A weekend in Ullswater

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

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Ullswater is the second-largest lake in the Lake District, a long, narrow, winding lake between high fells, often called the most beautiful of them all. Historic steamers carry passengers along its length, and walking trails line the shore.

It is famous for Aira Force waterfall, the daffodils that inspired Wordsworth and the classic Helvellyn route via Striding Edge, and is quieter than Windermere.

Best forWalkers, Families, Couples, Dog owners

Best time to goSpring to autumn for boats and walking. Daffodils in spring and autumn colours make it special.

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

Getting thereManchester: About 2 hours 15 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Ullswater

Plan your weekend in Ullswater

Top attractions in Ullswater

Ullswater Steamers

Historic lake steamers linking Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge.

Aira Force

A spectacular 20-metre waterfall in a wooded gorge, owned by the National Trust.

Gowbarrow and the daffodils

The fell and shoreline where Wordsworth saw the daffodils in 1802.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

A famous ridge scramble to one of England's highest peaks, for experienced walkers.

The Ullswater Way

A 20-mile waymarked path around the lake, which can be walked in sections.

Best things to do in Ullswater

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Ullswater Steamers

Ullswater is often called the most beautiful of the lakes, and the Ullswater Steamers run between Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Helvellyn rises to about 950 metres and is one of the best-known mountains in England. Allow 6 to 8 hours.

Wild swimming in the Lake District

The Lake District has some of the most popular wild swimming in England, with lakes such as Buttermere and Derwentwater and small tarns in the hills. Allow 1 to 3 hours.

Best areas to stay in Ullswater

Glenridding

A small village at the head of the lake, with pubs and hostels.

Pooley Bridge

A village at the northern end, with a quieter feel.

Patterdale

A tiny hamlet near the walks and the fells.

Best hotels in Ullswater

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

The Inn on the Lake

Sharrow Bay Country House

Compare places to stay in Ullswater

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 Ullswater

Spring to autumn for boats and walking. Daffodils in spring and autumn colours make it special.

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

Estimated budget for a weekend in Ullswater

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 Ullswater

From Manchester: About 2 hours 15 minutes by car.
From Newcastle: About 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
From Penrith: About 20 minutes by car. The nearest station is Penrith.

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

A sample weekend in Ullswater

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Glenridding.
Saturday: Start with Ullswater Steamers, then Aira Force. In the afternoon, head to Gowbarrow and the daffodils.
Sunday: Visit Helvellyn via Striding Edge or The Ullswater Way, then head home.

Packing list for Ullswater

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

Summer weekends are busy, and parking at Aira Force fills up early.
Striding Edge is a serious scramble, and not suitable in bad weather.
Check steamer timetables.

Ullswater weekend FAQs

Is Ullswater better than Windermere?

Many people prefer it for its quieter, wilder feel, but it has fewer facilities.

Can I walk around Ullswater?

Yes. The Ullswater Way is about 20 miles, and can be split into shorter sections with the steamers.

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

AmblesideCumbria

A friendly slate-built town at the head of Windermere

WindermereCumbria

England's biggest lake, with a town on its doorstep

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.