The Lake District on a small budget still offers plenty of exciting things to see and do, from historic sites to natural wonders, incredible viewpoints and unusual museums. The days when travel had to be expensive are over, even as prices continue to rise with everything else. Not only can travel be done on the cheap, but you may find unique opportunities for exciting adventures you never considered before. From neolithic monuments to traditional markets and even unusual ways to get around, it’s all possible.
If you want to experience the Lake District, England’s beautiful countryside is within easy reach. Here, check out some of the best, cheapest things to do on your budget-friendly holiday.
- 1
Hadrian's Wall
See the ancient northern border of England
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- Historie
Hadrian’s Wall is a living history UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching over 70 miles along England’s northern border with ancient forts, towers and turrets. In olden Roman times, this fortress, begun in 122 CE marked the northernmost boundary of Roman-controlled Britain.
You can explore it on your own to see more than 20 English Heritage Sites, or you can take a guided tour of the wall to see all there is to see and learn fun and exciting details about the wall and its important role in British history. Some of the most important sites along the wall include Birdoswald Fort, Carlisle Castle, Tullie House and the Senhouse Roman Museum.
Beliggenhet: Brampton CA8 7DD, UK
Telefonnummer: 4.43703E+11
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Aira Force Waterfall
See the majesty of nature in an unspoiled forest
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The Aira Force Waterfall is a stunning example of nature’s majesty as the cascading waters tumble down a natural cliffside, surrounded by towering green forested canopy. The waterfall is part of a vast national park and can be reached by one of many hiking trails through a serene, unspoiled woodland. The hikes to get here range from easy and relaxed to challenging and suited for highly experienced hikers. Other ways to view the falls include by boat or by hot air balloon.
Along the way to the falls, you’ll get the chance to play in natural streams and swim in lakes and tarns. You can see rare wildlife like red squirrels and explore many different trails.
Beliggenhet: Matterdale, Penrith CA11 0JY, UK
Åpent: 24/7
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Public transport
See the countryside by bus or train
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Public transport can be an outstanding alternative to a car hire and can allow you to save a great deal of money as you travel between sites in the Lake District. While a car hire offers the freedom to go where you want to go when you want to go, public transport in England is quite reliable, and many areas are connected by bus and train. The West Coast mainline connects Oxonholme to Penrith and Carlisle. Trans also run from Manchester to Windermere and beyond.
Buses and coaches run to numerous towns in the Lake District from all across the United Kingdom. Some hotels might also have shuttles you can take advantage of to get where you want to go.
Beliggenhet: UK
- 4
Castlerigg Stone Circle
See Stonehenge’s smaller cousin
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- Historie
Castlerigg Stone Circle is a fascinating standing stone circle like Stonehenge, dating to the Neolithic period and equally as mysterious as its more famous cousin. Walking to the circle from Keswick is easy, and you’ll see free-roaming sheep as you walk. The area is dog-friendly, and unlike some other standing stone circles in the region, it’s not fenced off, so you can walk right up to and around the monuments.
Like other standing stone circles, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is believed to be in a solar alignment and possibly functioned as a calendar or time-keeping spot. It’s famed for the midsummer celebrations held here every summer solstice, said to be some of the more tranquil celebrations around.
Beliggenhet: Castle Ln, Keswick CA12 4RN, UK
Åpent: 24/7
Telefonnummer: 4.43703E+11
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Wray Castle
Run and play with the kids in a Victorian castle
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- Familier
- Historie
Wray Castle sits on the banks of Lake Windermere in Ambleside and offers a world of child-friendly play and adventure with hands-on activities. The site is a National Trust site situated in a Gothic architecture castle built during the Victorian Era, but inside is filled with family-friendly amenities. Kids can engage in arts and crafts, play table tennis, bounce in the soft play area and play pretend with period dress-up.
The castle also has a Peter Rabbit-themed area where kids can play in the worlds of Beatrix Potter. The castle is an ideal destination if the weather isn’t cooperating because most attractions are indoors, but outdoor play areas are open on sunny days.
