So you're thinking about visiting Cumbria National Park? Wait, let me stop you right there – that name trips up loads of folks. Honestly, it had me confused too when I first moved here. See, there isn't actually an official "Cumbria National Park." What people mean when they search this is Cumbria's spectacular national park areas: mainly the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park that spills into northern Cumbria. I've hiked every corner of these places since 2015 (that disastrous camping trip where I forgot my tent poles was... memorable), and I'll give you the real talk you won't get from generic travel sites.
Wait, What Exactly is Cumbria National Park?
It's simple really – Cumbria's the county, and it contains two national parks within its borders. The massive Lake District National Park takes up nearly half the county, while the Yorkshire Dales National Park covers part of eastern Cumbria. When tourists mention "Cumbria National Park," nine times out of ten they're dreaming of Windermere's waters or Scafell Pike's summit. I remember chatting with a baffled couple in Keswick last summer who'd booked a hotel near Penrith expecting one giant park entrance. Bless them. No single ticket or fence exists. It's all wild, interconnected landscapes.
Lake District National Park: Cumbria's Crown Jewel
This UNESCO World Heritage site (since 2017) stretches across 912 square miles of Cumbria. Mountains? Sixteen over 3000 feet. Lakes? Sixteen major ones plus countless tarns. I've gotten hopelessly lost near Sprinkling Tarn twice – bring a compass, seriously.
Where to Base Yourself in the Lake District
Having lived near Ambleside for three years, here's the scoop:
| Town/Village | Best For | Parking Costs | Bus Links | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windermere/Bowness | First-timers, families | £2-£8/day | Excellent (central hub) | Busy year-round. Lakeside views but touristy |
| Keswick | Hikers, Derwentwater lovers | £1.50-£6/day | Good (Northern Lakes) | Best outdoor gear shops. Try The Round for coffee |
| Ambleside | Walkers, boutique stays | £2.50-£7/day | Very good | My local. Crowded in summer but perfect location |
| Hawkshead | Quiet escapes, Beatrix Potter fans | Free village parking | Limited (bus 505) | Charming but tiny. Book dinners early! |
Must-See Lake District Attractions (With Nitty-Gritty Details)
Skip the overhyped spots. After leading walking groups for five seasons, I'll tell you what's worth your time:
- Scafell Pike Hike: Starts from Wasdale Head car park (CA20 1EX). Free to hike but parking costs £7 all-day. Takes 5-7 hours return. Don't underestimate it – I've seen flip-flop wearers turn back crying.
- Windermere Lake Cruises: Bowness Pier (LA23 3HQ). Adult return Bowness-Ambleside: £13.50. First boat 9:15am, last return 6:45pm (shorter hours Nov-Mar). Pro tip: Go early to avoid queues.
- Hill Top Farm: Beatrix Potter's home (Near Sawrey, LA22 0LF). Entry £14 adult, book weeks ahead. Closed Fridays. Honestly? Overrun. The garden's prettier than the tiny interiors.
- Catbells Walk: Free. Hawes End landing stage (CA12 5UE). 3-4 hours. Best moderate hike with knockout lake views. Parking fills by 9am.
Local Knowledge: That "hidden gem" waterfall every blog mentions? Stickle Ghyll near Langdale. Park at Stickle Barn (LA22 9JU), £7 all-day. 45-minute walk to the falls. Gets packed by noon.
Yorkshire Dales in Cumbria: Forgotten Corner
Most don't realize Yorkshire Dales National Park dips into Cumbria. The landscapes change noticeably – less water, more limestone and empty fells.
Cumbrian Dales Highlights
Eastern Cumbria holds these treasures:
| Spot | Location | Key Features | Access Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentdale | Near Sedbergh (LA10 5SG) | Quaint stone village, viaduct walks | Free parking. Train station (Carlisle line) |
| Howgill Fells | M6 J37 (LA10 5HN) | Dramatic grassy ridges, solitude | No fees. Steep climbs – not for beginners |
| Smardale Gill | Kirkby Stephen (CA17 4LA) | Wooded valley, viaduct, red squirrels | Free NT reserve. Parking limited |
Tried wild camping here last April. Woke up to frost on my sleeping bag. Worth it for the sunrise over the Howgills.
Practical Stuff: Getting Around Cumbria National Park Areas
Let's cut through the fluff. Having missed the last bus from Buttermere once (£45 taxi ride lesson learned):
- Driving: Narrow lanes terrify newbies. Single-track roads require passing spots. Locals drive fast – pull over regularly.
- Parking: Main car parks cost £4-£10/day. An Annual Lakes Parking Pass saves money if staying 4+ days (£40 online).
- Buses: Main routes: 555 (Lancaster-Keswick) and 599 (Windermere-Grasmere). Dayrider ticket £12.50. Check Stagecoach Cumbria site for timetables.
- Cycling: E-bike hire essential for hills. Keswick Mountain Bikes rents quality e-bikes (£35/half-day). Helmets included.
Accommodation truth bomb? July-August prices double. That cute B&B charging £120/night? £60 in November. Rain’s guaranteed though.
When to Visit Cumbria's National Parks
Every season bites differently:
- May-June: My favourite. Fewer crowds, wildflowers, longer days. Water still freezing for swimming!
- July-August: Schools out. Prepare for queues everywhere. Book EVERYTHING in advance.
- September-October: Stunning autumn colours. Cooler hiking temps. Some attractions close weekdays after October half-term.
- November-March: Bleak but beautiful. Many hotels close. Roads icy. Only for hardy souls.
Cumbria National Park Trip Costs (Real Numbers)
Based on feeding two hungry hikers weekly:
| Expense | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Luxury | My Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Camping £15-25pp | B&B £75-100/room | Hotel £200+/night | Hostels like YHA Helvellyn (£25/bed) offer best value |
| Food | Self-cater £25/day | Pub meals £12-18/dish | Fine dine £50+/head | Country pubs beat tourist restaurants. Try Drunken Duck near Hawkshead |
| Activities | Free hiking | Boat cruise £14 | Guided tours £50pp | Wanderlust Lake District does great affordable guided walks (£25) |
| Parking/Transport | Bus £12.50/day | Car + fuel £25/day | Private transfers | Bus for solo travellers; car essential for families |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cumbria National Park
Is Cumbria National Park free to enter?
Yes! No entry gates or fees for the national parks themselves. You only pay for specific attractions, parking, or activities within them.
Can I drive through Cumbria National Park?
Absolutely. Roads crisscross both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales sections. But beware – summer traffic crawls. That 10-mile drive? Could take 90 minutes in August.
What's the biggest mistake visitors make?
Underestimating the weather. Even in July, I've seen blizzards on Helvellyn. Pack waterproofs and layers ALWAYS. And decent boots – blisters ruin holidays.
Are dogs allowed everywhere?
Mostly. But livestock graze freely. Keep dogs leashed near sheep (especially spring lambs). Some cafes/churches ban dogs.
Where's the best place for first-timers?
Windermere/Bowness. Great transport links, plenty of amenities, and classic lake views. Gets you oriented before heading deeper into Cumbria's national park areas.
Final Thoughts From a Cumbria Resident
Cumbria's national park landscapes get under your skin. Sure, I moan about tourists blocking my commute, but watching sunset over Coniston Water never gets old. My advice? Ditch the checklist mentality. Don't rush from "must-see" to "must-see." Pick one valley – Langdale or Borrowdale are stunning – and sink into it for a few days. Hike early when the light's magical and the paths are empty. Chat to locals in village pubs. Real Cumbria reveals itself slowly. Whether you call it Cumbria National Park or its proper names, this place changes you. Bring waterproofs.
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