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

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Birmingham?

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 Birmingham. 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 enjoyable, unique, and beautiful national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lake District National Park and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Lake District National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Birmingham is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Lake District National Park is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Also, Birmingham is famous for Victoria Square.

How is Lake District National Park different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake District National Park or Birmingham?

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Lake District National Park or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Lake District National Park is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Lake District National Park is not a theatre destination.

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

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Lake District National Park is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Is Lake District National Park or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Birmingham has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Lake District National Park or Birmingham Better for Music?

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Birmingham is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a live music destination.

Birmingham has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Lake District National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Lake District National Park or Birmingham Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Lake District National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Lake District National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

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

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Birmingham. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Lake District National Park or Birmingham Better for Families?

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Both Lake District National Park and Birmingham are high quality family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake District National Park. 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.

Birmingham is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

Is Lake District National Park or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Lake District National Park and Birmingham both high quality destinations for a couple.

Lake District National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Birmingham frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

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

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Lake District National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination 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.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.


Is Lake District National Park or Birmingham Better for Students?

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

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

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for students. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

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

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Birmingham is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for its public transit.

Birmingham has some public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

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

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

Lake District National Park
Birmingham

Birmingham is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

Birmingham is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.


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

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

How long in Lake District National Park or Birmingham?

In either Lake District National Park or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than Birmingham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Lake District National Park or Birmingham? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake District National Park 3-7 
    Birmingham 1-5

One day in Lake District National Park or Birmingham?

With food around the spectacular national park of Lake District National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the bustling destination of Birmingham. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Birmingham?

With food around the destination of Lake District National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many people visit Birmingham for a weekend. 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 live music, 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.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Birmingham?

Lake District National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant destination of Birmingham. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Many people spend five days here. Don't miss the live music, 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.


A week in Lake District National Park or Birmingham?

Lake District National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this national park makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Birmingham, 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 Bicycle 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, Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake District National Park £39
    Birmingham £66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake District National Park £78
    Birmingham £132
Compare Hotels in Lake District National Park and Birmingham

Looking for a hotel in Lake District National Park or Birmingham? 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 Birmingham


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: Birmingham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake District National Park £33
    Birmingham £25

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 Manchester Airport - Departure Transfer: $44
  • Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76

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

Prices for flights to both Birmingham 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
    Birmingham £38

Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake District National Park £20
    Birmingham £48

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:

  • 3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick: $140
  • Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District: $89
  • Guided Canoeing Experience on Coniston Water - Half Day: $89

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.

  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
  • Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
  • Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
  • Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
  • Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
  • Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake District National Park £4.64
    Birmingham £11

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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



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

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 Lake District National Park or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Birmingham. Many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Birmingham in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lake District National Park is cooler than Birmingham. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake District National Park in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Birmingham averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Birmingham during summer. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lake District National Park 15°C (59°F) 
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Birmingham. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In October, Lake District National Park is generally cooler than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 10°C (49°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Birmingham. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lake District National Park 10°C (49°F) 
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F)

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

Both Birmingham and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Birmingham can be very cold. Lake District National Park can be very cold during winter. Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Birmingham in the winter. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Birmingham fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lake District National Park. In January, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

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

Both Birmingham and Lake District National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lake District National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lake District National Park is cooler than Birmingham. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake District National Park in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Birmingham averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Lake District National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in April than Birmingham. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lake District National Park 7°C (45°F) 
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park Birmingham
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)