Buttermere Lake
Buttermere Lake
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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- CMiddletonNewcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom691 contributionsPicture post card beautifulWe did the circular walk around the lake. Beautiful views and waterfalls all the way around. Lots of perfect spots for a picnic. Muddy through the tunnel so good foot wear a must but not impassable. Cafes, bar etc by the main car park. Cost ÂŁ6.50 for 4 hours. 50p to use the public toilets. I would recommend to anyone and will be back in a different season.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 7, 2024
- FiveRedNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom95 contributionsFabulous sceneryAfter an overnight stay in Cockermouth we drove down to Buttermere. Once parked up we set off for a walk around the lake starting at the north end. Decent footpaths and fabulous scenery could be enjoyed on a sunny day. Around 4.5 miles in total the walk was well worth it.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 11, 2024
- SuratrichardSurat Thani, Thailand2,674 contributionsHeaven on earth!My favourite part of the Lake District which I regard as its soul! Driving there from Keswick is an adventure in itself over the Honister Pass. To describe the views as breathtaking is probably an understatement. This area has everything…high fells, a spectacular waterfall and a beautiful lake with a footpath around it. Parking is available at Gatesgarth or Buttermere village. From Buttermere village, it’s a relatively easy walk down to the Lake and it’s not uncommon to see wheelchairs on this part of the path. Once by the Lake, take in the wonderful views of the fells and the lake shore. There’s a good, well defined path around the lake with very little ascent. The route from Gatesgarth to Buttermere, does include a short way along the road so care is needed as some motorists treat it as a race track! There is one part that can be a little tricky but if care and time is taken, it shouldn’t prove too difficult. It’s on this section where there’s a short tunnel. There are once again, breathtaking views across the lake and it doesn’t matter what time of year, it’s spectacular. Please remember to ensure gates are closed to prevent particularly sheep getting onto the road. Back at the village, there are cafes and restaurants to refuel and don’t forget to visit the small church on the outskirts of the village. At the end of the day either the Newlands Pass or Whinlatter Pass will return you to Keswick. For Wainwright fans, his ashes are scattered on Haystacks overlooking the lake. It’s my special place and a visit is certainly very highly recommended.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 27, 2024
- BackinBracknellBracknell, United Kingdom1,588 contributionsBeautiful Buttermere by busHave been to Buttermere many times. Great scenery, easy walk round the lake and fabulous ice cream at Sykes Farm! Parking can be a big problem unless you get there really early, so as we were staying in Cockermouth we decided to take the bus for the first time and were very impressed by the service. We got the 10.50 from Main Street, Cockermouth and were at Buttermere in 35 minutes, it drops off right in the centre of the village. Really easy and no hassles looking for somewhere to park the car. Returned on 17.00 bus. Cost only ÂŁ2 each way. It's great that in the summer the first bus of the day from Cockermouth is at 07.35 and the last one back from Buttermere is after 7pm, so you can have a lovely long day out.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 20, 2024
- Stephen SLeeds, United Kingdom56 contributionsStunningEven in pouring rain the lake had an eerie stunning feel to it . Surrounded by the magnificent hillside . Walk round about 4 miles was good. Only downside is that it’s in the middle of nowhere with limited parking and amenities so would recommend a quieter time .Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 4, 2024
- Amanda C7 contributionsStunning!Buttermere Lake was very beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed the 2 hour circular walk around. The scenery was breathtaking, definitely worth the trip up! Sadly, near the end of our walk, we witnessed a sheep being chased by a dog, which nearly ended up in the lake! This was quite distressing. I did voice my feelings, as there were many signs up to kindly ask owners to keep their dogs on leads. Unfortunately, we saw quite a few people who didn’t feel these signs applied to them! But back on a positive note, stunning Buttermere is definitely worth a visit. Nature at it’s best!Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 3, 2024
- Jennifer CCumbria, United Kingdom1,813 contributionsBeautiful sceneryWe parked in the pay and display cost ÂŁ6 for 4 weeks, payable toilet in car park, pub and cafe. We walked around the lake took 2 hours and 400 photos!!! We got lucky for a November day and saw some amazing reflections, the scenery is absolutely stunning. Lots of fellow walkers and dogs. One side of the lake is very easy underfoot the other slightly more tricky but easy enough. The drive was definitely worth it.Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Suratrichard
Surat Thani, Thailand2,674 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
There’s something about Buttermere that does something special for me! Getting to it via the Honister Pass is an adventure in itself. Surrounded by high fells, with water falls, outstanding views and a lakeside path, this area of the Lake District has something for everybody.
