Lake District on a Budget: 3-Day Car Camping Guide
We just returned from a 3-day trip to the Lake District during the peak school holiday season, and we did it for 63£ per person – on a budget.
No overpriced hotels, no fancy gear – just a car, an inflatable mattress, packed food from home, and a deep desire to reconnect with nature.
This post is your guide to doing the Lake District on a budget, with a real route, real prices, and an invitation to slow down and just be in the present moment.
The lush green hills and tranquil lakes of the Lake District offer a completely different kind of beauty compared to our recent nature escape. If you’re curious about contrasting landscapes, don’t miss our guide to Tenerife.
Facing First-Time Camping Fears – What Actually Happened
Like many people trying car camping for the first time, we had a few fears. But reality was much kinder than we expected:
- Bathroom Quality
We were worried about hygiene and queues. Instead? Spotless toilets, always clean. Showers were available whenever we needed them. Honestly, restaurants and pubs in central London could learn from this place. - Flies in the Car
We brought a small USB bug zapper just in case – but didn’t need it. Not a single fly bothered us all weekend. Still, bringing one (like this) and plugging it into the power bank is a good idea for peace of mind. - Loud Neighbours
We expected noisy groups. In reality, it was calm and respectful. The car acted as a sound buffer – we slept well every night. - Cold Nights
Another fear that never came true. With just one extra blanket from home, the car stayed warm and cosy. - Rain
Yes, there was a bit of rain on Friday in Keswick and later that evening at the campsite – but nothing serious. Saturday (our big hike day) stayed dry until the evening. Sunday offered perfect 18°C hiking weather.
A Gentle Reminder: Most Fears Aren’t Real
Sometimes, our fears are nothing more than old projections – thoughts stuck in the past, shaped by past experiences. And it’s important to remember that those experiences are just that – in the past.
If you pause long enough to observe your mind, you may notice that 90–95% of your thoughts are simply repeats from yesterday, the day before, and probably the day before that. Often fuel worries and fears that don’t even belong to the present moment.
Just like in this case, not even one of the fears we had came true.
There were no noisy neighbours, the shower was clean and available, no cold nights in the car, no flies, no discomfort – all the concerns were just imagined.
Living in fear is like paying off a loan we never took.
But more on that another time.
Let’s come back to where we are now – grounded, present, and surrounded by the beauty of the Lake District.
Where We Stayed: Gillside Farm Camping and Caravan Park, Glenridding
Located right above Ullswater Lake and only a short walk to Glenridding village, Gillside Camping offers the ideal base for an affordable Lake District adventure.
We slept in our Lexus RX400h – it easily fit a double-size inflatable mattress we previously bought on Amazon for 12.99£ (link here) in the back. With a blanket from home, we were warm, dry, and comfortable. Waking up to the sound of the stream, fresh air, and views of green hills was magical.
Current Camping Prices (Per Person, Per Night):
- Adults: £11
- Vehicle: £1
- Tent (optional): £2
- Dogs: £1
🔗Official Gillside Camping Website
Day 1: London → Wentworth Gardens → Keswick → Glenridding → Lakeside Walk
Stop: Wentworth Garden Centre (Rotherham)
Roughly halfway through the drive, this garden centre is perfect for:
- Stretching your legs
- Exploring historic gardens
- Enjoying a relaxed picnic
Entry to the gardens: £2.95 per adult
If you’re stopping at Wentworth Garden Centre this summer, don’t miss the Dinosaur Discovery Trail – a fun bonus included in the £2.95 garden entry. Dinosaurs like T. Rex and Velociraptor are hidden throughout the gardens, with activities like fossil digs and simple games. It’s a light, engaging way to stretch your legs and enjoy some playful nature on your road trip. If you are an RHS member, you can enter for free; just show your membership card at the entrance. More about RHS memberships here.
Bring your own picnic blanket – or buy a waterproof, extra-large picnic blanket. Some time ago, we bought this one and so far we are delighted with it. But honestly, any blanket works – or sit on one of the benches to save even more.
If you would like to discover more, visit the official Wentworth Garden Centre website.
Stop 2: Keswick – Lakeside Pause + Quick Explore
About 1.5 hours before reaching Glenridding, stop in Keswick, a picturesque town nestled beside Derwentwater Lake. Even a short walk along the water or through the market square can be refreshing after hours on the road.
There are clean public toilets, cafés if you need a top-up, and small supermarkets if you need any last-minute camping supplies. Parking is straightforward, especially around the lakeside area.
💡 Budget tip: You don’t need to spend anything here – enjoy a free lakeside stroll or just grab your own snacks from the car and soak up the views.
Arrival at Gillside Campsite – Lake District on a Budget
Check in, settle into your setup, and let the views slow your pace. The stream running through the site adds instant calm.
Evening: Walk to Ullswater & Optional Pub Stop – Lake District on a Budget
Take a stroll to The Inn on the Lake – a lakeside hotel and bar.
- Pint price: ~£5.50 – average for the UK
- Or bring a thermos and enjoy your own drink by the water
Day 2: Hike from Glenridding – Our Actual Route
We left Gillside Farm Campsite and turned right, heading downhill into the village of Glenridding. From there, we followed the quiet footpath alongside Ullswater Lake, soaking in the peaceful shoreline views.
After walking by the water for a while, we began our climb uphill, steadily gaining height. As we moved higher, we were treated to multiple breathtaking views of Ullswater, each better than the last. The trail was peaceful, scenic, and offered several quiet spots to stop and breathe in the beauty of the fells.
Our loop eventually led us back toward the campsite – but not before one last challenge.
