Two Days in the North Lakes

The North Lakes offer natural beauty, fantastic walking routes, and plenty to see and do. Easily accessible by train from Liverpool, this scenic area makes for a great place to enjoy a countryside retreat.

Day 1 - Keswick
 

Keswick town centre

The bustling market town of Keswick is located between Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite. Surrounded by fantastic walking routes, it’s also home to a rich arts, culture and food scene! 

Hop off the bus and begin your day’s adventures with a visit to the Derwent Pencil Museum. Keswick is the home of the first pencil, and this museum showcases its history. Discover secret WW2 pencils with hidden maps, see the world’s largest colour pencil, and learn more about the story of the humble pencil. 

Also in Keswick is The Puzzling Place - an attraction filled with optical illusions and a great place to visit.

Head to The Royal Oak for a hearty pub lunch, or hop on the Keswick Launch to the Hawse End Jetty and enjoy a short walk to the Lingholm Kitchen for lunch and brunch with beautiful views.

Did you know? The walled garden at the Lingholm Kitchen is said to have inspired Mr McGregor’s garden in Beatrix Potter’s iconic The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

In the afternoon, choose from a distillery tour or a scenic country house. The Lakes Distillery can be reached via the X4 bus from Keswick, and offers tours of the state-of-the-art distillery where gin, whisky and vodka is made. Visitors can also enjoy a tasting experience.

Alternatively, take the X4 or 554 bus to Mirehouse and Gardens: an impressive country house surrounded by scenic gardens and located on the shores of Bassenthwaite. Wander through the Bee Garden, stroll along the poetry walk, explore enchanting woodlands, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
 

Day 2 - Ullswater

For your second day, it’s time to explore beautiful Ullswater. Begin the day with a cruise on the water with Ullswater ‘Steamers’, which transports passengers around the lake. Boats stop at a variety of walking routes, making this a great way to enjoy a hike. Popular options include Aira Force waterfall, the 20-mile Ullswater Way (which can also be enjoyed in smaller sections), and Hallin Fell. 

Around the lake, there are some great places to eat and drink. In Glenridding, you’ll find The Ullswater Inn while in Pooley Bridge there’s The Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge and 1863 Restaurant with Rooms. There’s also the award-winning Brackenrigg Inn, located on the western shores of the water.

In the afternoon, hire a bike and head to Lowther Castle & Gardens: home to impressive castle ruins, extensive gardens and woodland, and a huge adventure playground. 

Then, it’s time to head home after two days filled with adventure in the north Lake District.

Getting here: travel by train to Penrith (North Lakes). From Liverpool, the journey takes less than two hours. Once at Penrith, buses transport you on to Keswick and Ullswater and are operated by Stagecoach.

Where to stay: There are plenty of great accommodation options in Penrith, Keswick and around Ullswater. Opt for Penrith for a central base from which to explore both locations, Keswick for a bustling market town atmosphere, or Ullswater for peaceful tranquility.