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Lake District Motorhome Road Trip: Lakes, Fells and Campsites

Lake District Motorhome Road Trip: Lakes, Fells and Campsites: The Lake District is close enough for a long weekend from Yorkshire yet varied enough for a much longer motorhome holiday. This route links the main lake areas while stressing the National Park's rules on designated overnight sites and considerate parking.

Suggested route: Windermere → Ullswater → Keswick and Derwentwater → Castlerigg → Buttermere → Honister → Ravenglass and Eskdale. Allow six to nine nights and reduce the route in poor weather.
Important motorhome note: The Lake District National Park says campervans and motorhomes should use designated sites overnight. Camping in National Park car parks or roadside verges is not allowed. Check the official current guidance.

Windermere

Windermere on a UK motorhome road trip
Windermere – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Windermere and Bowness provide lake cruises, waterside paths and a broad choice of campsites. Traffic is heavy at peak times, so park once and use boats or buses to explore. The National Park's official area guide helps match walks and attractions to the available time.

Lake District: Windermere and Ambleside · Search for motorhome campsites near Windermere

Ullswater

Ullswater on a UK motorhome road trip
Ullswater – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Ullswater has steamer services, shoreline villages and access to walking around Glenridding and Aira Force. Use a booked campsite and check the size and capacity of daytime car parks; road margins and passing places must remain clear.

Lake District: Ullswater · Search for motorhome campsites near Ullswater

Derwentwater and Keswick

Derwentwater and Keswick on a UK motorhome road trip
Derwentwater and Keswick – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Keswick is a practical base for Derwentwater, Borrowdale and the northern fells. National Trust car parks welcome motorhomes for daytime visits at several locations but do not permit overnight parking. Campsites and bus services make a two-night stop more relaxing.

Lake District: Derwentwater and Keswick · Search for motorhome campsites near Derwentwater and Keswick

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle on a UK motorhome road trip
Castlerigg Stone Circle – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Castlerigg stands on an open plateau with sweeping fell views. Access and roadside parking are limited, and large vehicles must not block local roads or field entrances. Visit early or use a local walking route from an appropriate base.

English Heritage: Castlerigg · Search for motorhome campsites near Castlerigg Stone Circle

Buttermere

Buttermere on a UK motorhome road trip
Buttermere – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Buttermere's compact lake circuit is one of the area's most memorable low-level walks. The valley road and parking are constrained, particularly at weekends. Base at a proper campsite, use buses where available and avoid attempting to pass through when car parks are full.

Lake District: Western Lakes · Search for motorhome campsites near Buttermere

Honister Pass

Honister Pass on a UK motorhome road trip
Honister Pass – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

Honister connects Borrowdale and Buttermere through steep mountain scenery. It is not a route for hurried driving: check weather, road conditions and vehicle suitability before setting out. The slate mine visitor site publishes current access and activity information.

Honister visitor information · Search for motorhome campsites near Honister Pass

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway on a UK motorhome road trip
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – a suggested stop on this motorhome route.

The heritage railway from Ravenglass into Eskdale offers a useful car-free day and a different view of the western Lake District. Confirm train times, booking arrangements and parking before travelling, especially when special events are running.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway · Search for motorhome campsites near Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Book campsites and legal overnight stops

Parking for a daytime visit does not automatically include permission to sleep in the vehicle. Book an established campsite or a clearly authorised motorhome stop, check the motorhome length limit and arrival time, and read the signs every time. Our campsite booking apps guide and legal overnight-stop guide explain the checks to make.

Choose your motorhome

Yorkshire Motorhome Rentals offers pet-friendly 2–6 berth motorhomes from Doncaster, with breakdown cover included. View the motorhomes, read how to book or contact us for help choosing a vehicle.

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Photograph credits and licences
  • Windermere – Abbasi1111 – CC BY 3.0 – source
  • Ullswater – Robert Martin – CC BY-SA 2.0 – source
  • Derwentwater and Keswick – Jim Barton – CC BY-SA 2.0 – source
  • Castlerigg Stone Circle – Agadant – CC BY-SA 3.0 – source
  • Buttermere – Gordon Griffiths – CC BY-SA 2.0 – source
  • Honister Pass – Nessy-Pic – CC BY-SA 3.0 – source
  • Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – Chris Allen – CC BY-SA 2.0 – source