Lake District in 3 Days 🏴⛵️
3 Days
-United Kingdom
By Jackie Swayze
Jul 21, 2025
The Lake District in northern England is one of the most stunning places in the country. It’s so beautiful and iconic that Taylor Swift even wrote a song about it!
You can fit a lot of fun into 3 days in the Lake District. This itinerary has a mix of outdoor adventures and time spent enjoying the cute towns that line the lakes.
The best way to get around the Lake District is by car. The area is only about 1.5 hours north of Manchester. Search for a rental car here: https://rentalcars.tpx.lt/1qNpn4Q3
Recommended Stays
HotelLinthwaite House
Book here: https://booking.tpx.lt/6t0d87gH
This hotel is situated up on a hill overlooking Lake Windermere. This luxury accommodation is a perfect home base for a weekend exploring the area. It’s a short drive to town but far enough away to feel secluded and peaceful.
Day 1
Start the trip off on a strong note by hiking Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. The trail is challenging but not very technical and you should budget about 4 hours for the hike. Here’s the AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/cumbria/scafell-pike-from-wasdale-campsite?u=i&sh=nevqqe
In the afternoon, head to Bowness-on-Windermere and hop on a cruise of the lake. Rest your tired legs on this 1 hour ride around the lake and then enjoy a well-earned dinner at The Easy Breeze nearby (reservations recommended).
Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike, Seascale CA20 1EX, UK
Bowness Pier - Windermere Lake Cruises
Winander house, Glebe Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3HE, UK
Day 2
Honister Slate Mine is a working slate mine, but it’s also home to one of England’s only via ferratas. This adventure is a mix between hiking and rock climbing and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Book your tour here: https://honister.com/product/via-ferrata-xtreme/#booknow
Afterwards, drive to Keswick for a delicious lunch at Fellpack and explore the cute town. Then head over the Aira Force Waterfall and the nearby Lake Ullswater, which is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the region. Bring your swimming gear and take a take dip!
One of the more unique things you’ll find in the countryside of England are milk vending machines. Fabi’s Fabulous Milk is a great one near Ullswater. It’s some of the freshest milk you’ll ever taste.
Finish the evening back at the Linthwaite House Hotel with a fantastic dinner at the Henrock restaurant on site. I recommend one of their multi course tasting menus. Be sure to make a reservation in advance!
Henrock
Linthwaite House Hotel, Crook Ln, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3JA, UK
Ullswater
Ullswater, Penrith CA11 0JH, UK
Day 3
You can’t leave the Lake District without trying the famous gingerbread from Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. It’s a local institution dating back over 170 years.
In the afternoon, head back to Windermere and rent a small boat and go out on the lake for an hour or two. Then finish off your trip with a bike (or e-bike) ride around the lake.
Boat Hire Windermere - Bowness Bay Marina
Winander house, Glebe Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3HE, UK
Porto Restaurant
3 Ash Street, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3EB, UK
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Church Cottage, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SW, UK
Greens Cafe & Bistro
College St, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SZ, UK
