A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Isle of Skye vs. Lake District National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Lake District National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a diverse, dramatic, and scenic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a spectacular, relaxing, and enjoyable national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Isle of Skye and Lake District National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Isle of Skye than Lake District National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Isle of Skye is well known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Also, Isle of Skye is famous for The Old Man of Storr. Lake District National Park is well known for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes.

How is Isle of Skye different from Lake District National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake District National Park and Isle of Skye. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Lake District National Park.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lake District National Park. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.

Is Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Lake District National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Isle of Skye for it's beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Lake District National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Isle of Skye and Lake District National Park, and they are terrific.

Isle of Skye is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

People visit Lake District National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

Is Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park Better for Families?

Lake District National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lake District National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy getting out in nature as much as the adults do. They can stretch their legs and run around, or you can check out some of the family-friendly activities in the area. Popular options include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle, and the adventure park Brockhole on Windermere. There's also Lakes Aquarium, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Lake District Coast Aquarium for animal lovers.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Lake District National Park both excellent destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Couples visit Lake District National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most impressive national parks in the country, couples will enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring this stunning setting. Whether you're watching the sunset from a mountaintop or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the water, this park is a perfect place to relax.

Is Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Lake District National Park. There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

Isle of Skye is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Is Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake District National Park is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lake District National Park. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Lake District National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake District National Park or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park?

Both Isle of Skye and Lake District National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than in Isle of Skye. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lake District National Park.

Families should spend more time in Lake District National Park than Isle of Skye. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lake District National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake District National Park than Isle of Skye if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lake District National Park.

One day in Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Isle of Skye. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Lake District National Park, many people enjoy the food that this unique national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park?

Many people visit Isle of Skye for a weekend. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Lake District National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the dramatic destination of Isle of Skye. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Many people spend five days here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Lake District National Park, many people enjoy the food that this relaxing destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park?

Isle of Skye, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Lake District National Park is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isle of Skye and Lake District National Park, we can see that Isle of Skye is more expensive. And not only is Lake District National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake District National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake District National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Isle of Skye would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isle of Skye than you might in Lake District National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Lake District National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park in the Summer?

Both Lake District National Park and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Lake District National Park. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Lake District National Park fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake District National Park during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Lake District National Park receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives less rain than Lake District National Park. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lake District National Park receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park in the Autumn?

Both Lake District National Park and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as Lake District National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Lake District National Park fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Lake District National Park. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake District National Park receives 69 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets less rain in October than Lake District National Park. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Lake District National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Lake District National Park. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Lake District National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Isle of Skye. In the winter, Isle of Skye is a little warmer than Lake District National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Lake District National Park averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake District National Park during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Lake District National Park receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lake District National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives less rain than Lake District National Park. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Lake District National Park receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Lake District National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Lake District National Park. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Lake District National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Lake District National Park. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 7°C (44°F), and Lake District National Park fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Lake District National Park. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake District National Park receives 134 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets less rain in April than Lake District National Park. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lake District National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake District National Park and Isle of Skye