National Trust car parks in the Lake District

If you’re a member of the National Trust, one of the fantastic benefits is free use of most National Trust parking when you visit the Lake District. Even if you’re not a member, you can still take advantage of these convenient parking spaces. Most will require you to pay, but others are completely free!

As a National Trust member, don’t forget to scan your membership card at each location. By doing this, you help the trust monitor usage and make plans for their important conservation work. Scanning your card also means that the particular location will receive funding, so it’s an excellent and free way of supporting your favourite Lake District beauty spots!

This guide lists Lake District car parks run by the National Trust, from where you can enjoy walks, picnics, water sports and more. We haven’t included parking at specific venues, but you can read our guide to National Trust properties in the Lake District, most of which have on-site parking.

Skip to: 

• Borrowdale
• Buttermere
• Coniston
• Langdale Valley
• Ullswater
• Wasdale
• Windermere
• FAQs

National Trust car parks in Borrowdale and around Derwentwater

Ashness Bridge's car park

The most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lake District, with gorgeous Borrowdale views towards Derwentwater. Please be aware that the drive up is steep and narrow.

The Bowder Stone's car park

A quirky attraction: a giant boulder seems to defy gravity as it balances on a point. There are also some lovely woodland and lakeside walks from here.

Great Wood's car park

Close to Derwentwater and perfect for walks and activities on the water. There’s also a pebble lakeside beach at nearby Calfclose Bay, which is perfect for a picnic.

Kettlewell's car park

Lakeside car park near Keswick and on the shores of Derwentwater.

Rosthwaite's car park

Park for pleasant riverside strolls and easy fell walks such as up Castle Crag.

Seatoller's car park

In the pretty hamlet of Seatoller just below mighty Honister Pass. Park here for wonderful walks in Borrowdale.

Surprise View's car park

One of the best views you’ll find near Keswick with an open panorama of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. Please be aware that the road up is steep and narrow in places.

Watendlath's car park

 A remote hamlet in the Borrowdale valley. The narrow, twisting road is only suitable for confident drivers, but the trip is very picturesque. There is a trout fishery in Watendlath.

National Trust car parks in Buttermere

Buttermere's car park

Close to one of the national park’s prettiest lakes, and just outside the village of the same name. Wander around Buttermere lake, scale some mighty peaks, and enjoy a pub meal when you return.

Crummock Water's car park

Crummock is Buttermere’s quieter twin and this small car park leads up to the charming Rannerdale Valley, which is alive with bluebells in the spring.

Honister Pass's car park

At the top of this steep and hair-raising pass is a National Trust car park that gives you access to popular mountain walks such as Haystacks and Dale Head. And it’s worth the trip just for the views!

Lanthwaite Wood's car park

Take a short, pleasant walk through woodland to Crummock Water from this car park. Then dip your toes in the water or continue strolling along the shore.

Maggie’s Bridge's car park

The perfect car park for a walk around little Loweswater, one of the Lake District’s quietest lakes. 

National Trust car parks in Coniston

Tarn Hows' car park

Though man-made, Tarn Hows is one of the most picturesque and beloved of all the Lake District tarns. It also benefits from easy pathways and miles-without-stiles walks. 

Glen Mary's car park

Explore the countryside around Coniston from here, including Tarn Hows and the Langdales.

National Trust car parks in the Langdale Valley

Blea Tarn's car park

Take a gentle stroll to this tarn, which looks over the breathtaking peaks of the Langdale Pikes. 

Elterwater's village car park

The pretty village of Elterwater is perfect for a stop off, and a walk around the lake of the same name offers plenty of interest, including marvellous waterfalls.

High Close's car park

Take an hour out of your day to visit this quiet and hidden spot and wander around the High Close Estate and Arboretum.

Old Dungeon Ghyll's car park

If you’re ready to get onto the high and challenging fells of the Langdale Pikes, the National Trust car park at Old Dungeon Ghyll is an excellent place to start.

Stickle Ghyll's car park

Challenging walking routes and mountain biking opportunities abound in this area of the Langdale Valley.

National Trust car parks in Ullswater

Aira Force's car park

See one of the Lake District’s most iconic locations at Aira Force, a dazzling waterfall tumbling through a deep gorge.

Glencoyne Bay's car park

Lakeside picnics, water sports, walks to Aira Force… Glencoyne Bay car park on the shores of Ullswater is in a wonderfully convenient spot.

High Cascades' car park

Away from the most popular starting point of the Aira Force walk, High Cascades is a smaller car park that gives you just as good a walk around the falls. You’ll also get to take in some of the other waterfalls on the river, which are often missed by visitors. 

Park Brow's car park

Yet another option for seeing Aira Force! Park Brow offers a shorter walk than High Cascades, and is also in a good place for getting on to the high fells.

National Trust car parks in Wasdale

Lake Head's car park

This is the most popular car parks for climbing Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. There are also other excellent mountain walks in the area.

Nether Wasdale's car park

Just outside the village of Nether Wasdale, this car park is a good place for wandering down to Wastwater or hiking up into the fells. The Sawmill Café & Farm Shop is just across the road, too, for post-walk refreshments!

Overbeck Bridge's car park

Another option for parking near Wastwater. Overbeck Bridge is a small car park with big views of the famous Screes.

National Trust car parks around Windermere

Ash Landing's car park

If you’re off to see Victorian Claife Viewing Station, then this is the place to park. You can also use it as a starting point for walks along the west shore of Windermere. 

Fell Foot's car park

Fell Foot is a park at the foot of Windermere with grassy slopes flowing right down to the water. It’s perfect for a family day out.

Harrowslack's car park

This is a popular place on sunny days thanks to its position close to the lake, with gentle strolls and bike rides available nearby. The road to it is single-track, so take care. 

Red Nab's car park

Right in between Claife Viewing Station and Wray Castle, Red Nab car park on gives you the option of gentle walks to either attraction. Or head up Latterbarrow right behind you for amazing views of Windermere! 

Stagshaw Garden's car park

This hidden gem near Windermere has its own little car park where you could spend a pleasant and peaceful half hour wandering amongst the flowers. The shows are best during spring when the colourful azaleas put on a riot of colour! 

Lake District parking FAQs