Lake District One Day Itinerary
These are my Lake District itinerary ideas to make the most of a day in the lakes. One day in the Lake District is not long so make sure you plan ahead.
Depending on your interests you may wish to catch a boat across a lake by steamer, go for a hike following one of the many walking routes available, visit some of the beautiful villages and towns, stop for some refreshments in a traditional English pub or perhaps plan your itinerary to include all of these experiences.
This is my suggested one day itinerary to see the best of the Lake District in a day which begins in Ambleside and ends in Keswick.
When deciding which of the lakes to visit and how to make the most of your trip to the Lake District (especially if you only have one day) I would recommend considering where to stay and ensure that it is a central location. My recommendation would be to stay in or near Ambleside or Bowness which are situated on Windermere.
MORNING – Windermere
If you are driving to Windermere it is important to get there as early in the day as possible if you plan to take a boat trip across the lake.
As I have mentioned if you are travelling by car you may find that parking is a challenge. The parking machines take cash (no change is given) though do accept Visa and Mastercard.
You have two boat routes to choose from if you depart from Bowness which are Bowness to Lakeside return or Bowness to Ambleside return. I recommend taking both especially if the weather is good.
Cruise from Bowness to Lakeside Pier on a single ticket (40 minute trip) or return on a non-stop 90 minute cruise. For Bowness to Ambleside choose between a 70 minute non-landing cruise or a 30 minute cruise each way.
If you begin in Ambleside you can sail to Bowness and then catch the other boat to Lakeside Pier.
Stop off for lunch in Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside Pier depending on time.
At the marina in Bowness the “Boathouse Bar and Restaurant” serves homemade food, local beers and great views.
In Ambleside head to the “Priest Hole Restaurant and Tea Rooms” for traditional Cumbrian fare.
AFTERNOON – Coniston Grasmere Derwent Water Keswick
I would recommend planning your afternoon itinerary around the location of your accommodation for the evening. It is entirely possible to spend an entire day at Windermere.
There are lots of options including fell walking from Ambleside, catching the Haverthwaite Steam Railway from Lakeside, visiting the Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside, stroll to Hill Top from Ferry House (a ferry ride from Bowness) and more.
If you are staying in or around Windermere/Ambleside I would recommend an afternoon drive to Coniston Water. If you are staying in Keswick I would head to Derwentwater for the afternoon via Grasmere.
Please note that if you decide to visit Hill Top or any of the popular attractions in the Lake District it is important to plan ahead and book tickets especially during the busy summer months.
If you have time I would try to visit all of these 24 beautiful villages and towns in the Lake District.
If you are considering a longer visit to the Lakes I would recommend these stunning places and exploring the Lake District in three days
Map of top things to do in the Lake District/Lake District itinerary map
“You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you…”
Anonymous
This guide to Lake District including the top 10 things to do in the Lake District as well as a suggested one day itinerary and a map to help you plan your visit to the Lake District will provide you with all the information you need to start planning you visit.
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the UK and I am sure you will enjoy your trip (whether you spend one day in Lake District or longer)
Enjoy your day in the lakes.
