Parking can be one of the trickiest parts of a Lake District holiday, especially during busy weekends and school holidays. Travelling by train neatly sidesteps it all. With stations linking to taxis, local buses and even lake steamers, it's surprisingly easy to reach some of the region's best places to stay without driving. Whether you're after a waterside hotel, a cosy cottage or a country inn, these stays are perfectly placed for exploring the Lakes by train.
Another Place – The Lake, Ullswater
Just a 15-minute taxi ride from Penrith station, Another Place sits right on the shores of Ullswater, making it feel as though you’ve travelled straight from the train to the water’s edge. Swap the car keys for a paddleboard, kayak or wild swim from the hotel’s private jetty, before warming up in the glass-fronted indoor pool or unwinding in the sauna overlooking the lake.
One of the joys of staying here without a car is how much you can do from the doorstep. Walk a stretch of the Ullswater Way, climb to Aira Force or Hallin Fell, or hop aboard an Ullswater Steamer to explore lakeside villages without ever getting behind the wheel. After a day on the fells, return for wood-fired pizza in the Glasshouse or a leisurely dinner showcasing the best of Cumbrian produce as the sun sinks behind the mountains.
Crumble Cottage, Cartmel
Part of the pleasure of staying at Crumble Cottage is exploring Cartmel itself. Catch the train to Kents Bank station, then walk 1 minute to Kents Bank Rail Station where you can catch the number 530 bus for a 20-minute ride to Clogger Beck Station, where you can either walk the rest of the way to Crumble Cottage or catch a quick taxi. Wander into one of Cumbria’s prettiest villages, where artisan bakeries, cosy pubs, independent food shops and Michelin-starred restaurants sit among medieval streets.
The cottage makes a peaceful base, surrounded by wildlife-friendly gardens and rolling countryside. Walk straight from the door towards Morecambe Bay, hop aboard the nearby Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, or spend a day exploring Windermere before returning to light the wood burner and plan tomorrow’s adventure over a glass of wine.
The Black Bull, Sedbergh
Just 20 minutes by taxi from Oxenholme station, The Black Bull sits in the heart of Sedbergh, England’s famous book town. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a morning browsing second-hand bookshops before heading into the hills, then return to inventive cooking and one of the cosiest bars around.
The Dales Way begins practically on the doorstep, while the Howgill Fells offer rewarding walks without the crowds found elsewhere in the Lakes. Even the journey into town encourages a slower pace, making this a brilliant choice if you’d rather discover a quieter side of Cumbria without relying on the car.
Brownber Hall, Kirkby Stephen
It’s either a 10-minute taxi from Kirkby Stephen station (book ahead, as taxis are limited) or around 25 minutes from Oxenholme, and you’ll arrive at this grand Victorian house overlooking the Howgill Fells. Remote without feeling isolated, it’s an ideal base for gathering family or friends. If you’re travelling with a smaller group, the owners also have the beautifully designed Gatehouse, sleeping six.
This quieter corner of Cumbria is made for slow exploration. Walk sections of the famous Coast to Coast route, discover the hidden Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, or hop aboard the spectacular Settle to Carlisle railway for one of Britain’s most scenic train journeys. As evening falls, fire up the barbecue, gather around the fire pit and look up at some of England’s darkest skies areas for some impressive stargazing.
Gilpin, Windermere
If your idea of a Lake District escape involves exceptional food, indulgent spa time and peaceful woodland, you’ll find that Gilpin is hard to beat. Reached by taxi from either Windermere (10 min) or Oxenholme station (20 min), this elegant retreat is tucked among gardens and trees, with beautifully designed rooms, spa suites and Michelin-starred dining waiting at the end of the journey.
There’s plenty to tempt you beyond the hotel too. Head into nearby Bowness to board a Windermere cruise, hire a kayak, or spend the day exploring the lakeshore before returning for a tasting menu at SOURCE or vibrant Pan-Asian dishes at Gilpin Spice. Without worrying about who’s driving home, dinner feels so much more relaxed.
Rothay Manor Hotel, Ambleside
A 12-minute taxi ride from Windermere station brings you to Rothay Manor, a handsome country house hotel tucked away on the edge of Ambleside. The town’s cafés, galleries and outdoor shops are only a short stroll away, while the northern shores of Lake Windermere are within easy walking distance.
Leave the car at home and you’ll quickly discover how much there is to do on foot. Wander into Ambleside for lunch, join one of the many walking routes leading into the surrounding fells, or catch a lake cruise from Waterhead Pier. Back at the hotel, cosy lounges, beautiful gardens and an outstanding restaurant make it very easy to settle in for the evening.
Endymion House, Keswick
A 25-minute taxi from Penrith station, this striking Art Deco house sits beneath Skiddaw with sweeping fell views from almost every window. Big enough for family reunions or walking holidays with friends, it’s the sort of place where everyone can gather around the long dining table after a day outdoors, before retreating to colourful bedrooms, the sunny garden room or the terrace for a quiet moment overlooking the hills.
Once you’ve arrived, Keswick and the northern Lakes are yours to explore. Walk Wainwright favourites including Latrigg and Skiddaw straight from the door, spend the afternoon swimming or kayaking on Derwentwater, or browse independent shops and the twice-weekly market in Keswick. Back at the house, uncork the welcome fizz, cook a family style dinner in the generous kitchen and watch the light shift across the fells without needing to drive anywhere.
Brackering Inn, Ullswater
Just 15-minutes by taxi from Penrith station, The Brackenrigg Inn combines the character of a traditional Lakeland pub with all the facilities of neighbouring Another Place, just a short stroll away. Expect cosy bedrooms, hearty food made with local ingredients and uninterrupted views across Ullswater to the surrounding fells.
Days here naturally happen outdoors. Catch an Ullswater Steamer from nearby Pooley Bridge, tackle a section of the Ullswater Way or spend an afternoon kayaking, paddleboarding or wild swimming before returning for a pint of local ale on the terrace. It’s proof that a classic walking holiday doesn’t need to begin with a car park.
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Beth Tingle
Beth is our Marketing & Content Coordinator, who uses her experience in all things content to get to the heart of the stories and people behind our places and paint an authentic picture of what makes them truly special. She then helps the SEO team to ensure that content reaches as many people as possible. Raised in the small seaside town of Clevedon, she then studied English at Falmouth University and is happiest when swimming in the sea. A huge foodie, she enjoys travel that involves finding the best local markets and cooking up the produce in a self-catered stay.
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