The Lake District is one of England’s top national parks. Its mountains and lakes have captured the imaginations of visitors for centuries, including literary greats like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

It’s possible to take a day trip to the Lake District from Manchester, with stops at several of the most scenic locations in the park. Boat tours, hill walks and tea shops are all part of the adventure.

Here's all you need to know about Lake District, one of the most exciting day trips from Manchester.

How to get to the Lake District from Manchester?

The Lake District National Park is in the county of Cumbria in northwest England. It’s a remote and mountainous region but is easily accessed by the motorway.

From Manchester to the Lake District by car

The journey to the Lake District from Manchester is straightforward, with motorways taking you most of the way. Head out of Manchester on the M602, then follow signs for the northwest, courtesy of the M60, the M61 and finally the M6.

Come off the M6 at junction 36 for Windermere, or junction 40 for Derwentwater. The trips take 1.5 hours and 2 hours respectively.

From Manchester to the Lake District by public transport

To fully appreciate the Lake District, it’s best to travel by road. Yet it’s possible to catch a train from Manchester to Kendal. The trip takes 1.5 hours. You can then use Bus 555 to head into the park.

Guided tour to the Lake District from Manchester

For a smooth travel experience, a guided Lake District day tour from Manchester is the way forward. Having someone else sort out the transport logistics means you can concentrate on enjoying the scenery.

Trips last a full day so you can see as much of the national park as possible. Hotel pickups are not generally included, so you’ll need to make your way to a central collection point in Manchester.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day trip to the Lake District from Manchester begins at a pre-arranged meeting point in the city center. Travel is by minivan or coach, depending on the group size. In a couple of hours, you’ll arrive at the national park, ready to explore.

During the tour you’ll stop at multiple destinations, each offering a different experience. At Windermere you can take a boat cruise, in Grasmere you’ll learn about William Wordsworth, and at Derwentwater you can climb a mountain.

Lunch is often enjoyed in the village of Hawkshead, usually at your own expense. You can do a bit of shopping here too before heading off for further explorations.

Other stops can include Castlerigg Stone Circle, Blea Tarn and Ambleside, depending on your chosen tour. If you’ve opted for a hiking excursion, the focus of your trip will often be the walk rather than the villages and lakes.

After visiting more scenic locations in the afternoon, you’ll head back to Manchester, arriving in the early evening.

What kind of tours are available to go to the Lake District?

Guided sightseeing tour to the Lake District from Manchester

The most popular Lake District day trips are guided group tours, usually with a maximum of 16 participants for an intimate experience. This is a cost-effective option for people keeping an eye on their budget.

You’ll be traveling by minivan, with multiple stops once you reach the national park. On arrival in each location, you will enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Walking day trip to the Lake District from Manchester

For an intrepid excursion to the Lake District, hiking tours are a fun way to explore. They operate on a group basis, with minivan transport to the start of the walking route.

Most hikes last up to 4 hours and are undertaken with a qualified mountain guide for safety. These trips are suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness.

Day tour to the Lake District plus Lancaster from Manchester

If you want to enjoy a stop en route, then this jaunt to the Lake District also includes a visit to Lancaster. Lancashire’s top heritage city is fun to discover on foot, with medieval architecture and an imposing castle being the highlights.

After your Lancaster excursion, you’ll continue to the Lake District to explore the park.

Private day trip to the Lake District from Manchester

If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, then a private day tour to the Lake District from Manchester is a good choice. You’ll have your own car and driver, with hotel pickups included in the package.

Itineraries can be customized to your interests, so if you have a burning desire to see somewhere in particular, just let your driver know.

How much does a day trip to the Lake District from Manchester cost?

A group day trip to the Lake District with or without a stop in Lancaster starts at £50 per person, with minivan transport provided. Lunch and entrance fees are at your own expense.

The walking day tours to the Lake District are priced between £50 and £60 per participant depending on the location. The package covers round-trip transport and a mountain guide. Hotel pickups are sometimes offered.

For a private Lake District day trip from Manchester, expect to pay £650 for up to 15 passengers. Exclusive transportation and a lake cruise are included.

What will you see and do?

Grasmere

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District is the village of Grasmere. Once home to acclaimed English poet William Wordsworth, Grasmere has many literary connections.

You can visit Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth once lived, and stroll around the daffodil garden beside the River Rothay.

Don’t leave without popping into the famous gingerbread shop beside the church. The delicious aromas entice you in from the street, and staff in Victorian costumes greet you with samples of this age-old secret recipe treat.

Windermere

Surrounded by wooded fells and traditional villages, Windermere is the largest lake in England. Boat cruises are the ultimate way to enjoy the scenery, with stops at Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside for those who want to explore on foot.

Bowness is the place for shoreside picnics, ice creams and a bit of retail therapy. You can hire rowing boats here too for a self-guided adventure on the lake.

Derwentwater

This beautiful lake up in the north of the park is where you’ll find the highest mountains. It’s a great place for hiking, with Catbells being one of the most popular peaks for beginners. The climb is steep but the views are worth the effort.

Not far from Derwentwater is the mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle. Smaller than Stonehenge but with a more impressive backdrop, Castlerigg is a must-see on a day trip to the Lake District from Manchester.

Hawkshead

The medieval village of Hawkshead is a popular stop on Lake District day tours. It has connections with famous authors William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, as well as a quaint stone church and glorious mountain views.

You can wander the narrow alleyways, shop for souvenirs and enjoy a spot of lunch.

When is the best time to visit the Lake District?

The best time to explore the Lake District depends on what you want to see and do when you get there. For walking tours, summer is best as this is when the weather is warmest.

Spring is great for avoiding the crowds, while fall sees stunning foliage colors across the national park. Winter brings photogenic snow-capped mountains – just wrap up warm.

Are there any tours to the Lake District from other cities in the United Kingdom?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in United Kingdom:

Travel tips

Book your day trip to the Lake District well in advance if you’re planning on a summer visit.
Hiking boots are essential for walking tours – especially if you’re attempting higher peaks like Catbells.
It can rain at any time in the Lake District, so wear weather-appropriate clothing and always carry a waterproof jacket.

Lake District: Day Trips and Tours from Manchester