Beliggenhet: Low Wray, Ambleside LA22 0JA, UK
Åpent: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Telefonnummer: 4.41539E+11
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Carlisle Cathedral
See one of England’s oldest cathedrals
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- Historie
Carlisle Cathedral offers more than 900 years of history and tradition, with stunning Gothic architecture, ornate stonework and stunning artistry throughout the place. Among the more popular Instagram sites is the choir ceiling with its detailed and ornate stonework. The East Window is also a popular photo spot, especially on a sunny day, as it explodes in a brilliant kaleidoscope of colour. You can even explore a special Treasury Exhibition showcased here, which traces the entire history of Christianity in Cumbria from Roman times through the present.
The Cathedral is open to all and doesn’t cost anything to enter. It is, however, a functioning Cathedral, so visitors are asked to show proper respect while services are being held.
Beliggenhet: 7 Abbey St, Carlisle CA3 8TZ, UK
Åpent: Monday–Friday 7.30 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday–Sunday 7.30 am to 5 pm
Telefonnummer: 4.41229E+11
Kart - 7
Scafell Pike
See England’s highest mountain and war memorial
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- Fotografering
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, standing 978 metres above sea level and offering a challenging climb to reach the peak. It’s definitely a climb that requires stamina, and endurance. It's best undertaken by experienced climbers, but for those less experienced, well-maintained walking paths are available to allow you to get to the summit. When you reach the top, you’ll see stunning views across the entire county for miles in every direction and photographs that will stop your heart in their sheer beauty.
The mountain is also part of an inactive volcano and serves as a war memorial. It’s a National Trust site maintained by a gift after World War II.
Beliggenhet: Seascale CA20 1EX, UK
Kart - 8
Helvellyn
See the summit of one of England’s highest peaks
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- Fotografering
Helvellyn is one of England’s highest mountain peaks and offers an easy climb to reach the summit, which features breathtaking panoramic views for miles around. With the right preparation and gear, it’s estimated that the entire climb and descent back down takes around 6 hours, making it a fantastic day trip that won’t cost you a thing but will allow you to see some of England’s most cherished natural landscapes.
The mountain is part of a broad mountain range bearing the same name. The easy trail to get to the top is called the Thirimere Loop. Other trails you can take include Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. These take longer but offer different vistas on the way up.
Beliggenhet: Keswick CA12 4TP, UK
Kart - 9
Lake District markets
Shop a local traditional bazaar
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- Shopping
The Lake District markets, collectively, are a collection of traditional arts, crafts and farmers’ markets that can be found in many cities and towns throughout the region. While shopping may not immediately come to mind as a budget-friendly activity, it doesn’t cost anything to explore the stalls. Keswick Outdoor Market was named Best Outdoor Market in the UK and offers arts, crafts, foods and gifts on weekends. The Kendal Farmers’ Market showcases local produce and draws tons of locals while offering things like local gin, organic cheese and other speciality goods.
These markets are all unique and all individual; they are not a linked attraction. Still, you can easily spend days just walking the various vendor stalls.
Beliggenhet: Barrow-in-Furness, UK
Kart - 10
The Dock Museum
Learn the history of Barrow-in-Furness
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- Historie
The Dock Museum is unique, spread over 3 floors and telling the story of Barrow-in-Furness through models, graphics, displays, artefacts, films and interactive exhibits. It’s contained in a unique building within an original Victorian Graving Dock with a dramatic coastal background. Outside, the museum features an adventure playground for kids and adults alike as well as public art installations and walking paths that link along Cumbria’s Coastal Way.
The museum features plenty of modern amenities. It is a fully accessible museum with lifts to all floors. It contains a gift shop, onsite cafe for dining and free parking. You can even take a free guided tour to learn more about the exhibits.
Beliggenhet: Barrow-in-Furness LA14 2PW, UK
Åpent: Daily from 11 am to 4 pm
Telefonnummer: 4.4123E+11
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