Lady’s Guide to 3 Days in the Lake District

My great British road trip has begun! I’m excited to be on the journey, not least because the first destination I’m visiting is one of my favorite places in the UK. I’m spending 3 days in the Lake District, and I’ve found lots of places to love here.

3 Days in the Lake District

The road trip has taken my boyfriend and me south from Scotland into Cumbria. We arrive in Pooley Bridge in time for an outdoor pub lunch, then drive our camper van along Ullswater to take in the views.

The lakeside scenery is gorgeous, but nothing prepares us for the beauty of Kirkstone Pass.

The winding road takes us through stunning mountain landscapes before bringing us to Bowness-on-Windermere, where we’ll stay in our Lake District hotel for the next few nights.

Walks in the Lake District

Settled, we begin our 3 days in the Lake District with a walk at Gummers How. The short climb takes us to a viewpoint over Lake Windermere at sunset, and the panoramas are spectacular.

Another day we enjoy the walk from Ashness Bridge to Surprise View. The bridge itself is a Lake District landmark, and the viewpoint rivals Gummers How in beauty.

Villages and Towns in the Lake District

But it’s not all nature in the Lake District. We ease our way into town life with a drive through the picture-pretty village of High Nibthwaite at the southern tip of Coniston Water.

From here we visit Coniston itself, which has lots of pubs and restaurants, as well as a museum.

We couldn’t spend 3 days in the Lake District without a trip to Grasmere, either. From the famous gingerbread shop to the high street, it’s a treat to see.

The same goes for Staveley, where we taste the most amazing flat whites at Mr Duffins Coffee and discover some pretty streets around the center.

And that’s to say nothing of Windermere, where we can’t resist a bit of shopping at Peter Hall & Son.

Landmarks in the Lake District

Back outside the towns, we make a pilgrimage to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top farm in Near Sawrey.

Even though I went there on my last trip to the Lake District, I’m still awed by the house and its connection to the woman who created Peter Rabbit and so many of my other favorite childhood characters.

We also visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle. It’s a magical experience to stand in the middle of the stones, and we’re lucky to have it all to ourselves when we arrive.

Houses in the Lake District

More treasures await indoors, too. One day we visit Blackwell, a famous Arts and Crafts Movement house in the Lake District. Its stunning interiors and period furniture awe us with their beauty and attention to detail.

Another day we head to Brantwood, home of John Ruskin, a leading Victorian art critic and social reformer. It’s lovely to see inside, but the gardens and walking paths are what really win us over.

Lake District in 3 Days

And soon our time in the Lake District comes to an end. Back in the camper van, we pass through the pretty town of Kendal on our way out of Cumbria. It’s a great way to wrap up our time in the area, and a nice place to say farewell.

The next stop on our great British road trip is the Yorkshire Dales. Stay tuned…

How would you spend 3 days in the Lake District?

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