The Lakes Planner is a free Lake District guide and day planner. We cover the National Park town by town — twelve hubs from Ambleside and Windermere to Keswick, Wasdale and Penrith — and pair each guide with a free interactive planner that builds a timed itinerary around your group, your budget, the transport you've got and the weather on the day.
The idea is simple. The Lake District is one of the most rewarding places in Britain to visit and one of the easiest to get wrong — the wrong valley on a wet day, a car park that fills by nine, a famous spot that's better skipped for the quiet one next door. We try to give you the local knowledge that turns a good day into a great one.
Town-by-town hubs
Twelve detailed guides — things to do, walks, parking, rainy-day plans and where to eat — for the towns and villages that make the best bases in the Lakes.
The free planner
Tell the planner your budget, transport and the weather, and it builds a timed day out — no sign-up, no charge. Open the planner.
What the Fell newsletter
Our free daily briefing — weather, traffic, events, deals and the odd sheep on the A591 — five days a week. Subscribe free.
Independent guidance
Our recommendations are editorial. Listings are chosen on merit — we don't sell top spots, and where we feature a local business we say so clearly.
Who's behind it — a Cumbrian family
The Lakes Planner is a family project. I'm Peter — I've lived in Penrith for over 35 years — and I run it with my partner Ellie, who has lived in Hunsonby all her life, and my three daughters — Jorja, Aimee and Maddie — all Penrith born and bred. These are our own trips and adventures out in the fells, written up honestly.
Most of what's here grew out of the questions we actually ask as a family with kids in tow: what's the best way up? where do we park? and which pub does the best food when we're done? When we couldn't find a straight answer, we worked it out on the ground — and that's exactly what these guides try to give you.
The newest recruit — and the biggest fan of the Cumbrian fells — is Cass, our seven-year-old Staffy, who shamelessly hogs most of the photos you'll spot across the site.
I also run Cascade Digital, so we decided to build the site we always wished existed — and help other people find what we couldn't. We're always glad to hear from readers, local businesses and accommodation owners: corrections, suggestions and additions all help keep the guides accurate.
Get the free newsletter