Two Days in the South Lakes

Hop on the train and spend a couple of days exploring the south Lakes, with scenic countryside walks, cultural attractions, and great food and drink.

Day 1 - Windermere & Ambleside

Windermere

Begin the day with a walk up Orrest Head, easily accessible via footpath opposite Windermere train station. This short but scenic walk offers stunning views across Windermere and the Lakeland fells.

Then, head to Bowness on Windermere to discover cultural attractions including the World of Beatrix Potter, Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts House, and the Windermere Jetty Museum. Each had its own cafe, making for a great place to stop for lunch.

Windermere Jetty Museum

In the afternoon, take a trip on Windermere Lake Cruises to Ambleside, enjoying views across England’s longest lake as you travel before alighting at Waterhead Pier. Explore the pretty town of Ambleside, packed with independent shops like The Old Courthouse Gallery.

For an afternoon coffee stop, take a short walk to Force Cafe: located opposite the pretty Stock Ghyll Force waterfall, it serves brunch, lunch, coffee and cake with impressive views across Windermere and the surrounding fells. 

Force Café

In the evening, enjoy dinner and a movie at Zeffirellis or Fellinis in the centre of Ambleside: an independent cinema serving delicious vegetarian food and showing the latest releases.

Day 2 - Grasmere

Today, explore the pretty village of Grasmere. Learn more about the life and works of William Wordsworth at Wordsworth Grasmere, home to Dove Cottage where the famous poet once lived, or visit Allan Bank - another of his former homes and today managed by the National Trust.

Wordsworth Grasmere

Did you know? Dove Cottage was used as a location in the 2026 film The History of Sound, starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.

For lunch, stop at Mathilde’s: a modern cafe serving scandi inspired dishes. It’s part of the Heaton Cooper Studio, which showcases local works alongside a well equipped art shop.

Don’t miss a visit to Grasmere Gingerbread®: this iconic local specialty originated in Grasmere. It’s available to buy at the Grasmere Gingerbread® shop, next to Grasmere’s church, and its secret recipe has captivated visitors ever since it was first made in 1854.

Grasmere Gingerbread ®

From Grasmere, walk to Rydal Water - also home to Rydal Caves, where scenes from Netflix’s The Witcher were filmed, with Henry Cavill on location at the popular beauty spot. The path is relatively flat, and takes around 30 minutes to an hour (dependent on ability and photo stops along the way).

Getting here: travel by train to Windermere. From Liverpool, the journey takes around two hours. From Windermere, the 555 bus route offers easy access to Ambleside and Grasmere.

Where to stay: There are plenty of great accommodation options in Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere - from stylish spa hotels to cosy B&Bs.