26 May 2021 Local area
Frequently asked Lake District questions
Here the Park Cliffe team answer some of the most frequently asked Lake District questions. We’ve grouped them into categories, to help you find all the answers you’re looking for ahead of your holiday in The Lakes.
Lake District car parks are open and welcoming visitors. Plan ahead and research what car park you plan on using ahead of setting out on your journey. Check out the Lake District National Park website to see which car parks are busy or full.
It is possible to visit the Lake District without a car, however not all areas are serviced by public transport. Take a look at our guide to exploring the Lake District by bus to see the different routes that you can check out during your trip. Some towns are also connected by train.
Yes, it is possible to visit the Lake District by train. There is a direct train from Manchester to Windermere and it’s possible to make connections from Newcastle, London, Edinburgh, Leeds, York and Glasgow. The West Coast Mainline passes through Oxenholme Railstation.
There are a number of train stations in the Lake District. You can get a train to Windermere, Penrith, Carlisle, Barrow and Kendal.
The Lake District is approximately 270 miles from London. The journey takes around 5 hours by car and 3.5 hours by train. There are a number of routes you can take, but the most direct is via the M40 & M6.
The Lake District is approximately 70 miles from Manchester. The journey takes around 1.5 hours by car and 1.5 hours by train. There are a number of routes you can take, but the most direct is via the M61 & M6.
The Lake District is approximately 80 miles from the Scottish borders. The journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
The Lake District is approximately 150 miles from Birmingham. The journey takes around 2.5 hours by car and 2.5 hours by train. There are a number of routes you can take, but the most direct is via the M6.
Yes, many campsites across the Lake District are now open. At Park Cliffe we reopened our Lake District campsite to guests on the 17th May 2021 in line with the easing of Government restrictions. Please call ahead of travelling to make a booking.
The Lake District is beautiful in all seasons and a must visit at any time of year. The weather is better in the spring and summer, but it can get busy, especially in the school holidays. The autumn and winter are much quieter and the scenery is beautiful. Please note many Lake District holiday parks and attractions close during low season.
Wild camping is not permitted in the Lake District National Park unless you have sought prior permission from the landowner. There are plenty of campsites across the Lake District where you can pitch your tent, dispose of waste and make use of the on-site facilities. Please respect the local environment and countryside code during your trip to The Lakes.
This is up to interpretation, so we recommend visiting and deciding for yourself! Of course, we might be biased, but we think Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells offer some of the best scenery and viewpoints in The Lakes!
October is a fantastic time to visit the Lake District. The autumn colours create a beautiful backdrop and it’s much quieter than the warmer summer months. Accommodation is often cheaper at this time of year, allowing you to enjoy a cosy holiday caravan, campervan, glamping or cottage break without breaking the bank!
Wild swimming is a fun and exhilarating activity to experience during your holiday in The Lakes. Swimming is permitted in most tarns, rivers and lakes, however it’s important to exercise caution as cold-water swimming can be dangerous. Take a look at the Lake District National Park website for a definitive list of where you can and cannot swim in the Lake District. There’s also plenty of helpful information to keep you safe.
The Lake District is the perfect destination for a coarse fishing holiday. The majority of lakes and rivers are managed by angling associations and require permits. National Park visitors can fish for free on Windermere, Ullswater and Coniston Water. You must hold a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence to fish anywhere in the Lake District.
It is possible to canoe and kayak on a number of lakes in the Lake District, including Windermere, Coniston, Bassenthwaite and Derwenter. Always read any signage on display before entering the water, to ensure watersports are permitted. Some lakes require permits which must be purchased in advance. We recommend complete beginners book lessons with an outdoor centre.
There are plenty of events that take place in the Lake District throughout the year. We regularly update our events page to keep you informed of what’s on during your stay. Events include agricultural shows, food festivals, live music and sporting events.
There are so many things to see and do in the Lake District, with something to keep the whole family entertained. The Lakes are home to a wide selection of award-winning attractions, activity providers as well as world-renowned natural beauty spots. Take a look at our things to do guide to see our full list of recommendations.
There are a total of 16 lakes in the Lake District. Windermere is the largest, covering nearly 15 square kilometres. Officially, only one – Bassenthwaite is officially classed as a lake. The rest should technically be referred to as ‘waters’.
Scaffel Pike is the tallest mountain in the Lake District, standing at 978 metres in height. It is also the tallest mountain in England.
The Lake District National is in the North West of England in the county of Cumbria.
Wastwater is the deepest lake in the Lake District. It is also the deepest lake in England.
The Lake Poets are a group of poets who lived in the Lake District during the early 19th century. The three main figures were William Wordsworth, Robert Southey and Taylor Coleridge.
Sign up for exclusive news and offers
Keep up to date with all the latest news, events, special offers and unbeatable last minute deals.
