3 Days in Lake District: The Best Itinerary for Your Visit

The Best Things to Do with 3 Days in the Lake District

Itinerary in Lake District: day 1

Enjoy a hike around Lake Windermere

Start your Lake District itinerary of 3 days off by exploring the magical scenery of Lake Windermere. It is England's largest lake by area, volume and length and is home to various trails that are ideal for a rewarding nature walk. The Miles Without Stiles route is a short trek and popular with family holiday-goers. If you want something a bit more challenging, try the Windermere Walk. It takes around 2 hours to complete. Visit Orrest Head for some of the best available views of Kentmere. When your exploration is complete, head into Bowness-on-Windermere to grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants.

Beatrix Potter's Hill Top

Beatrix Potter's Hill Top is one of the most unique attractions you can visit during your stay in the Lake District. It is located close to Hawkshead in Cumbria. The 17th-century farmhouse was purchased by the acclaimed author in 1905 with the money that was earned from her book The Tale of Peter Rabbit. This story itself was largely inspired by this area of the English countryside. She left the property to the National Trust under the stipulation that it had to be left in the same condition as when she lived there. Today, it is a popular point of interest for visitors who want to view objects related to her literary works. During your visit, you can also see the desk where Potter wrote.

Itinerary in the Lake District: day 2

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Although Stonehenge holds the distinction of being Great Britain's most famed Neolithic stone circle, it is far from the only one. You will find another of these prehistoric monuments in the Lake District. Castlerigg Stone Circle is dated to around 3,000 BCE and is unique because of the rectangular formation of stones that are found within it. During your visit, take some time to admire the awe-inspiring views of Helvellyn, the Thirlmere Valley and the High Seat. It is also an amazing location to catch a breathtaking sunset.

Explore Hawkshead

The charming village of Hawkshead is a must-visit location for your Lake District itinerary of 3 days. Spend some time exploring its cobblestone lanes, whitewashed homes and iconic squares. Cars are not allowed within the bounds of this community, which adds to the peaceful vibe it is known for. You will also find welcoming restaurants and pubs where you can stop for dinner after you are done wandering this idyllic location. A few recommendations include the Queen's Head and the 15th-century Red Lion Inn.

Itinerary in the Lake District: day 3

Muncaster Castle

Located in the southwestern area of the Lake District in Ravenglass, Muncaster Castle is one of the most popular attractions in the region and a top recommendation for your 3-day itinerary. It is a beloved location for weddings and other functions and has served as the home of the Pennington family for more than 800 years. The castle is open to the public daily. During your visit, you will have the chance to view its impressive collection of antiques and works of art. You will also learn stories of the castle being haunted, which have been common since the medieval period.

An evening in Ambleside

Wrap up your Lake District itinerary of 3 days up with a fun-filled evening of dining and nightlife activities in the charming town of Ambleside. It is home to plenty of great places to eat and drink with its restaurants, cafés and pubs. The Old Stamp House Restaurant is a top recommendation. It is located in the building that was once the workplace of William Wordsworth and is known for its take on British cuisine that focuses on locally sourced ingredients. The Priest Hole Restaurant is another excellent choice, with its reputation for serving mouth-watering comfort food alongside an excellent menu of wine, cocktails and beer. Head to Doi Intanon for authentic Thai food. It serves up favourites like green curry and pad Thai. Do you fancy Indian cuisine? Check out Gandhi's Cafe and try the korma or the thali. After you are finished with your meal, you have plenty of options for extending your evening. We recommend a pub crawl across Ambleside that includes visits to the Royal Oak, the White Lion, the Lily Bar and the Ambleside Tavern.

Places to visit around the Lake District

Blackpool

Located just to the west of the Lake District along the coast of England, you will find the historic town of Blackpool. It is one of the top day trip destinations you can experience if you want a change of pace during your itinerary. The Winter Gardens and Pleasure Beach are two of the community's top tourist attractions. You should also check out Blackpool Tower while in the area. There are plenty of excellent spots for lunch or dinner where you can enjoy a meal or snack before heading back to your hotel.

York

The historic city of York is another top choice for a day trip excursion during your Lake District itinerary of 3 days. Spend time exploring the city's architecture as you learn about its Roman and Viking past. There is a huge array of local eateries and many shops where you can pick up souvenirs and gifts. York Minster is an imposing 13th-century Gothic cathedral worth visiting, along with the City Walls and the River Ouse.

Newcastle upon Tyne

We also suggest a journey to the beautiful city of Newcastle upon Tyne while you are spending time in the Lake District. Check out the quayside located alongside the River Tyne. You will find plenty of restaurants and pubs in the area. During your visit, take note of the impressive architecture with iconic landmarks like the Swing Bridge, St Mary's Cathedral and the Theatre Royal.

Where to stay in the Lake District

1. Rothay Garden Hotel - Ambleside 4*

Enjoy an unforgettable Lake District itinerary of 3 days when you book a stay at the Rothay Garden Hotel - Ambleside 4*. This beautiful property is located in the heart of the region and is ideally suited for travellers who want to do plenty of exploring while on holiday. It is also home to an AA-Rosette restaurant.

