A weekend in the Lake District is the perfect opportunity to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.
With its central location and easy access to some of the region’s most scenic spots, Windermere is one of the best places to base yourself for a Lake District weekend break.
To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve put together our idea of the perfect weekend getaway.
Friday evening: arrive and unwind
The best Lake District weekends begin by settling in and switching off properly.
At Hillthwaite, guests can relax on the terrace overlooking Windermere or snuggle up by the fire in the lounge with a good book, especially when the Lakes weather decides to remind you who’s in charge.
Alternatively, take a gentle stroll down into Bowness-on-Windermere for your first glimpse of the lake before returning to the hotel for dinner in the restaurant. At only 20 minutes from the Hotel, it’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend without needing to get back in the car.
Saturday: explore the Lake District
After breakfast, spend the day discovering some of the Lake District’s best-loved attractions, walks, and viewpoints.
From Hillthwaite, guests can easily access:
Bowness-on-Windermere
Browse a mix of independent shops, outdoor stores, cafés, and familiar high street names, all centred around the lakeshore.
Lake Cruises & Boat Trips
A must for first-time visitors. Cruise north towards Ambleside and enjoy the scenery without the traffic or car park stress, or head south to Lakeside and visit the award-winning Lakes Aquarium located right on the pier and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
Orrest Head viewpoint
The first fell Alfred Wainwright ever climbed and the viewpoint said to have inspired his famous pictorial guides. Easier than many of the surrounding fells, the walk begins close Windermere Station and rewards you with one of the most iconic views in the Lake District without the need for full walking kit.
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness
Perfect for those who grew up with the stories of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck. Interactive displays bring the tales to life while also celebrating Beatrix Potter’s extraordinary contribution to conservation in the Lake District. This is just one of a wide range of activities, you can view others on our dedicated things to see page.
Walking trails & countryside routes
Whether you’re looking for a gentle lakeside stroll or a full day on the fells, there’s no shortage of walking routes nearby and we've listed the best scenic walks in our blog. The Lake District National Park also runs guided walks between March and October, offering visitors the chance to explore lesser-known areas with experienced guides.
After a day exploring, return to Hillthwaite’s quieter hillside setting and enjoy a slower evening with drinks in the lounge before dinner in the restaurant.
Sunday: slow mornings & scenic stops
Sundays in the Lake District are best enjoyed at a gentler pace.
After a relaxed breakfast, make the most of the journey home with a scenic drive through some of the area’s most beautiful villages and landscapes.
Grasmere is perfect for a slower wander, with independent shops, traditional cafés, and the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop tucked beside St Oswald’s Church.
Nearby Rydal Water offers one of the Lake District’s most peaceful short walks, while Tarn Hows is ideal for a final scenic stop before leaving the National Park.
For those wanting one last viewpoint before heading home, Kirkstone Pass and Claife Viewing Station both offer memorable views across the surrounding fells and lakes.
A relaxing base for a Lake District weekend
Hillthwaite offers the ideal balance for a Lake District weekend break - peaceful enough to properly unwind, yet close enough to Windermere and Bowness to explore with ease.
With comfortable surroundings, a relaxed atmosphere, and an elevated position above the lake, it’s the perfect base for couples, weekend escapes, and restorative stays in the Lake District.
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