Park either at Gatesgarth or Buttermere village ( pay and display). In the village are a number of places to eat, a fascinating little church, toilets and in all probability sheep!
From the village, it’s a short walk down to the Lake and more stunning scenery. The lakeside path tends to follow the shoreline and is more or less on the level with only a few places where there are gentle inclines. Being away from the main tourist attractions like Keswick, Grasmere and Windermere, it’s generally much quieter. I’ve been to Buttermere every month of the year and never felt anything but peaceful.
From the path down to the Lake, there is another path to the right leading to Crummock - another tranquil lake.
Any season…winter with snow covered fells, spring with the new growth and the sound of lambs, summer with the long days and autumn with the fantastic colours…go anytime and you will want to visit again!
My favourite place!
Park either at Gatesgarth or Buttermere village ( pay and display). In the village are a number of places to eat, a fascinating little church, toilets and in all probability sheep!
From the village, it’s a short walk down to the Lake and more stunning scenery. The lakeside path tends to follow the shoreline and is more or less on the level with only a few places where there are gentle inclines. Being away from the main tourist attractions like Keswick, Grasmere and Windermere, it’s generally much quieter. I’ve been to Buttermere every month of the year and never felt anything but peaceful.
From the path down to the Lake, there is another path to the right leading to Crummock - another tranquil lake.
Any season…winter with snow covered fells, spring with the new growth and the sound of lambs, summer with the long days and autumn with the fantastic colours…go anytime and you will want to visit again!
My favourite place!
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona S
London, UK77 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Our favourite walk of our wonderful week in the Lakes was around Buttermere. Not much parking, try the National Trust car park, free for NT members or ÂŁ8.50 for the day. You need cash. The sound of the running water and birds was so relaxing. The walk was not strenuous. The views were spectacular all around. For most of the walk you are right on the waters edge. Lots of little beaches to have a sit down and admire the views. At the end there was a lovely and welcome tea room. We then walked 5 minutes from the NT car park to Crummock Water which is bigger and quieter. We just sat on beach there so not sure if you can walk around.
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke Gilham
Liverpool, UK504 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Beautiful drive down to what is a fairly secluded but beautiful place. The drive that takes you to Buttermere is just as stunning as the lake itself.
I'd recommend visiting either as the sun is beginning to set or just as it's risen as the light that would bounce off the lake would be stunning.
Surrounded by beautiful trees a lovely 1 hour path encompasses the lake with a lovely little cafe waiting for you after your walk.
One thing to be aware of is parking as it can be tough once you're down there so might be worth parking at what is a passing point on the mountain and walk down.
I'd recommend visiting either as the sun is beginning to set or just as it's risen as the light that would bounce off the lake would be stunning.
Surrounded by beautiful trees a lovely 1 hour path encompasses the lake with a lovely little cafe waiting for you after your walk.
One thing to be aware of is parking as it can be tough once you're down there so might be worth parking at what is a passing point on the mountain and walk down.
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ktb752014
Leeds, UK173 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
The roads to Buttermere are extremely narrow & windy and go over very high mountain passes with sheer drops.
You need to be a confident driver, able to reverse out of the way of an oncoming bus, van or tractor possibly right next to a very steep drop! This is made much worse by people parking on the Newlands pass road making it even more difficult.
It’s a tiny village and the parking is extremely limited, if you want to drive get there very early and bring cash for the parking meter. Wardens were there putting tickets on cars that hadn’t paid or were parked where they shouldn’t be. You also need coins for the public loos and there’s no change so bring plenty of coins.
Alternatively you can get the bus from Keswick or Cockermouth ( free bus from Cockermouth or no.77 from Keswick) it’s very cheap and runs frequently … and then you can have a beer at the end of the walk in one of the two gorgeous beer gardens at The Buttermere Court and The Bridge Hotel.
