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What To Pack For A Lake District Staycation

By Faith Lingle

21st September 2023

Daffodil | what to pack for a staycation ?? Daffodil

The Lake District is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole of the UK – and with good reason! It’s a place rich in history, heritage, culture and some out-of-this-world scenery.

If you are considering a staycation in the Lake District (and if you aren’t, why?!), you’ll need to know everything to bring with you. This guide has the complete rundown of everything you could need – without going overboard and packing too much!

Let’s jump straight into it!

PACKING LIST

Your packing list should include:

TOILETRIES

Your toiletry bag will need to include the following items:

Body wash
Face cleaning products
Toilet paper
Shampoo and conditioner
Shaving cream
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal hygiene products (depending on where you are vacationing)

If you are staying in a hotel, you likely won’t need to bring lots of toiletries as most of these should be provided for you, saving you valuable space!

WALKING BOOTS

One item you’ll probably need during a visit to the Lakes is a sturdy pair of walking boots. Even if walking isn’t exactly your thing, we guarantee that the allure of our stunning scenery could mean outdoor activities are too hard to resist.

In no time at all, you’ll want to explore the majestic mountains, shimmering lakes and local fells around Grasmere – believe us, you won’t regret it. It’s better to be safe than sorry; ensure you pack suitable footwear!

CLOTHES

The weather can be unpredictable, so ensure you pack suitable clothing if you want to spend quality time outdoors. Quick drying clothes are always a good bet, as it’s safe to say you might encounter some rain on your trip.

It’s also a good idea to pack extra socks than you think you might need. Even just one extra pair could make all the difference between a soggy and miserable trip back to your room and a very thankful pair of feet.

‘JUST IN CASE’ ITEMS

‘Just in case’ items are essential if any mishaps, insect attacks or hangovers occur. Therefore, you should pack insect repellent, paracetamol, and a First Aid kit, especially if you plan to spend any time outdoors.

It’s also essential to have a map (don’t merely rely on your mobile as signal strength can vary) and also a compass in case you get lost. These items should be placed in a day pack or a smaller bag and accompany you on your adventures.

Also, remember to bring a water bottle or two and perhaps a guidebook to help you on your adventure. If you are bringing something to eat with you, you might also want to consider a flask to help keep your food warm.

A LITTLE BIT OF HOME

If you travel with kids, you’ll know their homesickness tendency. That’s why one of the most important things to bring is something that reminds them of their usual surroundings; this could be their favourite teddy bear or a comfort blanket, for example.

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PACKING FOR A LAKE DISTRICT STAYCATION

One of the best things about a staycation over international travel is there are no luggage limits! In fact, you can practically take whatever you want with you on your Lake District break – well, within reason.

There are, however, some things to consider before bringing the kitchen sink in tow with you. These include:

THE GOOD OLD (UNPREDICTABLE) BRITISH WEATHER

Not all days in the Lake District are sun-filled! Like all of the UK, our weather can be extremely unpredictable, and it’s often said you can experience four seasons in one day in the Lakes.

While the weather forecast might say it’s going to be cloudy with a small chance of drizzle, there’s also the distinct possibility that that small chance of drizzle turns into a relentless torrential downpour. If you are caught in this in shorts and a t-shirt in the middle of Helvellyn, chances are your descent will be less than pleasurable.

That’s why packing for all weather conditions is a must.

HOW YOU ARE TRAVELLING

If you are travelling by car or campervan, you’re going to have much more room for your bits and bobs than if you were taking the bus or train. If it’s one of the latter, consider cutting down your staycation packing list and instead focus on all the essentials that you’ll need.

Saying that, if you are travelling by car, it’s always a good idea not to load up the car too much.

This is for two reasons. Firstly, you will likely have the odd souvenir or two (or three) to bring back home with you after some shopping in Grasmere, so you will require extra room to do so. Secondly, in these times of rapidly inflating fuel prices, leaving your car a little lighter will help you get more out of your fuel tank.

WHERE YOU ARE STAYING

Where you are staying will also impact what you bring with you on your staycation. If you are living it up in a luxury hotel, you won’t need as many toiletries as if you were camping.

Most hotels in the Lake District will also be able to provide you with food options, so there will be no need to bring your own food, which is sure to lighten your travel bags a little.

WHAT YOU PLAN ON DOING

How you plan to spend time in the Lake District will affect what you do and do not need to bring with you.

If, for example, you plan to spend your trip relaxing and indulging in a luxury spa break with your feet up, there’s no real need to bring anything outdoorsy.

If you have booked a cosy space at a retreat, your holiday wardrobe is going to look a bit different than if you were planning on scaling the many walks the Lake District has to offer. If you are walking, which is one of the most popular reasons British tourists come to the Lakes, you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots that are well worn in and a coat.

THE LENGTH OF YOUR STAY

If you’re planning a short weekend break or a midweek break in the Lake District, you’re obviously going to require less packing than if you are coming to the Lakes for a week-long stay.

If you’re staying for a longer duration, think carefully about whether or not you need to bring certain things such as toiletries, or would you be better off purchasing smaller versions of your regular favourites when you are at your destination.

YOUR BAGGAGE CASES

Depending on what you have planned for your Lake District stay. A smaller weekend bag or even a shoulder bag can be much more practical than heavy and bulky luggage bags. And, you’d be surprised how much these smaller bags can carry.

TAKE A LAKE DISTRICT STAYCATION AT THE DAFFODIL HOTEL

Knowing what to pack for a staycation can be challenging. But with some pre-planning, you can make the whole trip go much more smoothly.

Remember that while our list is designed to help you decide what to carry with you, it is not an exhaustive list of everything you may need to pack. What one person may need to pack, another person may not!

Why not choose the Daffodil Hotel for your next Lake District staycation? Luxurious, stylish, and full of indulgence, the Daffodil Hotel is the ultimate Lake District escape.

Take a look at our rooms & suites for more information or plan a trip to our restaurant to enjoy some delicious local food.