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

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Glencoe?

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 Glencoe. 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 beautiful, spectacular, and relaxing national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food and hiking.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a serene, beautiful, and picturesque village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Lake District National Park and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

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


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lake District National Park. Although Lake District National Park and Glencoe are popular destinations, Lake District National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lake District National Park is very popular for its food and hiking, while Glencoe attracts visitors for its nightlife. Lake District National Park is more touristy than Glencoe and is popular for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. It is also well known for Scafell Pike. Glencoe is famous for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Lake District National Park different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lake District National Park
Glencoe

Lake District National Park is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Lake District National Park is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.


Is Lake District National Park or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Lake District National Park
Glencoe

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

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Glencoe. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

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

Is Lake District National Park or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park
Glencoe

Lake District National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Lake District National Park visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Many visitors go to Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Is Lake District National Park or Glencoe Better for Families?

Lake District National Park
Glencoe

Both Lake District National Park and Glencoe are very good 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.

Glencoe is a very family-friendly place to visit. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.


Is Lake District National Park or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park
Glencoe

Lake District National Park and Glencoe both very good 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 Glencoe frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

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

Lake District National Park
Glencoe

Lake District National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lake District National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. 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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

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

Lake District National Park
Glencoe

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.


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

Lake District National Park
Glencoe

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable village. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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 Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Lake District National Park or Glencoe?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake District National Park than Glencoe 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 Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake District National Park 3-7 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in Lake District National Park or Glencoe?

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 food when visiting the beautiful destination of Glencoe. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Lake District National Park or Glencoe?

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 Glencoe for a weekend. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Glencoe?

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 picturesque destination of Glencoe offers food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Glencoe?

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.

Glencoe, a popular village, 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.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe 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 Glencoe is £117. 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 Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake District National Park £39
    Glencoe £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake District National Park £78
    Glencoe £118
Compare Hotels in Lake District National Park and Glencoe

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


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake District National Park £33
    Glencoe £37

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: $43
  • Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer: $33

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

Prices for flights to both Glencoe 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
    Glencoe £33

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    £46
  • Lunch for 2
    £23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake District National Park £20
    Glencoe £29

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:

  • Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District: $89
  • Guided Canoeing Experience on Coniston Water - Half Day: $89
  • 3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick: $139

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

Here are a few actual costs in Glencoe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $219
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake District National Park £4.64
    Glencoe £6.77


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