Both cafes serve lovely food, coffees and ice cream and have indoor and outdoor seating and both hotels have bars that serve food & local beers all day.
The walk around the lake is lovely but like the village gets painfully busy on sunny days so well worth setting off early or even going much later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
A gorgeous place but so much better if you manage to avoid the crowds. Plenty of options to stay overnight if you want to experience Buttermere without the hordes of daytrippers.
You need to be a confident driver, able to reverse out of the way of an oncoming bus, van or tractor possibly right next to a very steep drop! This is made much worse by people parking on the Newlands pass road making it even more difficult.
It’s a tiny village and the parking is extremely limited, if you want to drive get there very early and bring cash for the parking meter. Wardens were there putting tickets on cars that hadn’t paid or were parked where they shouldn’t be. You also need coins for the public loos and there’s no change so bring plenty of coins.
Alternatively you can get the bus from Keswick or Cockermouth ( free bus from Cockermouth or no.77 from Keswick) it’s very cheap and runs frequently … and then you can have a beer at the end of the walk in one of the two gorgeous beer gardens at The Buttermere Court and The Bridge Hotel.
Both cafes serve lovely food, coffees and ice cream and have indoor and outdoor seating and both hotels have bars that serve food & local beers all day.
The walk around the lake is lovely but like the village gets painfully busy on sunny days so well worth setting off early or even going much later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
A gorgeous place but so much better if you manage to avoid the crowds. Plenty of options to stay overnight if you want to experience Buttermere without the hordes of daytrippers.
Written April 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tour06220669535
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
The lake is beautiful and the village has decent tea rooms and a public toilet, but it becomes absolutely packed in the summer on nice days - there's a lack of parking so that cars end up parked all the way up the single track road winding towards the Newlands Valley if they can find parking at all. This makes driving along the already narrow, twisty and steep roads to and from Buttermere across the Honister Pass and towards the Newlands Valley more dangerous, as you're forced to try to find lay-bys that dip significantly from the road to pass oncoming cars who often don't know the local roads all while attempting not to burn the clutch in your car to avoid tumbling off the edge of the hill. Wouldn't recommend in nice weather if you're not confident driving on steep single track roads or if you drive an obnoxiously big car.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clarkyarky
34 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
No one could question the beauty of the location and scenery of the lake and village, which are being badly let down by LDNP and National Trust.
Visited the disgusting public toilets at 11am today (which you have to pay 50p to enter as long as the turnstile decides to let you in once they’ve taken your money) only to find out they are filthy, and have no soap or toilet paper!)
Would recommend using the ones in Croft House cafe in the village (after purchasing drinks/snacks there of course!), but their toilets were in the same condition as the public ones today!
Also hate rip off parking charges and inadequate number of spaces, which results in dangerous parking on the roads approaching the village (and don’t try to tell visitors to get the bus instead - the current service couldn’t cope with the numbers if we did that!).
Such a shame as visitors will come away with a negative opinion which this lovely place does not deserve.
Visited the disgusting public toilets at 11am today (which you have to pay 50p to enter as long as the turnstile decides to let you in once they’ve taken your money) only to find out they are filthy, and have no soap or toilet paper!)
Would recommend using the ones in Croft House cafe in the village (after purchasing drinks/snacks there of course!), but their toilets were in the same condition as the public ones today!
Also hate rip off parking charges and inadequate number of spaces, which results in dangerous parking on the roads approaching the village (and don’t try to tell visitors to get the bus instead - the current service couldn’t cope with the numbers if we did that!).
Such a shame as visitors will come away with a negative opinion which this lovely place does not deserve.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Montomsoup M
Melbourne, FL12 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Stunning Lake and easy beautiful walk, but the parking was an absolute nightmare which completely tarnished our view on the place. And this was in the shoulder season when there’s significantly less tourists. If you are lucky to snag a spot on the hill, take it, as the parking machines don’t allow payment with card (it just doesn’t work) and the rude cafes in town wont give you change even if you buy something. Another option is to park at the other end of the lake where the parking costs are not quite so expensive. Unfortunately due to our experience we did the lovely walk for free and opted to eat at another town more accomodating town. The local council should rectify this issue and either supply a machine that provides change or just fix the machines to accept card. People just don’t carry cash anymore in this day and age.
