A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Lake District National Park vs. Belfast for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Belfast?

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 Lake District National Park and Belfast. 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.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a unique, beautiful, and spectacular national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and hiking.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Lake District National Park and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Lake District National Park or Belfast?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Belfast than Lake District National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Belfast is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake District National Park is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Also, Belfast is famous for Belfast Castle.

How is Lake District National Park different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Lake District National Park is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lake District National Park makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.


Is Lake District National Park or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Belfast is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Lake District National Park. There are some places to grab a drink in Kendal, but not much else in the form of nightlife.

Is Lake District National Park or Belfast Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Lake District National Park is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Lake District National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake District National Park or Belfast?

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Belfast is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Belfast has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Lake District National Park or Belfast Better for Families?

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Lake District National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake District National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly national park. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Lake District National Park or Belfast Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Lake District National Park is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Lake District National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Lake District National Park or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Lake District National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lake District National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.


Is Lake District National Park or Belfast Better for Students?

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Belfast is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

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

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Lake District National Park and Belfast.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Lake District National Park or Belfast a more walkable city?

Lake District National Park
Belfast

Belfast is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for its walkability.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable city.

Lake District National Park is not a walkable national park. The park is large and requires a vehicle to get around.


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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Lake District National Park?

How long in Lake District National Park or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lake District National Park and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than in Belfast. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

Families should spend more time in Lake District National Park than Belfast. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Lake District National Park than Belfast. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lake District National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake District National Park than Belfast 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.


  • How many days in Lake District National Park or Belfast? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake District National Park 3-7 
    Belfast 1-3

One day in Lake District National Park or Belfast?

In Lake District National Park, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Belfast. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Lake District National Park or Belfast?

In Lake District National Park, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Many people visit Belfast for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Belfast?

Lake District National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake District National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The authentic destination of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Lake District National Park or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake District National Park. In Lake District National Park, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Belfast, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Lake District National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lake District National Park is £81, while the average daily cost in Belfast is £133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lake District National Park and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake District National Park £39
    Belfast £68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake District National Park £78
    Belfast £136
Compare Hotels in Lake District National Park and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Lake District National Park or Belfast? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lake District National Park


Hotels in Belfast


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake District National Park £33
    Belfast £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake District National Park

Also for Lake District National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer: $34
  • Lake District Ski Club to Manchester Airport - Departure Transfer: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $47
  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $96
  • Private Transfer from Carryduff to Belfast Airport (BFS): $96
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $86
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Waringstown: $103
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Trillick : $206
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strabane : $232
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Sixmilecross : $197
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Scarvagh : $120
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $218
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rathfriland : $124
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portstewart : $193

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake District National Park or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Lake District National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lake District National Park £21
    Belfast £51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $98
  • Taste & Tour: Craft Beer and Food Tour of Belfast: $100
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $113
  • The Original Belfast Food Tour™ with Drinks: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake District National Park £20
    Belfast £18

Tours and Activities in Lake District National Park

For Lake District National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Northern Lake District: Self Guided Walking Tour of Keswick: $7.99
  • Ullswater Lake District Return Cruise from Glenridding Pier: $32
  • Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District: $93
  • 3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick: $146

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast Taxi Tours Original Drivers who worked throughout The Troubles 2hrs: $259
  • Belfast black cab 2hr private tour : $239
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $80
  • 2 Hour Terror and Mural History Belfast taxi Private Tour : $191
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $97
  • 2hours Belfast’s political war and peace private taxi tour: $211
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $29
  • An Eclectic Belfast. (Sm.Grp) Walking Experience .: $26
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $166
  • BELFAST BLACK TAXI POLITICAL TOUR: $91
  • Belfast & Giants Causeway Private tour 4 PAX: $647
  • Belfast : Sightseeing Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake District National Park £4.64
    Belfast £7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $21
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $21
  • McConnell's Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $26
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $72
  • Giant's Causeway and Whisky Distillery tasting tour from Belfast : $73
  • Historic Pub Tour: $196


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake District National Park and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Lake District National Park Expensive? and Is Belfast Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Lake District National Park or Belfast?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Belfast. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake District National Park in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Lake District National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in July than Belfast. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lake District National Park 15°C (59°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lake District National Park is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 10°C (49°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Lake District National Park. In October, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Belfast. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lake District National Park 10°C (49°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Lake District National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lake District National Park because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. The weather in Lake District National Park can be very cold. Lake District National Park is cooler than Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lake District National Park. Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lake District National Park 3°C (38°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Belfast. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake District National Park in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during spring. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Belfast. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lake District National Park 7°C (45°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)