Info & Advice

Keep dogs on a lead when needed to protect livestock and pick up dog fouling, as it poses a risk to livestock by increasing the risk of parasitic infection that causes abortions in animals.

For large motorhomes we advise avoiding the passes all together, many of the roads are very challenging even in a normal sized vehicle, finding alternative main road routes that will take you faster and easier to your destination. You must use campsites to park overnight, not lay-bys, carparks or by the roadside.

It is essential to park responsibly, only in designated parking areas that do not block gateways or access roads. If you cannot find a park where you want, please look for alternative parking nearby. If you are stopping to take photos, please do not park on the road and find an appropriate safe place to do so, that does not obstruct the road or anything else.

The county of Cumbria where the Lake District is situated in is a wildlife haven to all sorts of species of animals, mammals and insect life. Always stick to speed limits and be vigilant on country lanes and fell roads as animals cross over these roads on a daily basis. A lot of the roads do not have walls or fences alongside them, having free roaming animals on the roads. If you see an injured animal please report it to the RSPCA 0300 1234 999. If you hit an animal you must report it to the police.

Check weather conditions in winter as it can be very unpredictable please check weather and road conditions before travelling. We advise not to drive on the mountain passes or fell roads in winter months. Temperature at sea level is higher (warmer) than in the fells. Some of the roads are narrow in places without road markings. In the winter Please drive responsibly.

You can check online to see what roads are open or closed. To reach the Western lakes you can take detours round these using the lower roads avoiding the passes. The A66 Penrith to Cockermouth (via Keswick), A595 Cockermouth via Whitehaven, Egremont, right through to Broughton-In-Furness.

The Lakes is a national park, a place of outstanding natural beauty and an ENESCO World Heritage Site. We ask you to help maintain this beauty by disposing of rubbish properly. DO NOT LEAVE RUBBISH NEXT TO BINS. Motorhome waste disposal is to be disposed at campsites. Don’t come here to enjoy it then destroy it.

Trains

The main line train station run to the east of the Lake District, Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme (Kendal), which are direct connecting routes from London, Manchester & Glasgow. The Lakes has a costal train line that runs right along the west coast from Carlisle to Barrow-In-Furness.

By Bus

Here you can find a multitude of bus routes in the Lakes..

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/cumbria-and-north-lancashire/explore-the-lakes-by-bus

One of the best ways to explore it to set up a base and explore that local area around you, planning and researching the things in each area you aim to visit, this gives you a much more fulfilling sense of accomplishment. As people often say, “we wished we hadn’t rushed, we later found we missed a lot out”. This way you see much more than whizzing around the route ticking off things as you zoom by. Life is enjoyed more at a slower pace.

To get the most out of your trip, be sure to plan in advance, booking things well before you come here to avoid disappointment. Be aware the Lake District can get very busy especially at weekends and in the summer months, if you want to avoid the busier times of year, look at planning a trip through the week or at a less popular time.