How to Get to Lake District
Are you wondering how to get to the Lake District? Our guide features three key ways for you to travel to this picturesque region, whether you’re venturing here for a staycation or planning to travel to the Lakes from overseas!
Skip ahead to:
Train
Road
Plane
Map
Travelling to Lake District by train
Travelling to the Lake District by rail is a lovely adventure, but depending on where you’re coming from, it might take much longer than driving or flying. This is the means of transportation for anyone wishing to follow the shoreline, and take in postcard-perfect vistas of the spectacular Lake District mountains, the sparkling lakes, and even the vast expanse of the sea.
The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District. It connects Oxenholme (which is near Kendal), Penrith, and Carlisle to London and Glasgow. From Manchester to Windermere, you can take a direct train. Local trains from Oxenholme stop at Kendal, Staveley, and Windermere. There is also a route that goes along the coast of Cumbria.
Popular train lines when travelling to the Lakes include Avanti West Coast, the TransPennine Express and Northern Trains. This means you can enjoy travel to the Lakes from all around the UK.
Search and book trains across the UK at Trainline.
Search and book trains across the UK and Europe at Omio.
How to Get to Lake District by road
Travel to Lake District By Car
The M6 motorway runs to the east of the Lake District. Exit the motorway at Junction 36, then follow the A590 for the south of the Lake District. Junction 40 and route A66 or A592 will take you to the north. From London and the South East, the journey takes approximately six hours. From Manchester, it will be one and a half hours, and two hours from York depending on traffic.
If you’re worried about where to leave your vehicle, check out these car parks around the Lake District.
Other options for driving include the Park and Explore which lets you buy a single ticket for a day of parking and bus travel all over the Lake District. Or, if you prefer to explore in a greener way, hire an electric or pay-as-you-drive car.
To plan your journey we recommend using the AA Route Planner.
For more information and/or to check for possible delays visit: ViaMichellin.co.uk
Travel to Lake District by Coach
If you’re wondering how to get to the Lake District by road but don’t fancy driving, we recommend booking a seat on a National Express coach. This is handy because the National Express operates coaches from all across the UK to different places in the Lake District.
Alternatively, if you’re travelling to the Lakes for a celebration or event, the National Express also offers private coach hire. Ideal for special occasions and large parties!
Travelling to Lake District by plane
The nearest main airports to the Lake District are Manchester Airport to the south and Glasgow Airport to the north. There is a rail service at Manchester Airport with services to local stations such as Kendal, Staveley and Windermere. Manchester and Glasgow Airport both have domestic connections from London, Edinburgh and Bristol.
For more information and/or to check flight times and prices visit: www.skyscanner.net
How Far is Lake District from You?
Explore this handy map, which features some of the locations in our Places to Stay in the Lake District Guide. By using the map, not only can you find out how far away the major cities and towns are from you, but you can plan your journey seamlessly!
Once you’ve finished travelling to Lake District and you’re settled into your fabulous Sykes accommodation, discover all the different ways you can travel around the Lake District with our Getting Around Guide…