48 Hours In The Lake District
Undoubtedly, the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places to visit in England. With breathtaking scenery, great food, independent shopping and lots of outdoor activities to be enjoyed, it has a wide variety of things to do and makes the perfect place for a short break. Of course you could easily spend a couple of weeks exploring the Lake District but it’s also possible to experience the essence of what this beautiful corner of Cumbria has to offer in 2 days. In this post, we’ll share the ideal itinerary for 48 hours in the Lake District.
48 hours in the Lake District
Day 1
Coniston - Old Man of Coniston
Ambleside
Allan Bank, Grasmere
Day 1
The Old Man of Coniston
Start off your 48 hours in the Lake District by lacing up your walking boots and hitting the trails. Probably the most famous of the Coniston Walks, the Old Man of Coniston is a fantastic hike. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over the Coppermines Valley, Coniston Water and Windermere Lake plus the mountains of the Eskdale and Duddon valleys. It’s even said that on a super clear day, you’ll be able to see Blackpool.
The overall circular route is considered challenging (but rewarding!) so would be ideal for the more experienced walkers. There are other routes up to the Old Man, like this one, that are less challenging but just as rewarding when you get to the top. Be mindful that the terrain is steep and the weather around the fells will be very changeable, so always ensure you are prepared with the right equipment and provisions.
After taking on the Old Man, head to Coniston village for something to eat and refuel. Establishments like the Ship, the Coniston Inn and the Crown Inn will all feed your hearty appetite.
Ambleside
Then, if you’ve got the energy, head to the Market Town of Ambleside, nestled in the heart of the Lake District. The town’s origins lie in the medieval woollen trade but the town you see today is Victorian, largely built of grey slate. This adds to its charm, no matter the weather, as it contrasts beautifully against the backdrop of some of England’s most famous mountains.
Take a stroll around the town, maybe grabbing a treat from one of the quaint cafes, or stopping to sip on an award winning ale as you watch the world go by. Browse the independent, specialist shops before heading to Waterhead Pier, which is a short walk from the town. This is the start of Lake Windermere and from here, you can catch a river cruise.
Depending how much time you have left in the day, Rydal Mount and Gardens is approx 20 minutes from Ambleside. This was the home of William Wordsworth for 40 years, inspiring many of his famous poems.
Allan Bank, Grasmere
Due to the lack of light pollution in this corner of England, The Lake District is one of the best locations in England for stargazing. Did you know it has some of the darkest skies in the country?
Allan Bank in Grasmere is an ideal spot to do some stargazing and the perfect spot to finish the first half of your 48 hours in the Lake District. The Grade II listed building is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site. Not visible to approx. 80% of the UK, you’ll likely see the Milky Way and at certain times of the year, the Aurora Borealis. The seven main stars in the Orion constellation are also visible during the winter months, too. For this activity you’ll need layers, hot drinks and binoculars.
Day 2
Aira Force Waterfall, Ullswater
Keswick
Aira Force Waterfall, Ullswater
Kick off the second half of your 48 hours in the Lake District by visiting this enchanting waterfall in Ullswater. This 65 foot waterfall is set amongst the grounds of an 18th Century pleasure garden and was the inspiration for William Wordsworth’s poem ‘The Somnambulist’. The landscape is breathtaking to visit at any time of year, perfect for a Lake District short break at any time of the year given the lack of guaranteed sunshine! In fact, Aira Force comes in to its own in winter weather because there is something about the moody vibe that really shows off the power of nature here. There are various trails to walk the grounds, with differing lengths, depending on your preference.
The site is run by the National Trust and includes a car park (charges apply), toilet and tea rooms on site, perfect to enjoy coffee and a cake after before heading to your next destination.
Keswick
After a morning strolling the picturesque grounds around Aira Force, head over to nearby Keswick. Here you have different options of things to do, depending on your energy levels.
If you’re fancying something adventurous, visit Honister Slate mine where you can see what lies beneath the landscape. This is England’s last working slate mine, where the methods of extracting the slate have changed very little in over 300 years. Not only can you take a tour of the mines, you can do a spot of climbing here as well. There are varying extremes, one inside the mines and the rest outside.
If you’re not feeling too adventurous, head the Lakes Distillery, located about 15 minutes from Keswick by car, and take one of their daily tours. It’s an up and coming attraction and is a great addition to your 48 hour itinerary in the Lake District. The distillery is where some of the finest Whisky, Gin and Vodka is produced and you can book on to daily tours and tasting sessions. To really add to your experience, book a table in The Bistro and indulge in afternoon tea.
They also have an onsite shop so you can pick up a bottle of your favourite tipple to take home and enjoy later.
An evening in Keswick
Again, there are options on how you decide to finish off your 48 hours in the Lake District. For a classic wind down, head to the cinema and catch a film at Keswick’s 100 year old picture house. The Keswick Alhambra Cinema is a beautiful, historic theatre-style cinema and the perfect place for a chill evening. The picture house may be old but it has been lovingly restored and fitted with modern sound and projection equipment and shows all the latest blockbusters.
But if you want to add some spice to your final evening, book on to a ghost tour with Lakeland Hauntings! ‘Follow the Lady’ as you embark on a 1 and a half hour tour through Keswick. Your guide will tell you all the stories from Keswick’s creepy past, full of murder, intrigue and tortured souls!
Noteworthy, nearby attractions along this route include The National Trust - Steam Yacht Gondola near Coniston, Wray Castle near Ambleside and Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick.
Have you been to any of these amazing places in the beautiful Lake District? Or have any suggestions for other incredible places to see? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
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