Visiting the Lake District from Poulton-le-Fylde

If you are planning a Lake District holiday with a large family or group, here is an idea that might save you a significant amount of money: stay in Poulton-le-Fylde and drive into the Lakes each day.

It sounds counterintuitive, but several of our guests at Highcross Corner have done exactly this — and loved it.

Why Stay Outside the Lakes?

A five-bedroom cottage sleeping ten people inside the Lake District National Park will typically cost £2,000 to £3,000 per week in the summer, and you will need to book months in advance. Availability for large groups is extremely limited during school holidays, and what is available tends to be expensive precisely because there is so little of it.

By contrast, Highcross Corner in Poulton-le-Fylde sleeps ten in proper beds, with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, 900 Mbps wifi, free Netflix, a garden, and parking for three cars — at a fraction of Lake District prices.

The trade-off is an hour’s drive each way. For many groups, that is a perfectly acceptable exchange for saving hundreds of pounds, having a much more comfortable house, and enjoying a wider range of evening options than a remote Lake District village can offer.

How Far is the Lake District from Poulton?

All times are approximate driving times from Highcross Corner:

The southern Lakes — Windermere, Kendal, Cartmel, Coniston — are comfortably within day-trip range. Even Keswick is feasible, though you would want to make an early start.

Suggested Day Trips

Day 1: Windermere and Bowness

The classic Lake District day out. Take a cruise on the lake, walk along the shore, browse the shops in Bowness. If you have children, the World of Beatrix Potter is in Bowness. For something more active, hire a rowing boat or kayak from one of the lakeside operators. Windermere is the most accessible Lake District destination from Poulton and works well as a gentle first day.

Day 2: Ambleside and Tarn Hows

Drive to Ambleside for an easy circular walk to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall (twenty minutes, suitable for families). Then drive to Tarn Hows, one of the most photographed spots in the Lake District — a gentle circular walk around a beautiful tarn with mountain views. The National Trust car park fills up early in summer, so arrive before 10am.

Day 3: Coniston and Grizedale Forest

Coniston Water is quieter than Windermere and has a lovely atmosphere. Take the steam yacht Gondola across the lake, or visit Brantwood, John Ruskin’s former home. Grizedale Forest, between Coniston and Windermere, has excellent mountain biking trails, a Go Ape adventure course, and waymarked walking routes through the trees — excellent for families and for dogs.

Day 4: Cartmel and the Kent Estuary

Cartmel is a gem — a small village famous for its medieval priory, its racecourse, and its sticky toffee pudding (from the Cartmel Village Shop, which is worth the trip on its own). Only fifty minutes from Poulton, it makes for a relaxed day combining history, food and a walk along the Kent Estuary. Nearby Sizergh Castle (National Trust) has beautiful gardens and is worth a stop on the way.

Day 5: Keswick and Castlerigg

The longest drive, but rewarding. Keswick is the main town for the northern Lakes, with good independent shops and cafes. Castlerigg Stone Circle, just outside Keswick, is one of the most atmospheric prehistoric sites in England — an ancient stone circle set on a hilltop with a full panorama of surrounding fells. If you have the energy, Catbells is one of the most popular fell walks in the Lakes: a steep but short climb with spectacular views over Derwentwater.

Alternative: Honister Slate Mine

For something different, Honister Slate Mine at the top of the Honister Pass offers underground mine tours and — for the adventurous — a Via Ferrata (iron ladder climb) along the cliff face. Not for the faint-hearted, but a memorable experience.

The Evening Advantage

One of the underappreciated benefits of staying in Poulton rather than a remote Lakes cottage is what you come home to in the evening.

After a day of walking, driving and fresh air, the Lakes largely shuts down by early evening — particularly the smaller villages. Coming back to Poulton means returning to a proper town with restaurants, pubs, a Booth’s supermarket for supplies, and all the convenience of a well-connected Lancashire market town. Blackpool and Lytham St Annes are also close by if you fancy a change of scene.

You also have the flexibility to mix Lake District days with other things. One day in the Lakes, the next at the beach. One day walking the fells, the next at Blackpool Pleasure Beach with the children. Staying in Poulton gives you options that a remote cottage does not.

Practical Tips

Set off early. The M6 between Lancaster and Kendal can be slow in summer, and car parks at popular Lake District spots fill up quickly. Leaving Poulton by 8:30am will get you to most destinations before the worst of the crowds.

Pack food. Lake District cafes are lovely but expensive, and queues can be long in peak season. Making sandwiches at Highcross Corner before you set off will save money and time. Booth’s in Poulton is excellent for picnic supplies.

Check parking. Many Lake District car parks are pay-and-display. If you are planning several days, a National Trust membership pays for itself quickly as it covers parking at NT car parks (Tarn Hows, Langdale, etc.). The Lake District National Park Authority runs other car parks which accept card payment.

Weather. The Lake District gets significantly more rain than the Fylde Coast. Always take waterproofs and extra layers, even if it is sunny when you leave Poulton. The mountains make their own weather.

Dogs. The Lake District is generally very dog-friendly, but dogs must be on leads around livestock, which is everywhere in the fells. Open Access land allows dogs but with lead requirements during lambing season (typically March to May). Many Lake District pubs and cafes welcome dogs.

Highcross Corner is a 5-bedroom self-catering house in Poulton-le-Fylde, sleeping up to 10 guests. We welcome families, groups and dogs. Check availability and book your stay →