Nestled in the northwest corner of England, the Lake District is a captivating region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming villages. With its picturesque beauty and tranquil ambience, it has inspired countless poets, writers, and artists over the centuries. While ideally, one would want to spend several days exploring this natural wonder, it is still possible to experience the essence of the Lake District in a single day. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a whirlwind tour through this captivating destination to see how to spend 1 day in Lake District.
We decided to visit the beautiful Lake District on our way home from Blackpool after spending three days there. Although one day may not be sufficient to explore the entire area, we were able to see a significant portion and didn’t regret our decision.
Is it possible to visit the Lake District in 1 day?
Yes, absolutely, but it depends on where and when are you starting your day. And of course, how you are planning your itinerary.
Starting your day trip to the Lake District:
We suggest starting your Lake District journey from Lake Windermere and staying in the north as there are many places to see like Honister Pass, Keswick, and Lake Windermere.
Lake District 1-day itinerary:
We suggest visiting the below places on your 1-day trip to Lake District –
- Lake Windermere
- Keswick
- Derwentwater
- Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Honister Pass
Lake Windermere – starting of your 1 day in Lake District:
Starting your day at Lake Windermere is a fantastic idea. We drove for about an hour from our Blackpool hotel to Bowness on Windermere. Finding parking can be a bit tricky, but there are plenty of spaces available. Once we parked, we headed to the cruise enquiry centre and enjoyed some time by the beautiful lake. There are various cruise options available, starting from 45 minutes. We opted for the 45-minute cruise departing in 40 minutes. We spent time exploring the area and returned 10-15 minutes before departure. The experience was amazing, and it reminded us of our Lake Zurich cruise. The village, lake, cruise, and view all resembled Zurich. We had an unforgettable 45 minutes on the peaceful Lake Windermere cruise.
Where to park for Windermere Lake Cruise:
After our trip, we were famished and searched for a quality restaurant. We decided to have lunch at Quayside Bowness, but there’s also a fish and chips restaurant nearby. Either one is an excellent option.
Keswick and Derwentwater:
Once we finished our lunch, we made our way to Keswick, a charming market town in the Lake District that is definitely worth a visit. It only takes about 10 minutes to walk from the town centre to Derwentwater Lake, but since we had already gone on a lake cruise in Windermere, we decided to skip it this time. Our main goal was to explore the town and check out the famous chocolate shops in Keswick. Unfortunately, our daughter was fast asleep in the car and we didn’t want to wake her up, so we had to skip the chocolate shopping. Instead, we decided to move on to our next destination, Honister Pass.
Visit Honister Pass in your 1 day in Lake District:
We departed from Keswick town centre and headed towards the Honister Pass. This route runs alongside Derwentwater, providing a chance to appreciate its stunning beauty even if you don’t have enough time to visit it.
Honister Pass is one of the most breathtaking roads in the Lake District. It connects Keswick with Buttermere Valley and beyond, boasting steep valleys on either side. You’ll also get to see the scenic Buttermere Lake en route. Don’t forget to visit Honister Slate Mine, another must-see attraction on this Lake District 1-day itinerary! There’s an option to visit the Honister Slate Mine for an exciting underground tour, where you can learn about the region’s industrial heritage. Please exercise caution while driving on the sharp and steep road.
Please be aware that cellular network coverage is not available in the Honister Pass area. We experienced the same issue while we were there. It is advisable to download a map before entering the pass to have access to it. This will enable you to navigate your way back without any difficulty.
Sunset at Castlerigg Stone Circle – ending of your 1 day in Lake District:
We had a great time exploring Honister Pass and the slate mine, but it was time to head back home. According to Google Maps, the only route back was through Keswick. However, we decided to make a detour and visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle. Dating back to the Neolithic period, this ancient site is the ideal spot to witness the spectacular sunset over the Lake District. The surrounding mountains and the mystical ambience of the stones create a truly magical setting for this breathtaking natural spectacle. Unfortunately, we didn’t wait till sunset as we had to travel another 130 miles (2 hours) to our home in Glasgow.