Important Safety Note:
The final part of our trail (coming down from the hills toward the campsite) is very loose underfoot, with small stones, dust, and little grip. We strongly recommend wearing proper hiking shoes with good traction – not fashion trainers or sandals. Take your time, especially if it’s wet.
- Estimated duration: 5–6 hours
- Cost: £0 (we brought our own food and water)
- Trail type: Loop with lakeside, hillside, and woodland variety
- Best feature: Constant shifting views of the lake from different heights
While the Lake District wraps you in green hills and quiet lakes, it couldn’t feel more different from our journey through the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey – a place where fairy chimneys and sunrise balloon rides steal the show. Explore our full travel guide to Cappadocia here.
Day 3 – Aira Force Waterfall & Ambleside Pause
On the final morning, it’s well worth visiting one of the Lake District’s most iconic natural sights: Aira Force Waterfall.
Two Ways to Get There – Lake District on a Budget
From Gillside Farm Campsite, you have two options:
- Walk: A scenic and easy trail of about 1 hour and 15 minutes (each way), ideal if you want to stretch your legs and save money.
- Drive: Only 10 minutes by car, but note that paid parking is required at the Aira Force National Trust site (approx. £5 for a short stay).
Once there, the woodland trail takes you across pretty stone bridges and past mossy rocks until you reach the impressive 65-foot waterfall tumbling down a fern-filled gorge. It’s atmospheric, peaceful, and completely free on foot.
If your budget allows, consider a trip to Slunj Rastoke, a charming waterfall village in Croatia located near the famous Plitvice Lakes. Known for its picturesque cascading waters and traditional mills, Slunj Rastoke offers a unique and tranquil experience perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Bonus: Red Squirrel Spotting – Lake District on a Budget
This area is one of the few remaining strongholds of native red squirrels in England. Look up as you walk – these shy, flame-tailed creatures are often spotted darting through the trees or rustling in the underbrush.
Heading South – Stop in Ambleside
As you begin your return journey toward the London area, Ambleside makes the perfect stop – both for a stretch and a little storybook charm.
How to Park for Free in Ambleside
Looking to save on parking in Ambleside? Good news – the town offers free short-stay parking (usually up to 1 hour) in certain spots, if you display a parking disc.
These discs, also called parking wheels, are easy to get and free. You can pick one up at most local shops, petrol stations, or tourist information centres. Just set your arrival time and place it on your dashboard to enjoy cost-free parking right in town.
Perfect for a quick visit to see Bridge House, stretch your legs, or grab a snack without paying for a full day of parking.
Bridge House – Ambleside’s Tiny Landmark with a Big Story
Tucked above Stock Beck in the heart of Ambleside, Bridge House is a small 17th-century stone structure that has become one of the most iconic and photographed sights in the Lake District.
It was originally constructed by the Braithwaite family to serve as an apple store and summer retreat. According to local lore, they cleverly built it directly over the stream to avoid paying land rent, making it as practical as it was charming.
Over the years, this quirky little building has worn many hats – from a counting house for nearby mills, to a weaving workshop, a tea room, and even a home that once housed a family of eight (yes, really!).
By the 1920s, its historical value had become clear. Thanks to support from locals – including descendants of Beatrix Potter and the Wordsworth family – the house was saved and passed on to the National Trust.
Today, Bridge House is a free-to-visit mini museum, where you can duck inside from the street, explore the cosy ground floor, and climb a narrow staircase to the bright little room above. It only takes a few minutes, but it offers a memorable glimpse into Ambleside’s creative, practical past.
Budget Breakdown (2-night trip)
Essential costs (per person) – Lake District on a Budget
| Group size | Camping (2 nights) | Vehicle | Petrol* | Food from home | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo (1) | £22 | £2 | £80 | £0 | £104 |
| Couple (2) | £22 | £1 | £40 | £0 | £63 |
| Group (4) | £22 | £0.50 + £1 tent | £20 | £0 | £43.50 |
*£80 round-trip estimate from the London area.
Optional Extras (Pick & Choose) – Lake District on a Budget
| Item | Solo | Couple (pp) | Group of 4 (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wentworth Garden entry | £2.95 | £2.95 | £2.95 |
| Picnic blanket (one purchase) | £15.00 | £7.50 | £3.75 |
| USB bug zapper (one purchase) | £10.00 | £5.00 | £2.50 |
| Inflatable mattress (£12.99 each) | £12.99 | £6.50 | £6.50 (2 needed) |
| Pint at Inn on the Lake | £5.50 | £5.50 | £5.50 |
| Aira Force parking | £5.00 | £2.50 | £1.25 |
| Total (Optional Only) | £51.44 | £30.95 pp | £22.45 pp |
Final Thoughts: Budget Doesn’t Mean Missing Out
Nature has a way of grounding us – reminding us that we don’t need much to feel alive and content. Our fears were just noise. Once we arrived, the peacefulness of the Lake District made everything feel simple again.
You don’t need expensive gear or big hotel bills. Just your car, a blanket, and a desire to disconnect from stress and reconnect with the outdoors.
Enjoy your journey!
If you’re missing city experiences after your nature escapes, consider visiting Dubrovnik, renowned for its stunning Game of Thrones filming locations, historic city walls, and beautiful Adriatic coastline. For a budget-friendly Baltic getaway, explore Tallinn, famous for its medieval old town, affordable accommodation, and rich history. Discover Riga, Latvia’s vibrant capital, known for its unique pubs, art nouveau architecture, and lively cultural scene. For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination, Turku in Finland offers peaceful nature, medieval castles, and wallet-friendly activities away from typical tourist crowds.