3-Day Scenic Lake District Trip: Accessible Exploration by Public Transport and Foot

Day 1: Arrival and Kendal Walk

Kendal, UK on June 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Factory Coffee Shop

Start your trip with their excellent locally roasted coffee and freshly made breakfast pastries; opens at 8:00am, perfect for an early start.

GBP10, 1h

10:30am

Walk to Kendal Castle and the Riverside

Enjoy a scenic walk from the town centre to Kendal Castle ruins, then stroll along the River Kent parklands for beautiful natural views.

Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zeffirellis

Enjoy Italian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in an arts venue; open for lunch from 12 noon.

GBP15-20, 1h

2:30pm

Kendal Leisure Centre Walk and Shop

Explore the lovely outdoor markets (open on certain days) and artisan shops near the Kendal Leisure Centre and town centre streets.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Evening stroll along the canal

Relax on a flat, gentle path beside the Lancaster Canal which offers lovely sunset views; easily accessible by foot from town.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Brewery Arts Centre Restaurant

Sample delicious dishes made from local produce in a warm arts-centre setting; open till 9:30pm.

GBP20-30, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Lake Windermere and Ambleside

Lake District, UK on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Apple Pie Cafe, Windermere

Arrive early by bus from Kendal (Stagecoach service 555, approx 40 mins) and have fresh pastries and great coffee; opens 7:30am.

GBP8, 1h

9:30am

Walk to Orrest Head

From Windermere town centre, walk 30 minutes uphill to Orrest Head for stunning panoramic views of the Lake District; this is an easy to moderate hike entirely by foot.

Free, 2h

11:30am

Ambleside via Bus 555

Take the bus from Windermere to Ambleside (approx 15 minutes), a short ride offering beautiful lake views along the route.

GBP3, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Glass House, Ambleside

Enjoy charming British dishes with a modern twist at this café-restaurant, open from 12 noon.

GBP20-25, 1h

1:30pm

Walk to Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall

Experience a peaceful 15-minute walk from Ambleside town centre to this enchanting 70-foot waterfall surrounded by woodland; accessible and free.

Free, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Ambleside Town and lakeshore

Take it slow with a stroll around the lakeside area and browse the independent shops and galleries open in the afternoon.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Bus back to Kendal

Catch bus 555 back to Kendal for your overnight stay, a scenic route along the lakes and towns.

GBP6, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Brewery Arts Centre Restaurant

Unwind with artisan meals and local beers in Kendal’s arts centre restaurant, open till 9:30pm.

GBP20-30, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Keswick and Derwentwater

Lake District, UK on June 3, 2025

7:45am

Bus from Kendal to Keswick via Penrith

Take local buses (Stagecoach services plus connections) early morning for approx 2.5 hours journey; enjoy scenic views en route.

GBP12-18, 2.5h

10:30am

Breakfast at The Square Orange Cafe, Keswick

Have a fresh coffee and light breakfast to refresh after the journey; open from 8:00am.

GBP8, 1h

11:30am

Walk Derwentwater Lakeshore Trail

Enjoy a gentle 2-3 hour walk around Derwentwater's accessible flat lakeshore paths with stunning views, perfect for scenic photography and nature watching.

Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Pheasant Inn, Keswick

Relax with traditional pub fare and local ales in this welcoming Keswick inn, open from noon onwards.

GBP15-20, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle

Take a local bus or a 20-minute walk out of Keswick to see this impressive Neolithic stone circle, set in stunning countryside and open all day for free.

Free, 1h