A camper van trip around the Lake District can be an awesome adventure. The Lake District is a beautifully picturesque region in Cumbria, in the northwest of England, renowned for its amazing lakes, lush green valleys, and breath taking mountains.
It’s a very popular destination for camper van enthusiasts, whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure in one of the UKs most beautiful nature reserves.
Here are just a few of the activities you can expect to enjoy on a trip to the Lake District:
1) Scenic Drives: The Lake District offers a plethora of scenic drives for camper van enthusiasts, that are perfect for an easy and often breath taking drive. You can follow any number of winding country lanes, passing through charming little villages, and enjoy the beautiful views over the lakes while driving through the hills and mountains. Some of the more popular routes include the Kirkstone Pass, Hardknott Pass, and Wrynose Pass. These can be somewhat challenging, yet rewarding drives in a camper van, but they offer truly stunning views that are well worth the effort.
2) Camping beside the Lakes: One of the highlights of a camper van trip to the Lake District is the opportunity to set up camp on the shore of a beautiful lake. Imagine that wonderful view when you watch the sun go down over the water and then wake to an amazing sunrise. There are a good number of campsites and caravan parks positioned in perfect locations, offering the best lake views and providing great access to hiking trails around the shore or water activities on the lake itself. Camping by the lakes allows you to soak up the serene beauty of the Lake District and relax into chilled out evenings on the waterside.
3) Outdoor Activities: The Lake District is definitely one of the most popular destinations for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking the trails, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing or wildlife watching, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activity centres. There are trails galore, suitable for all levels of fitness and experience, ranging from a relaxing stroll along the lake shore to tough hikes up into the mountains. One of the more popular trails is the trek up Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, and the beautifully scenic Catbells walk with amazing panoramic views of Derwentwater.
4) Lake Cruises: No camper van trip to the Lake District would be complete without indulging in a leisurely cruise on one of the amazing lakes. There are many excellent companies that provide lake cruises. You can opt for a guided tour enabling you to sit back and enjoy the scenery from the water., or you can take charge of a boat yourself and explore your own way. There are traditional steamers and modern boats cruising the lakes,such as Windermere, Derwentwater, and Ullswater. The guided tours will let you take in and learn more about the stunning landscapes and historic landmarks around the lake coasts.
5) Exploring Towns and Villages: The Lake District has some of the most charming towns and villages in the UK, all of which are worth exploring in your camper van. Towns and villages like Kendal, Ambleside, and Bowness-on-Windermere have a wide range of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine and take it easy after a fun day of outdoor adventures. There are also many interesting historic sites, such as Beatrix Potter’s home, Hill Top, or the ancient and mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle.
6) Wildlife Watching: The Lake District is well known for its variety of wildlife, including red deer, otters, ospreys, and many species of bird. You can spend time wildlife watching during your camper van trip, either alone or by joining a guided wildlife tour, of which there are many. There are numerous nature reserves and protected wildlife habitats in the area, such as the RSPB centre at Leighton Moss and Foulshaw Moss, where you can see and learn more about the flora and fauna of the Lake District.
7) Photography Trips: This area is a photographer’s paradise, with its rugged and lush, green landscapes, rapidly changing weather conditions and abundant wildlife providing no end of perfect photo opportunities for professional and amateurs alike. Camper van enthusiasts loaded with camera equipment are a common sight around the Lake District, and you will find plenty of photographic inspiration here, whether you’re capturing misty mornings over the lakes and mountains or dramatic sunsets and sunrises.
To sum up, a camper van trip to the Lake District will leave you with an unforgettable experience exploring nature in all its glory, exciting outdoor adventures and charming villages of this wonderful region of the UK. It’s the perfect destination for camper van enthusiasts looking for a relaxing retreat into nature and an opportunity to disconnect from the busy, stressful experience of modern life.
