Lake District National Park is an enjoyable national park known for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Lake District National Park and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, hiking in nature, or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Lake District National Park?
You should plan to spend around $124 (£96) per day on your vacation in Lake District National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $46 (£36) on meals
- $42 (£33) on local transportation
- $100 (£77) on hotels
A one week trip to Lake District National Park for two people costs, on average, $1,736 (£1,344). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$868
£672
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,736
£1,344
-
One Month
Per person
$3,720
£2,880
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,736
£1,344
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,472
£2,688
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,440
£5,760
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lake District National Park cost?
A one week trip to Lake District National Park usually costs around $868 (£672) for one person and $1,736 (£1,344) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lake District National Park on average costs around $1,736 (£1,344) for one person and $3,472 (£2,688) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lake District National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lake District National Park on average costs around $3,720 (£2,880) for one person and $7,440 (£5,760) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lake District National Park expensive to visit?
Lake District National Park is a great national park that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find Lake District National Park to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $54 (£42) per day, mid-range travelers spend $124 (£96) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $237 (£183) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lake District National Park.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Lake District National Park is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lake District National Park Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lake District National Park?
The average Lake District National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lake District National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lake District National Park cost?
Lake District National Park on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$22
(£17)
|
$50
(£39)
|
$95
(£74)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$19
(£14)
|
$42
(£33)
|
$81
(£63)
|
|
Food 2
|
$20
(£16)
|
$46
(£36)
|
$88
(£68)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(£8.75)
|
$26
(£20)
|
$49
(£38)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-4
(£1-3)
|
$3-9
(£2-7)
|
$6-17
(£4-13)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Lake District National Park is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $54 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Lake District National Park, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Lake District National Park will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $124 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $237. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the national park, be prepared for premium pricing.
Accommodation Budget in Lake District National Park
Hotel rates in Lake District National Park vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $0 to $0. Expect prices to range from $0 for budget hotels to $0 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lake District National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $100 (£77). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $50 (£39) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lake District National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
This family-friendly national park makes Lake District National Park a great option for traveling with kids, and you'll want to find a larger place to stay.
Many people spend up to a week in Lake District National Park. If you're here for an extended time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be helpful for preparing your own meals.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Lake District National Park
Unfortunately, Lake District National Park does not provide a solid public transit network. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.
Sadly, the national park isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. The park is large and requires a vehicle to get around.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (poor)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $42 (£33) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lake District National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lake District National Park is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$42
£33
Check that your hotel has accessible parking if you're planning on driving.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer for $32 details
- Lake District Ski Club to Manchester Airport - Departure Transfer for $43 details
How much does it cost to go to Lake District National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lake District National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lake District National Park
You can't miss the fantastic food in Lake District National Park. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lake District National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lake District National Park is $46 (£36) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$46
£36
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lake District National Park is around $46 (£36) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $88. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lake District National Park are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $32
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
If you are someone who needs a full, hearty before a day of exploring and hiking, then grab a traditional English breakfast. A top rated restaurant for this type of meal is called Brambles Tea Rooms and Cafe, and is located in Windermere. Fish and chips are a must eat while visiting the UK. The Kingfisher in Keswick has outstanding fish and chips at a reasonable cost.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
You can cut costs and soak in the views by having a picnic. Swing by a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh goodies, and head to a lovely park or picturesque location to savor your meal.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lake District National Park
Visitors find Lake District National Park irresistible, especially for its hiking, budget-friendly accommodations, food, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lake District National Park typically cost an average of $26 (£20) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
£20
The Lake District is known mostly for its natural beauty, and of course, lakes. There are many great places to hike and camp as well. Wild camping, that is camping outside of a designated campsite, is common in the Lake District. Keep in mind that you must have permission of the landowner before setting up camp for the night.
Most of the sights to see in this area are natural ones, however, visiting the Muncaster Castle is definitely a sight not to miss on your visit in the Lake District. The castle is located in the town of Ravenglass, near the western coast. The castle sits upon the Esk River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, the castle has more than just beautiful views to offer; there is an owl sanctuary there as well. If you're lucky, you may even get to meet the supposed ghost that tends to lurk around the castle grounds.
Fore more ideas, check out this guide to things to do in the Lake District for your next trip.
The Lake District has many different kinds of activities, from leisurely walks around a quaint town, to intense trekking up England's highest peak. Throughout the year the park offers events like learning mountaineering skills, wildlife expeditions, and group led hikes. A lot of the events are free and can be found on the Lake District's official website.
For those intermediate to advanced hikers, make sure you bring your gear to tackle Scafell Pike. There is a campsite at the base called Seathewaite farm, it has toilet and shower facilities. Towering at 978 meters (a little over 3,000 feet) above sea level, this trek is full of outstanding natural beauty. Take care when planning to hike this, as there are many different routes to take (and ones that should be avoided). Approaching the summit gets a bit hairy at times as you find yourself climbing over loose rocks. The visitor center in Keswick has trail maps, knowledgeable staff, and seasonal information for the prospective climbers!
Hiking:
The hiking trails near Lake District National Park are amazing. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.
A nice way to explore destinations in Lake District National Park is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Northern Lake District: Self Guided Walking Tour of Keswick for $8 details
- Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District for $90 details
- 3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick for $141 details
Nightlife Budget in Lake District National Park
The nightlife scene in Lake District National Park is mostly non-existent. There are some places to grab a drink in Kendal, but not much else in the form of nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.00 (£4.64) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lake District National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.00
£4.64
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Traveling in Lake District National Park
Lake District National Park, England
Believe it or not, there are many incredible places to visit in England other than just London! Lake District National Park is definitely one of them. Located in North West England, this area truly captures the beauty of the pristine English outdoors. Of all the national parks in the UK, the Lake District is visited the most, especially during the summer season. The tallest peak and the deepest lake in England are located here, and they are beautiful.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are several different regions in the Lake District, so you'll want to narrow down which one(s) you prefer to see if you are on a time crunch.
Coniston Water - this lake rests at the base of The Old Man of Coniston peak and is a popular place to rent boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Windermere - visit the Lakes Aquarium, the Haverthwaite Railway, or choose to do something a bit more adventurous and book tickets to embark on a treetop ropes course.
Ullswater - be sure to visit the Aira Force Waterfall, with 70 feet of falls and a teahouse on site.
Langdale Valley - this valley is surrounded by the magnificent Langdale Pikes (English slogan for peaks). The Elerwater village is tucked away in the valley with a few traditional English pubs and shops.
Northern Lakes - this region is scattered with several peaceful lakes that is mostly visited by hikers.
Derwenthwater - this lake is located in the town of Keswick, there are hiking trails all around this area as well as a scenic cruise tour.
Wastwater - this is England's deepest lake and surrounding it is one of Britain's most impeccable views, with England's highest peak as a backdrop. There are many villages scattered about this area with historical pubs and cottages. This area truly encapsulates the essence of the English countryside.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.