Lake District Adventure Guide: 4 Days Camping & Exploring Ullswater (2025)
- Stella Beckmann
- Aug 21
- 5 min read
Tired of the United Kingdom's endless grey? The Lake District isn't just a postcard—it's a living, breathing playground of mountains, lakes, and charming villages. It is most certainly the most beautiful place I've been in the UK, and it even felt like a pocket of New Zealand in Europe.
Our four-day trip perfectly balanced heart-pumping adventure with soul-soothing peace. This is a guide and insights for those who want to hike, run, and camp their way through one of England's most stunning landscapes.
Day 1: Settling In & First Forays (Kendal, Ambleside, Rydal Water)
Stop 1: Kendal – The Gateway Town
We stopped by Kendal to stay the night at a friend's place. Most people would blow right through Kendal on their way to the bigger lakes, but it was a lovely introduction to Cumbrian life.
We grabbed a delicious breakfast at Homeground Cafe before exploring its cobbled streets. There were quirky pottery and antique shops, and a serene riverside that felt quiet and calm.
I popped into the Holy Trinity Church where I stumbled upon a community art display and a friendly local gathering. Although Kendal is a cute, quaint town, simply driving through would probably be enough unless you had a particular reason to pause. We did our camping food shopping at the Lidl here, which was the last chance in the journey before reaching the campsite.
Stop 2: Ambleside Lunch with a View
A short drive north, the town of Ambleside is an adventurer's hub. For lunch with a breathtaking vista, head to Force Cafe & Terrace. Their deck overlooks a lush valley, and while the lobster and shrimp mac and cheese (£20) is a splurge, the setting is worth it.
Stop 3: Stockghyll Force Waterfall
Walk off your lunch with a gentle hike to this charming waterfall right next to Force Cafe & Terrace. The path winds through an enchanted forest, with gnarled tree roots creating a natural staircase. It’s not Niagara Falls, but its modest beauty and the quiet of the woods are the main attraction. (We even saw someone taking their cat for a walk here—true Lake District eccentricity!).
Stop 4: Rydal Water & Cave
Parking here is notoriously tight (be patient!), but the walk is a Lake District classic. The flat path along the lake is perfect for families, with spots for paddling. In late summer, wild blackberries line the trail—free for the picking and deliciously sweet. The trail leads to Rydal Cave, a dramatic quarry cave you can walk into. For the brave, a quick, bracing swim in the lake is the perfect capstone to the day.
Don't Miss: The Kirkstone Pass Drive.
On your way to your accommodation, take the A592 through Kirkstone Pass. This mountain road offers staggering views, with sheep-dotted fells and stone walls snaking into the distance. We saw a bride and groom having photos taken against this epic backdrop—it’s that kind of place.
Stay: Glamping at Ullswater
We based ourselves at a campsite on Ullswater. This was no back-to-basics experience; it was full-on glamping with hot showers, a shop, and even pizza on-site. It’s comfort in the heart of nature.
Day 2: A Morning Run & An Afternoon on the Water
Activity 1: Sunrise Meditation & a Run to Pooley Bridge
Wake up early. Find a quiet spot on the lake shore—the silence at dawn is magical. Later, a scenic 8KM run from the campsite to Pooley Bridge is a fantastic way to see the countryside. Follow the Ullswater Way. The route takes you through farmland, past grazing sheep, and along trails lined with ferns. It feels remote and incredibly freeing. Reward yourself with a coffee at a cafe by the bridge in the quaint village.
Activity 2: Wake Surfing on Ullswater
This was our big adventure. Several companies on Ullswater offer wake surfing lessons. It is ideal to do this with a big group and to book more hours because the initial upfront cost to hire the boat is high, so it is diminishingly cheaper as you do more hours. It ended up costing about £40-£50 for 12 of us to do 30-minute sessions each. We brought our own wetsuits but you can also hire them.
As a complete beginner, I was nervous, but the instructors were great. Falling is part of the fun! You get a thrill and a unique perspective of the lake surrounded by mountains. It’s an exhilarating way to play on the water.
There's many other options for activities available to hire too, from kayaking to axe throwing.
Evening: Enjoy the campsite life.
Cook outdoors or order that pizza, and take a stroll to the lake to watch the sunset paint the sky pink.
Day 3: Deep Dive into Nature
Activity: Trail Running & A Boat Trip
We explored another running route, this time following the Pooley River and running along farmland, bridges, mountains, and forest. The trails here are endless—you can find gentle lakeside paths or challenging hill climbs. In the afternoon, we opted for another wake surfing boat trip, building upon the previous day's experience. Even if you’re not surfing, being on the water is a wonderful Lake District experience.
Alternative: Paddleboarding
We also took paddleboards out and crossed a section of the lake. You can hire them from most major lakeside campsites and centres. Gliding silently across the water, with only the mountains for company, is an incredibly peaceful experience. Keep an eye out for ducks and even the occasional dog enjoying a paddle!
Day 4: The Scenic Route Home via the Yorkshire Dales
Don’t just jump on the M6. Your trip isn’t over until you’ve driven through the Yorkshire Dales. Take the long way home to London and you’ll be rewarded with some of England’s most stunning driving roads.
Stop: Leyburn & The River Ure
We stopped in the charming market town of Leyburn. Be warned: many shops and pubs are closed on Sundays, but the tearooms are open and utterly delightful. We found a perfect spot by the River Ure for a final moment of peace—a quiet field with long grass and purple flowers, all to ourselves. It was the perfect, serene end to an action-packed trip.
Essential Tips for Your Trip:
Book Ahead: Campsites, especially good ones, and popular activities like boat hires get booked up quickly.
Drive Prepared: Roads are narrow. Use passing places, drive slowly, and be prepared to reverse for oncoming traffic.
Driving Alternatives: You can train to the Lake District in about 3.5 hours, which is actually faster than the 5-6 hour car drive, but it would be an incredible hassle getting to different areas around the district; if you were happy being confined to one main area, and taking the limited buses/ferries or biking around, it may work.
Embrace the Weather: We were lucky and got perhaps the four most gorgeous days in the UK year going in mid-August, but it can change in an instant. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sun cream—you’ll likely need them all in one day.
Be Prepared to buy Lots of Ice: Continuous top ups of our coolers with ice from the cafe was a must!
Enjoy the little things: I enjoyed the chance to part from my devices and reconnect with nature. Feel the joy in the simple things, like a morning lakeside run, a wild swim, or even just sitting by the water with a book.
The Lake District isn’t just a place you see; it’s a place you feel. It gets into your bones, and you’ll leave planning your next return before you’ve even reached the motorway.
Comments