Lake District scenic drives
Best Scenic Drives in the Lake District
Discover winding mountain passes, peaceful lakeside roads, dramatic valleys and beautiful driving routes through the Lake District.
The Lake District is one of Britain’s finest destinations for a road trip. Some routes are gentle lakeside drives, while others climb high into the fells on narrow mountain roads that reward careful drivers with unforgettable views.
Explore the Lake District Road Trip Guide
Why drive through the Lakes?
See more than the famous lakes
Travelling by car gives you the freedom to discover hidden valleys, quieter villages, panoramic viewpoints and lesser-known beauty spots at your own pace.
These drives are ideal for
- Self-drive Lake District holidays.
- Scenic day trips and circular routes.
- Photography stops and viewpoints.
- Combining lakes, villages and short walks.
- Flexible touring by car, campervan or motorhome.
Ullswater Scenic Drive
One of the Lake District’s classic driving routes follows the shores of Ullswater, beginning near Pooley Bridge and continuing towards Glenridding.
- Ullswater viewpoints
- Pooley Bridge
- Glenridding
- Lakeside picnic stops
Borrowdale and Honister Pass
Borrowdale is one of the Lake District’s most beautiful valleys. Continue beyond Seatoller and the road climbs dramatically over Honister Pass towards Buttermere.
- Surprise View
- Honister Pass
- Honister Slate Mine
- Buttermere
Keswick to Buttermere
Leaving Keswick, this route passes through Borrowdale before climbing over Honister Pass into the peaceful western Lakes.
- Derwentwater
- Borrowdale
- Honister Pass
- Buttermere
Windermere to Coniston
This relaxing southern Lakes drive links peaceful countryside, woodland, villages and classic Lakeland scenery.
- Windermere
- Hawkshead
- Tarn Hows
- Coniston Water
Great Langdale
Towering peaks surround quiet lanes leading towards Blea Tarn and the Langdale Pikes, making this one of the finest drives in the Lakes.
- Great Langdale
- Blea Tarn
- Langdale Pikes
- Traditional Lakeland scenery
Newlands Valley
Often overlooked, Newlands Valley offers peaceful scenery, lighter traffic and panoramic views across farmland and fells.
- Quiet country lanes
- Traditional farms
- Panoramic valley views
Kirkstone Pass
Connecting Windermere with Ullswater, Kirkstone Pass is England’s highest mountain pass open to traffic.
- Mountain scenery
- Kirkstone Pass summit
- Panoramic viewpoints
The Western Lakes
For quieter roads and equally impressive scenery, the western Lake District offers dramatic mountains, valleys and a more remote atmosphere.
- Wasdale
- Wast Water
- Eskdale
- Muncaster area
Challenging mountain passes
Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass need extra care
Hardknott Pass
Known for exceptionally steep gradients and tight hairpin bends, Hardknott Pass is one of the most challenging roads in Britain. It should only be attempted by confident drivers and is often unsuitable for larger motorhomes or caravans.
Wrynose Pass
Usually combined with Hardknott Pass, Wrynose Pass offers equally dramatic scenery with demanding driving conditions. Both roads reward careful drivers with unforgettable mountain landscapes.
Driving safely
Allow more time than the mileage suggests
Lake District roads vary considerably. While many are suitable for all vehicles, others are narrow, steep or winding.
- Use passing places courteously.
- Allow extra time for journeys.
- Watch for sheep, cyclists and walkers.
- Avoid parking in passing places.
- Check weather conditions before tackling mountain passes.
- Take particular care if travelling in a motorhome or towing a caravan.
Lake District road trip guide
Explore the Lake District with a ready-made self-drive guide
Our Lake District Road Trip Guide brings together carefully planned routes, practical driving advice, parking information, suggested overnight stops and flexible itineraries.
- 181-mile route through the Lake District.
- Split into 4 scenic loops for easier planning.
- Flexible pacing from 1–14+ days.
- Interactive online planning maps.
- Practical stopping points, viewpoints and route notes.
- 12 months’ access on any device.
Bundle option
Travelling further north?
The Lake District is also included in the Northern Heritage Trail Bundle, ideal if you want to combine the Lakes with Northumberland and scenic routes from Edinburgh.
Northern Heritage Trail Bundle
A three-guide collection combining Lake District scenery, Northumberland castles and coast, plus road trips from Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders.
- Complete Lake District Road Trip
- Northumberland Road Trip
- Road Trips from Edinburgh
Continue exploring
More scenic drive inspiration
Lake District scenic drives FAQs
Planning your drive
What is the best scenic drive in the Lake District?
Borrowdale and Honister Pass, Ullswater, Great Langdale and Kirkstone Pass are among the best scenic drives in the Lake District, depending on your confidence and vehicle.
Can you explore the Lake District by car?
Yes. A car is one of the most flexible ways to explore the Lake District, especially for viewpoints, valleys, lakeside roads and quieter places beyond the main towns.
Are Lake District scenic drives suitable for motorhomes?
Some routes are suitable for motorhomes, but narrow mountain passes such as Hardknott, Wrynose and parts of Honister can be unsuitable for larger vehicles.
How many days do you need for a Lake District road trip?
You can enjoy a focused scenic drive in one day, but 3 to 7 days gives a much better balance of lakes, valleys, viewpoints, villages and short walks.