Packing tips for the best Lake District Staycation

Sep 30, 2023

Google searches for ‘best places to go on holiday UK’ have gone up by 120% in the past three months, with stunning views, beautiful wildlife and luxury accommodation, The Lake District seems to be the perfect destination.

Pure Leisure, which offers Lake District lodges for sale, has gathered together some top packing tips to help you prep for your holiday in the Lakes.

Be prepared for the Lake District weather. The Met Office reports the average annual rainfall for the area is in excess of 2,000 millimetres. An umbrella, waterproofs and sturdy shoes are essential, especially if you’re heading to Seathwaite in Borrowdale: the wettest place in England!

Pack a couple of plastic bags to pop your muddy, wet items in, so they don’t ruin the rest of your things.

Despite the rain, it’s important to remember to protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, at least factor 30, plus a wide-brimmed sunhat or cap and sunglasses.

Holidaying in the Lake District means you can find a local shop or supermarket so pack light and only bring the essentials. Buy smaller items like hand sanitiser, books or magazines and snacks on the go.

Keswick has a range of big brand-name shops including Rohan and Mountain Warehouse, while Cockermouth has plenty of lovely independent shops selling everything from women’s fashion to food and hardware.

Exchange heavy books for an e-reader and kids’ games for a lightweight device. If you pre-load films, games, books and music onto your devices, you won’t even need access to Wi-Fi, meaning you can keep the kids (and yourself!) entertained on the journey and in the evenings.

Make space for your hobbies by swapping your suitcase for a weekend bag or backpack. Weekend bags also don’t take up as much space in the car and have plenty of pockets for easy storage.

If you choose a suitcase, look for 360° wheels for easy manoeuvrability on public transport and/or down the country lanes to your holiday cottage.

Invest in a pocket travel guide for advice on the best walking trails and where to enjoy a delicious meal, such as The Crown Inn in Pooley Bridge

The wide range of activities on offer in the Lake District means you’ll need to bring a variety of clothes.

Don’t buy, hire! Instead of bringing your own equipment, try hiring what you need. You can take part in paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and cycling with rented gear.

If you’re bringing children, let them bring one toy each and try to limit their clothes to easy separates that can all be mixed and matched with each other. Try to select a buggy or pram which folds up and fits neatly in your boot.

There are plenty of buggy-friendly walks across the Lake District which are also great for little legs! Make sure to visit Scout Scar near Kendal for a stunning view all the way to the sea or wander along from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge in the Langdales to see beautiful waterfalls and enjoy a lovely meal at the end of your walk.

Keep these packing tips in mind when you next visit the Lakes to spend more time enjoying your holiday!

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