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

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Cairngorms 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 Lake District National Park and Cairngorms 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.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a enjoyable, unique, and beautiful national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a picturesque, tranquil, and remote national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Lake District National Park and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lake District National Park. Although Lake District National Park and Cairngorms National Park are popular destinations, Lake District National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lake District National Park is famous for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. It is also well known for Scafell Pike. Cairngorms National Park is famous for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

How is Lake District National Park different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake District National Park is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Lake District National Park or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Is Lake District National Park or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Both Lake District National Park and Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

Is Lake District National Park or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park and Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

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

Lake District National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lake District National Park, as it is a very popular national park for 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Lake District National Park and Cairngorms National Park.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

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

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

How long in Lake District National Park or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Lake District National Park or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than Cairngorms National Park 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 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

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

One day in Lake District National Park or Cairngorms National Park?

With food around the relaxing national park of Lake District National Park, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Lake District National Park or Cairngorms National Park?

With food around the relaxing destination of Lake District National Park, there's plenty to do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people visit Cairngorms National Park for a weekend. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Cairngorms National Park?

With food around the spectacular national park of Lake District National Park, there's plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Cairngorms National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Many people spend five days here. 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 Cairngorms National Park?

Lake District National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cairngorms National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

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

When is the best time to visit Lake District National Park or Cairngorms 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 Lake District National Park or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Cairngorms National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Cairngorms National Park and Lake District National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lake District National Park in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 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 Cairngorms National Park. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Cairngorms National Park. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the cuisine.

The weather in Cairngorms National Park can be very cold. Lake District National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Lake District National Park is generally around the same temperature as Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 3°C (38°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cairngorms National Park during winter. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 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 Cairngorms National Park. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Cairngorms National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Lake District National Park because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Cairngorms National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Lake District National Park