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

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Caen?

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 Caen. 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 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.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lake District National Park and Caen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Caen than Lake District National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Caen is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Lake District National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is more touristy than Caen and is known for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge.

How is Lake District National Park different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Caen 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 Caen?

Lake District National Park
Caen

Caen 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 Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Lake District National Park
Caen

Foodies will find both Lake District National Park and Caen both to be excellent destinations.

Lake District National Park has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Caen makes for a great culinary experience. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Lake District National Park or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Lake District National Park
Caen

Caen is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

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

Is Lake District National Park or Caen Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park
Caen

Lake District National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Lake District National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Caen is not a hiking destination.


Is Lake District National Park or Caen Better for Families?

Lake District National Park
Caen

Lake District National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen 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 Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Lake District National Park or Caen Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park
Caen

Lake District National Park is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

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

Lake District National Park
Caen

Lake District National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.


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

Lake District National Park
Caen

Caen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for its public transit.

Caen offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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

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

Lake District National Park
Caen

Caen is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

Caen is a somewhat walkable city. The city center is best explored on foot.

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 Caen Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Lake District National Park or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lake District National Park and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than in Caen. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

Families should spend more time in Lake District National Park than Caen. 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 Caen. 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 Caen 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 Caen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake District National Park 3-7 
    Caen 2-3

One day in Lake District National Park or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Lake District National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Caen. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Lake District National Park or Caen?

Lake District National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Caen 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 Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the relaxing destination of Lake District National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

The historic destination of Caen offers nightlife and food. 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 Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the beautiful national park of Lake District National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Caen, 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen 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 Caen is £105. 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 Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake District National Park £39
    Caen £52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake District National Park £78
    Caen £104
Compare Hotels in Lake District National Park and Caen

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


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: Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake District National Park £33
    Caen £30

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

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

  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32

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

Prices for flights to both Caen 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
    Caen £34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake District National Park £20
    Caen £16

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 Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268
  • D-Day private tour Omaha Beach from Caen with audio guide.: $268
  • From Caen or Bayeux: Normandy History Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake District National Park £4.64
    Caen £14


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



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

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 Caen in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Lake District National Park is cooler than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake District National Park in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Caen. Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Caen during summer. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Caen. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lake District National Park 15°C (59°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

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

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

In October, Lake District National Park is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 10°C (49°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Caen. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 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 October than Caen. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lake District National Park 10°C (49°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

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

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

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake District National Park. Lake District National Park is much colder than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Caen during winter. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lake District National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Caen. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Caen 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) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Caen. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Lake District National Park is cooler than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake District National Park in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Caen. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lake District National Park 7°C (45°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)