Driving to the Lake District from Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is frequently considered the premier gateway for international and domestic tourists wishing to explore the Lake District. Situated approximately 90 miles south of the national park, renting a car allows you to bypass complex train connections and drive directly into one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.
While public transport can get you to the major hubs like Windermere, relying on buses to explore the remote valleys, dramatic mountain passes, and serene lakesides is incredibly restrictive. Hiring a car is highly recommended to experience everything the Lakes have to offer.
The Standard Route (M6 North)
The journey from the airport is exceptionally straightforward. You will leave the Car Rental Village, briefly join the M56 Westbound, and then transition onto the M6 Northbound. You will stay on this motorway for roughly an hour before exiting into Cumbria.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions
After picking up your keys from providers such as Enterprise or Europcar, follow these directions to begin your road trip:
- Join the M56: Exit the Car Rental Village onto Ringway Road and follow signs for the M56 (West).
- Transition to the M6: Travel on the M56 for a few miles, then take the slip road merging onto the M6 North (signposted for Preston/Lancaster).
- Cruising North: Stay on the M6 for approximately 60 miles. You will pass Preston and Lancaster.
- Choose Your Entry Point:
- For the South Lakes (Windermere, Ambleside, Kendal): Leave the M6 at Junction 36 and join the A590, then follow the A591 directly into the heart of the national park.
- For the North Lakes (Keswick, Ullswater): Continue further north on the M6 until Junction 40 at Penrith, then take the A66 Westbound.
Driving on Winding Rural Roads
Once you leave the motorway and major A-roads, the Lake District is famous for its narrow, winding lanes and steep mountain passes (such as the Hardknott Pass). Take your time, be aware of blind corners, and always be prepared to use passing places to allow oncoming traffic to get by.
Choosing the Right Rental Car
The type of vehicle you hire can drastically alter your Lake District experience:
- SUVs and Crossovers: A crossover like a Nissan Qashqai is incredibly popular here. The higher driving position offers fantastic visibility over the dry stone walls, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery.
- Compact Cars: If you plan to spend most of your time in the bustling villages (like Bowness-on-Windermere or Ambleside), a smaller hatchback will be much easier to maneuver through tight streets and park in small, crowded car parks.
- Automatic Vehicles: If you are not entirely comfortable with manual gear changes—especially on steep hills—booking an automatic car is highly recommended to reduce driving stress.
Top Destinations to Visit by Car
Having your own rental vehicle allows you to create an unforgettable itinerary:
- Windermere and Bowness: The most popular tourist hubs. Great for boat trips and cafes, but parking can be difficult during peak summer weekends. Arrive early.
- Ambleside and Grasmere: Just a short, beautiful drive north of Windermere along the A591, offering excellent hiking bases and famous gingerbread.
- Keswick and Derwentwater: The "Capital of the North Lakes". It offers a slightly more rugged feel, surrounded by dramatic mountains like Skiddaw.
- Wastwater and the Western Lakes: This incredibly dramatic, remote area is very difficult to access via public transport. Driving here provides some of the most striking views in England.