the first with two floors (lift and stairs are available) and the second building dedicated to a Campbell Bluebird Exhibition. There is also Cafe Ambio serving delicious hot and cold food, beverages, and snacks.
We then returned via coach to Haverthwaite Railway for our return train journey to Lakeside before returning on the boat to Bowness.
Day 3
Today the much-anticipated coach trip to Hilltop House, home of Beatrix Potter. Highly recommend pre-booking early entrance tickets along with on-site car parking. We arrived just before 10am and there were already a few visitors waiting in earnest for opening.
The house is small but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. It is a must-see, with detailed descriptions of preserved objects belonging to and relating to some of the well-known and popular Beatrix Potter books including The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck and The Tale of Tom Kitten. New this year (2024) on display is The Fairy Caravan manuscript. A lesser-known publication by Beatrix Potter, first published in 1929, Philadelphia.
It was soon time for lunch, we headed directly to the village of Coniston and the family-run pub - The Black Bull. The 400-year-old pub is full of distinctive period features including wooden beams and decorative hops. After delicious homemade soup, sandwiches, and a generous slice of Victoria sponge cake there was some free time to explore. The area is known for beautiful walks around Coniston Water and The Old Man of Coniston, copper mining, slate quarries, and Ruskin Museum - The Bluebird Wing (journey of Donald Campbell).
Then a short drive by private coach to Coniston Pier to board the re-built Victorian, National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola for a 90-minute cruise on Coniston Water. Step back in time onboard the over 160-year-old Venetian Victorian Gondola, discover its history, John Ruskin, and filming location of Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons (2016) plus much more.
Day 4
This morning departing onboard MV Teal from Bowness Pier to Ambleside. The 15th-century market town is well known for the iconic 17th-century Bridge House. Today you can visit the National Trust location that was once, a weaving shed, counting house for the mills, cobblers, chairmakers, and a family home.
The town was once a thriving centre for corn, and the bobbin mill industry. Today you can also see a restored waterwheel opposite Bridge House.
Soon we were off on the private coach to the market town of Keswick and lunch at The Skiddaw Hotel. While in Keswick don't miss a pit stop to Friars chocolate shop. Yum!
Then we were off again to Glenridding to board the steamer for a one-way trip to Pooley Bridge before returning on the coach via Kirkstone Pass (not for the faint-hearted).
Day 5
This morning traveling by private coach to Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.
The small-scale narrow gauge railway takes you on a scenic 7-mile route from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, to Dalegarth Station at the top of the valley of Eskdale. It's the Lake District's oldest and longest miniature railway and is said to be one of the most scenic railway journeys in Britain!
The heritage railway was built by Whitehaven Mines Ltd opening 24th May 1875, serving iron ore mines in Eskdale.
Don't miss a look inside The Raveglass Railway Museum with its collection of artefacts and collection of locomotives. It was re-opened to the public on 24th June 2017 by Paul Atterbury, railway author and star of the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.
You might also like to book the Director Saloon 'Ruth' (train carriage) and enjoy a scrumptious cream tea.
In the afternoon a visit to Muncaster Castle. The privately owned castle has been home to the Pennington family for at least the last 800 years! One of the most haunted, it is said to be home to Tom Skelton "Tom the Fool" who reigned in the mid-16th century. Be careful on those stairs. Another story is that of Margaret Pennington, a little girl, often ill, who died at the castle is said to have been seen playing on the rocking horse. Also, look out for the White Lady who haunts the gardens and roadways around Muncaster. Will you bare witness to any of the ghostly goings-on while visiting Muncaster Castle? Don't miss a stroll around the 77 acres of gardens and woodland, owl & hawk centre, bird displays, cafe & gift shop.
Day 6
Making our return from Bowness-on-Windermere by private coach to Oxenholme Train Station and onwards to London Euston.
I hope you have enjoyed reading One Week Itinerary For The English Lakes and are feeling inspired to visit. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Until next time...
Happy travels,
Michelle x
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