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

Should you visit Southampton or Lake District National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Southampton or Lake District National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a relaxing, enjoyable, and unique national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Southampton and Lake District National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Southampton. Although Southampton and Lake District National Park are both popular with visitors, Southampton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Southampton is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Lake District National Park is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports. It is also home to the SeaCity Museum.

How is Southampton different from Lake District National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Southampton
Lake District National Park

Southampton is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Southampton
Lake District National Park

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

Lake District National Park has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Lake District National Park Better for Nightlife?

Southampton
Lake District National Park

Southampton 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 Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

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

Is Southampton or Lake District National Park Better for Hiking?

Southampton
Lake District National Park

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

People visit Lake District National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.


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

Southampton
Lake District National Park

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

Southampton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Southampton or Lake District National Park Better for Families?

Southampton
Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lake District National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Lake District National Park Better for Couples?

Southampton
Lake District National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Lake District National Park make for a superb place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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.


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

Southampton
Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lake District National Park is extremely popular 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.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Southampton
Lake District National Park

Southampton and Lake District National Park both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

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

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

Southampton
Lake District National Park

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.


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

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

How long in Southampton or Lake District National Park?

Both Southampton and Lake District National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than in Southampton. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lake District National Park.

Families should spend more time in Lake District National Park than Southampton. 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 Southampton than Lake District National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Lake District National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Southampton 1-3 
    Lake District National Park 3-7

One day in Southampton or Lake District National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Southampton. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the enjoyable national park of Lake District National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Lake District National Park?

Many people visit Southampton 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the enjoyable destination of Lake District National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Southampton or Lake District National Park?

The waterfront destination of Southampton offers shopping and museums. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the spectacular national park of Lake District National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Southampton or Lake District National Park?

Southampton, a popular port 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Lake District National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Southampton is £132, while the average daily cost in Lake District National Park is £81. 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 Southampton and Lake District National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Southampton £85
    Lake District National Park £39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Southampton £170
    Lake District National Park £78
Compare Hotels in Southampton and Lake District National Park

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


Hotels in Lake District National Park


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: Southampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Southampton £8.70
    Lake District National Park £33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

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

  • Transfers between Southampton and London via famous attractions: $153
  • Transfer from Southampton Port to Southampton Airport (SOU): $35
  • Transfer from Southampton Cruise Terminal to Hotel/Airport: $118
  • Private Transfer to London Hotels and Airports: $433
  • Cruise Transfer to London via Stonehenge: $155
  • Southampton to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Transfer: $35
  • Southampton to London Stansted Airport (STN) - Departure Transfer: $198
  • Southampton to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Departure Transfer: $178
  • Southampton Private Transfer from Southampton Airport to City centre: $67
  • Southampton Port to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) - Departure Private Transfer : $125
  • Southampton Port to Heathrow Airport - Private Transfer: $267
  • Southampton Port to Gatwick Airport I Private Transfer: $297

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 Southampton or Lake District National Park?

Prices for flights to both Lake District National Park and Southampton 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
    Southampton £37
    Lake District National Park £21
Typical Food Prices in Southampton

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


  • Breakfast
    £4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Southampton £19
    Lake District National Park £20

Tours and Activities in Southampton

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

  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour to Heritage of Titanic in Southampton: $248
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Romsey from Southampton Port: $55
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $113
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • Gems of the British countryside - sightseeing from Southampton: $203
  • Heritage and Majesty: Private Full-Day Tour from Southampton: $1,989
  • Heritage of the Titanic: Southampton Private Walking Tour: $483
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $189
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Newbury Paddleboard Tour: $100
  • Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Southampton £21
    Lake District National Park £4.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

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


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



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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Lake District National Park. Most visitors come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lake District National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Lake District National Park during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Lake District National Park receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Lake District National Park. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lake District National Park receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Lake District National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Southampton because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year.

In October, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Lake District National Park. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Lake District National Park fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Lake District National Park. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake District National Park receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lake District National Park. Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Lake District National Park. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lake District National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Southampton 12°C (53°F) 
    Lake District National Park 10°C (49°F)

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

Both Lake District National Park and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake District National Park. It's quite cold in Southampton in the winter. Southampton is a little warmer than Lake District National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Lake District National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Lake District National Park during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Lake District National Park receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lake District National Park. In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Lake District National Park. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lake District National Park receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Southampton 4°C (40°F) 
    Lake District National Park 3°C (38°F)

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

Both Lake District National Park and Southampton during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Lake District National Park. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake District National Park receives 134 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Lake District National Park. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lake District National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Lake District National Park and Southampton

Southampton Lake District National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)