A weekend in Buttermere

A tiny, perfect lake with a flat path and some of Lakeland's greatest fells

Independent UK guide
Free to use
Affiliate links clearly labelled
Updated October 2026

Buttermere is a small lake in the western Lake District, framed by steep crags and the high fells of Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike and High Stile. The village at its head is little more than a few houses and a famous pub, but the setting is among the loveliest in England.

A level path circles the lake, and tracks lead to waterfalls, Crummock Water and some great hill walks.

Best forWalkers, Families, Dog owners, Couples

Best time to goSpring to autumn. Early mornings and autumn are best, and summer weekends are very busy.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereManchester: About 2 hours 45 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Buttermere

Plan your weekend in Buttermere

Top attractions in Buttermere

The Buttermere circular

A flat four-and-a-half-mile path around the lake, easy for most walkers.

Haystacks

Wainwright's favourite fell, with a rocky ridge and Innominate Tarn, where his ashes were scattered.

Scale Force

Said to be the highest waterfall in the Lake District, in a deep gorge near Crummock Water.

Crummock Water

A quieter lake just north of Buttermere, with a fine shoreline path.

Honister Pass and Slate Mine

A dramatic road pass with a working slate mine and a via ferrata.

Best things to do in Buttermere

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Buttermere circular walk

This easy circular walk follows the shoreline of Buttermere, a small, perfectly proportioned lake surrounded by high fells. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Haystacks walk

Haystacks is a small, craggy fell of about 597 metres that the writer Alfred Wainwright loved above all others, and where his ashes were scattered beside Innominate Tarn. Allow 4 to 6 hours.

Catbells walk

Catbells is a small fell of about 451 metres above Derwentwater, and one of the most popular walks in the Lake District. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Best areas to stay in Buttermere

Buttermere village

A few pubs and guesthouses, with the lake on your doorstep.

Loweswater or Lorton

Quiet villages nearby.

Keswick

A bigger town about 30 minutes away.

Best hotels in Buttermere

Prices for a double room in Buttermere typically fall around £130–£220 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Buttermere

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Buttermere

Spring to autumn. Early mornings and autumn are best, and summer weekends are very busy.

Seasons that suit Buttermere well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Buttermere

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Buttermere

From Manchester: About 2 hours 45 minutes by car.
From Keswick: About 30 minutes by car.
From Newcastle: About 2 hours by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Buttermere

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Buttermere village.
Saturday: Start with The Buttermere circular, then Haystacks. In the afternoon, head to Scale Force.
Sunday: Visit Crummock Water or Honister Pass and Slate Mine, then head home.

Packing list for Buttermere

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Wild swimming gear

Good to know

The roads are narrow and winding, and parking in the village is limited.
Public transport is limited, with seasonal buses from Keswick.
Phone signal is poor, so download maps.

Buttermere weekend FAQs

Is Buttermere worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of the loveliest places in the Lake District, and the lake walk is easy.

How long does it take to walk around Buttermere?

About two to three hours, with stops.

More weekend ideas

Lake DistrictCumbria

England's biggest national park: lakes, fells and cosy villages

KeswickCumbria

A lively Lakeland market town between lake and mountains

BorrowdaleCumbria

Lakeland's most dramatic valley, with woods, crags and a famously wet climate

UllswaterCumbria

Often called the loveliest of the lakes, with steamers and a waterfall

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North East · Best countryside weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.