Orton

The village of Orton is well worth a visit. It's a traditional Cumbrian village with stone buildings, a village green and lovely walking country around it. The area is also known for its local produce and the famous Orton Farmers' Market.

From here you can also explore Shap, with its historic buildings and surrounding countryside, or take a trip towards Haweswater for some spectacular reservoir and mountain scenery.

 

Ullswater

Often described as one of England's most beautiful lakes, it’s on the eastern side of the Lake District, and it's easy to see why. The lake stretches for around eight miles and is surrounded by impressive fells.

For a more relaxed day, you could also take a Ullswater steamer and see the lake from the water rather than the road.

 

Glenridding

Glenridding makes a good stop. From here you can enjoy views across Ullswater, have something to eat or take a walk along the lakeshore.

 

Aira Force

One of the highlights of Ullswater is Aira Force, a spectacular waterfall surrounded by woodland.

There are several walking routes around the waterfall, so it's a great place to leave the campervan and stretch your legs.

 

Keswick

Continue north-west towards Keswick, one of the Lake District's best-known towns.

Keswick sits beside Derwentwater, with the fells providing an impressive backdrop.

There is plenty to see and do here, so it's worth allowing at least a full day. Shops, restaurants, cafes and museums. There is even a pencil museum.

The town is also a great place to stock up on supplies before heading into the more remote parts of the Lakes.

Things to explore around Keswick

The Lake of Derwentwater

Keswick town centre

Hope Park Keswick 

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Friar's Crag

Theatre by the Lake

Keswick Market

 

Threlkeld

From Keswick, make the short journey towards Threlkeld.

The village sits beneath Blencathra and is surrounded by some fantastic walking country.

One of the most enjoyable things to do here is the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail, which follows the route of the old railway line.

It's relatively gentle compared with some of the mountain walks and makes a good option for a day when you don't want to tackle a steep fell.

 

Castlerigg Stone Circle

A short drive from Keswick takes you to Castlerigg Stone Circle.

This prehistoric stone circle sits on a natural plateau with fantastic views towards the surrounding mountains.

It's one of those places where the scenery is almost as impressive as the attraction itself.

It's also a great place to visit early or late in the day when the surrounding landscape can feel particularly peaceful.

 

Borrowdale

One of the most spectacular drives from Keswick is south towards Borrowdale.

As you leave Derwentwater behind, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic.

Stop at Ashness Bridge for one of the classic Lake District views, then continue towards Surprise View, where you can look back across Derwentwater and the surrounding fells.

Borrowdale itself is a beautiful valley with woodland, rivers and dramatic mountain scenery.

This is a route where it's worth taking your time rather than simply driving from A to B.

 

Buttermere

Continue towards Buttermere, travelling through some of the most dramatic scenery in the western Lake District.

Buttermere is a particularly beautiful area and is well worth allowing several hours to explore.

A walk around the lake is a fantastic way to experience the scenery. The route takes you through woodland and open countryside with the surrounding mountains towering above you.

If you're lucky enough to get a calm day, the reflections on the water can be spectacular. Great for a photo.

 

Honister Pass

The journey between Borrowdale and Buttermere can include Honister Pass, one of the Lake District's most dramatic mountain roads.

The road climbs steeply through the mountains, and the scenery is fantastic.

However, this is a section where campervan drivers should take extra care. Check current road conditions, restrictions and your vehicle's suitability before setting off. Some Lake District roads are narrow, steep and challenging for larger vehicles.

If conditions aren't suitable or you're not sure, then take an alternative route.

 

Grasmere

After exploring the northern Lakes, begin heading south towards Grasmere.

Grasmere is one of the Lake District's prettiest villages, surrounded by mountains and situated beside the lake of the same name.

It's a lovely place for a slower afternoon.

Take a stroll around the village, explore the shops and cafés and, of course, try some traditional Grasmere Gingerbread and find out about the history of the gingerbread shop.

You can also walk around Grasmere Lake if you want to spend a little longer in the area and make a day of it.

 

Ambleside & Rydal Water

Ambleside is a busy but attractive Lake District town with plenty of cafés, pubs, shops and places to explore.

From Ambleside, take the scenic route towards Rydal Water.

This is another area where it's worth leaving the campervan behind and exploring on foot.

The area around Rydal is closely associated with William Wordsworth, and you can visit places connected with the poet while enjoying the surrounding countryside.

 

Windermere & Bowness-on-Windermere

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England.

The lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere is a popular destination and can get very busy, particularly during weekends and school holidays.

One of the best ways to experience Windermere is from the water.

A boat trip gives you a completely different perspective of the surrounding mountains and shoreline.

Alternatively, simply enjoy a walk along the lakeside and explore Bowness.

 

Tip: If travelling by campervan, plan your parking before arriving. Some of the roads and car parks around the busiest parts can be difficult for larger vehicles.

 

Coniston & Tarn Hows

Coniston Water is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, with The Old Man of Coniston dominating the landscape.

You don't necessarily need to climb the mountain to enjoy the area.

The village of Coniston is a lovely place to stop for lunch or a wander, while Tarn Hows offers another beautiful location for a walk.

The circular walk around Tarn Hows is particularly popular and gives you wonderful views across the water and surrounding woodland.

 

Kendal

You can travel through the southern Lakes and towards Kendal, perhaps stopping for a wander around the town or even a bite to eat. Plenty of shops, gift shops, coffee shops & restaurants.

It's a route that gives you a really good Lake District sampler without trying to squeeze absolutely everything into one trip.

Our tip: Don't underestimate the driving time. Lake District roads can be narrow, winding and busy, so distances that look short on a map can take much longer than expected. The real joy of this trip is taking your time, finding a viewpoint, parking up and having a wander. And a warning: speed cameras are around, so watch your speed.

Campsite recommendations

Tebay Caravan Park

A great starting point for the trip, particularly if you're arriving via the M6. The park is just off the motorway and provides hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up, with a toilet & Shower block. The price per night includes a voucher to use in the Tebay Kitchen, a great place to get something to eat and drink after that long drive. 

 

Burns Farm Caravan & Campsite

This would make an excellent Lake District base, putting you close to Keswick while giving you a beautiful rural setting in St Johns-in-the-Vale.

The campsite is situated in St Johns-in-the-Vale, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the northern Lake District.

Rather than moving the campervan every night, you can stay here for several nights and explore the surrounding area by car, bus, bike or on foot.

 

This route is just a guide, so don't forget to check your maps & satnav for more details.