Enjoy a range of hotel features that include a 24-hour reception desk, free parking, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, a Jacuzzi and a pair of restaurant/bar facilities. Rooms are equipped with televisions, hairdryers, bathrobes and a courtesy tray of tea/coffee.

What we like: We love the excellent dining opportunities and the convenient location of this property, which is perfect for a memorable escape to the Lake District.

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2. Merewood Country House Hotel 4*

The Merewood Country House Hotel 4* enjoys a beautiful location that overlooks the shores of Lake Windermere. It is home to 20 stylish bedrooms and a range of stunning features that include fireplaces and stained glass windows. During your stay, you will be comfortably accommodated in a Classic Room with late check-out.

Hotel facilities include the Conservatory Bar, the Merewood Grill, outdoor parking and Wi-Fi. Rooms feature a coffee machine, a hairdryer and a TV.

What we like: We love this hotel's lakeside location, its 20 acres of landscaped gardens and the perk of a late check-out.

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3. Briery Wood 4*

Home to 23 well-appointed rooms, Briery Wood 4* is another one of our top suggestions for a Lake District itinerary of 3 days booked through Voyage Privé. The property dates to the 19th century. It features cosy lounges and 7 acres of secluded lakes, gardens and fells. This hotel is positioned just moments from the shores of Lake Windermere and is ideal for a holiday spent exploring the region.

Hotel amenities include a restaurant, Wi-Fi, a laundry service and in-room features that include a hairdryer, air conditioning, a television and a courtesy tray of coffee and tea.

What we like: We love the accommodation's idyllic setting, its proximity to popular locations like Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, and the warm welcome of complimentary tea and scones upon your arrival.

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4. The Belsfield Hotel 4*

You can choose from 62 designer hotel rooms when you select the Belsfield Hotel 4* for your Lake District itinerary of 3 days. The property is situated in Bowness-on-Windermere and offers spectacular views. Voyage Privé members will be comfortably accommodated in a Classic Double Room with daily breakfast included.

The hotel's on-site facilities include a restaurant, a brasserie, a bar and an outdoor dining space.

What we like: We love the location of this property, which is perfect for a holiday spent exploring the UK's most popular national park.

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5. Appleby Manor 4*

With a choice of 31 luxurious rooms, Appleby Manor 4* completes our top picks for a Lake District getaway. It is located in Cumbria and offers a range of sought-after amenities that include rejuvenating spa treatments. This hotel is also conveniently situated for travellers who want to expand their holiday by exploring the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines.

Hotel amenities include free parking, Wi-Fi and a sauna. Rooms are equipped with a TV, a hairdryer and a tea/coffee courtesy tray.

What we like: We love this hotel's luxury spa and its 2 AA-Rosette restaurant. It is perfectly positioned for an extensive exploration of the Lake District and beyond.

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Practical tips for visiting the Lake District

As you prepare for a fun-filled Lake District itinerary of 3 days, we have a few tips to help you get the most out of the experience. A considerable part of the appeal of the region is its stunning natural landscapes. Therefore, it is advisable to pack appropriate footwear, rain gear and clothing. We also recommend bringing a map and compass in case you are hiking through areas with poor mobile phone signals. Take a high-quality camera when you visit the Lake District so you can get plenty of photos of the beautiful scenery you will discover.

When to visit the Lake District

Spring and summer are the best time to visit the Lake District if you want to experience the warmest weather for outdoor activities. This is the primary tourist season for the region, so travellers should anticipate larger crowds and higher prices. May is generally the driest season in the area and is favoured by many visitors. Still, you should always be prepared for rain in this part of the United Kingdom. The good news is the fact that the Lake District is an amazing destination any time of the year, with plenty of spectacular scenery to gaze at regardless of when you go.

How to get to the Lake District

The most convenient way to get to the Lake District from other parts of the United Kingdom is by car. If you do not plan to drive to the region, your best options are bus and rail routes. For those who want to travel by train, the West Coast mainline has stops located to the east of the district. There is also a direct route out of Manchester that will take you into Windermere. This is a convenient option for travellers coming from abroad as Manchester Airport is the closest to this UK destination.

What to eat in the Lake District

The UK's Lake District is home to a variety of unique, local food specialities that you should try during your 3-day itinerary. Cumberland sausages top the list. Made with ingredients like ground pork, thyme and nutmeg, these succulent links are usually served with mashed potatoes. Grasmere gingerbread is another treat that the area is known for. With a history that goes back to 1854, this is a unique cross between a cake and a biscuit and goes well with coffee. Many people also enjoy it with custard or ice cream. Cartmel sticky toffee pudding is another sweet treat that the Lake District is famed for. It is a steamed dessert made with brown sugar, dates and butter before being covered with toffee sauce. This is the perfect conclusion to a delicious dinner or anytime that you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.