Lake District National Park Entrances

Lake District National Park Entrances – A Complete and Detailed Guide

The Lake District National Park, located in Cumbria in northwest England, is one of the most visited protected landscapes in the United Kingdom. Because it covers an extensive area of over 2,300 square kilometers, there are multiple entry points rather than a single official entrance gate. Each entrance offers its own unique approach, character, and travel experience depending on where visitors are arriving from and which area of the park they intend to explore first. Understanding these main entrance routes helps travellers plan better and choose the most convenient starting point for their journey.

Quick Reference: Lake District National Park Entrances

Entrance	Best For	Key Areas Nearby	Closest Town	Accessibility
Windermere Entrance	First-time visitors, popular attractions, lake cruises	Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside	Windermere	Easy access from Manchester, good rail connection
Keswick Entrance	Mountain walks, scenic lakes, outdoor adventure	Derwentwater, Borrowdale, Catbells	Keswick	Ideal from Carlisle & Scotland, close to A66
Ambleside Entrance	Central access, hiking routes, cultural sites	Rydal Water, Grasmere, Fairfield	Ambleside	Central road network, busy but convenient
Grasmere Entrance	Peaceful villages, history and poetry heritage	Grasmere Lake, Wordsworth attractions	Grasmere	Suitable for quieter travel and walking
Coniston Entrance	Mountain climbing, water sports, historic heritage	Coniston Water, Old Man of Coniston	Coniston	Quieter alternative, good road access from west
Ulverston Entrance	Rural entry, scenic country routes	Southern Lakes, wildlife areas	Ulverston	Best for Furness Peninsula and coastal travellers
Penrith Entrance	Romantic lake scenery, boating, long drives	Ullswater, Glenridding, Pooley Bridge	Penrith	Excellent access from M6 motorway
Kendal Entrance	Day trips, short stays, southern lakes	Kendal, Kentmere Valley	Kendal	Strong road connections from Yorkshire & Midlands

1. Windermere Entrance

The Windermere entrance is one of the most popular and accessible ways into the Lake District, especially for those travelling from major northern cities such as Manchester and Liverpool. As the gateway to the southern portion of the park, it opens the path to well-known locations such as Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside and the western reaches of Lake Windermere. Visitors arriving by train can disembark at Windermere Railway Station, placing them only moments away from the lakefront and a lively hub of accommodations, restaurants, boat cruises and outdoor activities. This entrance is particularly suitable for first-time visitors eager to experience the iconic scenery of England’s largest lake.

2. Keswick Entrance

The Keswick entrance provides a scenic northern approach into the Lake District and serves as the gateway to Derwentwater, Borrowdale and the surrounding fells. Travellers coming from Carlisle, Scotland, or the M6 motorway often choose this route due to its direct accessibility. Keswick itself is a charming and historic market town known for classic outdoor adventures such as exploring Latrigg, Skiddaw and Catbells, as well as family-friendly attractions like the Keswick Launch on Derwentwater. This entrance is ideal for visitors who want immediate access to mountain walking, dramatic landscapes and a peaceful yet vibrant lake setting.

3. Ambleside Entrance

Ambleside serves as a central entrance into the Lake District and sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. Approaching through Ambleside places visitors at the heart of the national park, making it a prime starting location for exploring Rydal Water, Grasmere and the high-level mountain routes of Fairfield and Red Screes. Ambleside offers an appealing blend of traditional stone architecture, waterside scenery and historical attractions such as the Bridge House. It is a favourite entrance for hikers and cultural travellers alike, offering easy movement in all directions through the central Lakes.

4. Grasmere Entrance

The Grasmere entrance lies slightly north of Ambleside and is often chosen by those seeking a quieter, more reflective introduction to the Lake District. Famous for its association with poet William Wordsworth, Grasmere provides access to peaceful lakeside walks, literary heritage sites and smaller mountain trails such as Helm Crag. The entrance feels intimate and picturesque, inviting exploration of charming tearooms, local craft shops and gentle rural scenery. It suits travellers who prefer a slower pace and historical atmosphere.

5. Coniston Entrance

The Coniston entrance opens into the western and southwestern portions of the Lake District, leading towards Coniston Water and the dramatic Old Man of Coniston mountain. This entrance is popular with adventure enthusiasts, offering walking, lake cruises, canoeing and climbing opportunities. The village of Coniston has a distinct heritage linked to mining and to legendary speed record breaker Donald Campbell, whose story adds historic appeal to the area. Choosing this entrance provides visitors with a quieter alternative to the busy Windermere region while still granting impressive lake and fell landscapes.

6. Ulverston Entrance

The Ulverston entrance offers a southern and coastal approach into the Lake District, creating a scenic drive through rolling farm countryside before reaching the park interior. It is often used by travellers arriving from the Furness Peninsula or the western side of Morecambe Bay. Ulverston’s Georgian-style streets add charm to the travel experience, and the entrance provides close access to the southern lakes, wildlife areas and lesser-known walking trails. It is a good option for those searching for a slower, more rural route into the heart of the national park.

7. Penrith Entrance

The Penrith entrance provides easy access from the M6 motorway and is widely used by visitors approaching from the northeast of England or from Scotland. Entering through Penrith quickly leads to Ullswater, one of the most romantic and dramatic lakes in the region, celebrated for its sweeping valley views and heritage steamer boats. This entrance appeals strongly to travellers seeking boating, long scenic drives and tranquil waterside villages such as Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. It offers a peaceful yet breathtaking start to a Lake District adventure.

8. Kendal Entrance

The Kendal entrance sits just outside the southeastern edge of the national park and is often described as the doorway to the Lakes. Visitors arriving by road from Yorkshire or the Midlands frequently enter here because of its direct accessibility and short travel distance from major transport routes. Kendal itself is known for historic ruins, museums and the traditional Kendal Mint Cake, a treat famously used by mountaineers. Entering through Kendal places travellers close to the southern lakes, making it convenient for day trips and short stays.