The Lake District in Cumbria, northwest England, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning natural landscapes, picturesque villages, and a wealth of activities. Accessing the region is made easy by several airports located in close proximity, each offering various transportation options to reach the heart of the Lake District.
Closest Airports to the Lake District
-
Manchester Airport (MAN): Located just 94 miles from Ambleside, Manchester Airport is one of the closest major airports to the Lake District. Travelers can take a direct train from the airport to Oxenholme The Lake District station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Alternatively, regular coach services connect the airport to Kendal, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick, with journey times ranging from 3 to 5 hours. By car, the drive from Manchester Airport to the Lake District takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the M61 and M6 motorways.
-
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL): Located 98 miles from Ambleside, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is another convenient option for accessing the Lake District. While there are no direct train services from the airport, travelers can change at Liverpool Lime Street or Manchester Piccadilly to reach Oxenholme. National Express coach services also connect Liverpool to Windermere. The drive from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to the Lake District takes approximately 2 hours via the M62 and M6.
-
Newcastle Airport (NCL): Situated 97 miles from Ambleside, Newcastle Airport offers direct train services to Carlisle, where travelers can then change for trains to Oxenholme. National Express coach services also connect Newcastle to Windermere. The drive from Newcastle Airport to the Lake District takes around 2.5 hours via the A69 and M6.
-
Glasgow Airport (GLA): Located approximately 120 miles from Ambleside, Glasgow Airport is a bit further away but still a viable option for accessing the Lake District. Travelers can take direct trains from Glasgow to Oxenholme via the West Coast Mainline, and National Express coach services connect Glasgow to Windermere. The drive from Glasgow Airport to the Lake District takes around 2.5 hours via the M74 and M6.
-
Blackpool International Airport (BLK): At 67 miles from Ambleside, Blackpool International Airport is the closest airport to the Lake District. However, there are no direct train services from the airport, and travelers will need to change at Blackpool North or Preston to reach Oxenholme. Local bus services connect Blackpool International Airport to the town center, where travelers can then connect to National Express coach services. The drive from Blackpool International Airport to the Lake District takes approximately 1.5 hours via the M55 and M6.
Transportation Options from the Airports
Each of these airports offers a range of transportation options to help visitors reach the heart of the Lake District. Trains, coaches, and car rentals are all readily available, making it easy to plan your journey and explore the region’s stunning landscapes, charming villages, and outdoor activities.
Conclusion
The Lake District is a true gem in the northwest of England, and with several airports located in close proximity, it is easily accessible from various parts of the UK and internationally. Whether you choose to travel by train, coach, or car, the journey to this beautiful region is part of the adventure, allowing you to soak in the stunning scenery and prepare for an unforgettable Lakes touring experience.
References:
– Visit Lake District. (n.d.). Airports. Retrieved from https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/explore/travel/airports
– Travelmath. (n.d.). Major airports near Ambleside, United Kingdom. Retrieved from https://www.travelmath.com/nearest-airport/Ambleside,%2BUnited%2BKingdom
– Manchester Airport. (n.d.). Getting to and from the Lake District. Retrieved from https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/getting-to-and-from/the-lake-district/
– The Lake District England. (n.d.). Getting to and Around the Lake District. Retrieved from https://thelakedistrictengland.com/getting-to-and-around-the-lake-district/
– Intrepid Travel US. (n.d.). How to Get to the Lake District. Retrieved from https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/united-kingdom/lake-district/how-to-get-to-the-lake-district