Written October 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgia M
Lincoln, UK481 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This is undoubtedly a stunning lake, but if like us, you’re looking for a quiet spot to walk your nervous dogs and enjoy the peace, you might struggle. We did find a quiet spot after a while but for some time walking around the parking areas there were lots and lots of people and dogs running riot off leads.
As I say, great views and landscape but our experience was busier than expected so do with that what you will!
As I say, great views and landscape but our experience was busier than expected so do with that what you will!
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slaterjo40
Manchester, UK205 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Well I would say it’s get there very early we went in a Sunday @ 11am it’s absolutely mad busy, parking was a nightmare we parked in the end, weather was kind lovely walk round the lake took 1hr 45min. Loved the waterfalls & tunnel took loads of photos. Then we ended up in The Bridge Inn pub for lunch very nice. So glad we walked round.
Written February 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Midlife Adventure
Dursley, UK2,873 contributions
Aug 2021
We visited yesterday (Wednesday) arriving at about 11.15. The whole area was already busy but we managed to park in the farmers field for ÂŁ4 in the honesty bucket which disappointingly, given the farmer has opened his field up to the overflow of visitors, was not full of honest contributions, so bring some change!
We took the path directly out of the field and around the lake clockwise. It's a really easy path to follow and we stopped en route on the shoreline to have our picnic. There were a few wild swimmers out on the lake as well as some canoeists.
The path on the opposite side of the lake, near the road, has a few areas which are quite narrow and we did see a couple of elderly folk struggling with the rocky path.
The final stretch you have to do on the road itself before arriving back at the farm where the on site ice cream vendor was open.
We took the path directly out of the field and around the lake clockwise. It's a really easy path to follow and we stopped en route on the shoreline to have our picnic. There were a few wild swimmers out on the lake as well as some canoeists.
The path on the opposite side of the lake, near the road, has a few areas which are quite narrow and we did see a couple of elderly folk struggling with the rocky path.
The final stretch you have to do on the road itself before arriving back at the farm where the on site ice cream vendor was open.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the car park accept cards? Or an app? Or do you need cash?
Written October 2, 2020
Just an honesty box when we went. Cash only.
Written October 2, 2020
Hi, staying in Buttermere at end of August in a self catering apartment. Saw on another thread that supermarkets in Cockermouth & Keswick deliver to this area but it doesn't state which ones? Would make things much easier if we can order groceries this way. Thanks
Written July 21, 2019
there is a Sainsbury in Cockermouth, Asda, Tesco and Morrisons in Workington and I feel sure all deliver in the area as i often get held up while they do so. Hope this helps
Written July 22, 2019
I am not really sure as its a couple of years since we walked the full lake, however I do remember at that time having to climb down a steep bank to get to the lake side to commence walk back (I hear now that we should have walked on the main road at that point)!? I would try ringing one of the local tourist bureaus for your answer.
Written September 10, 2018
Hi contact the property you will be staying at to arrange a bike tour.
Written May 17, 2019
How far from Windermere? Also, if I dont have a car, how else can i get to this lake (late afternoon)?
Written June 18, 2018
There are buses but as we had a car I didn't take much notice of how frequent the buses were. I should thin it is 45 mins to an hour by car
Written June 19, 2018
Hi, can anyone confirm if the map link takes you to the correct location please? Thanks!
Written April 14, 2018
The map link is no where near buttermere, for some reason.buttermere is in The lakes .... i will try and amend it
Written April 14, 2018
Could you possibly go here with smaller children? like 2-3 year olds?
Written August 7, 2017
LondonlouR
London, United Kingdom
Could you do with walk with an off road pram ? Thank you
Written August 2, 2017
Is it possible to cycle around this lake? I will have a child seat on the bike so don't want anything to bumpy? If not, any suggestions are very much appreciated. Thank you
Written April 3, 2017
Hi, Personally I think that would be difficult. There are a number of styles to negotiate and one section requires you to cycle on the road before returning to the lakeside and that section would be particularly difficult as there is no defined path.
I suspect you would need to walk large parts of the route.
Hope that helps.
Written April 4, 2017
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