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Journey out, first leg
A good four hours of pure driving time, broken up by the stop in Bruges.
Keep passports and ferry tickets to hand — children need their own passport too.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
This is where your trip begins. It's best to set off early in the morning so the leg to the Channel coast stays relaxed.
A short stop in the old town of Bruges breaks up the drive nicely. Children enjoy the canal boat trips and the chips from the frituur, while you stretch your legs.
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A practical overnight stay close to the ferry port and the Eurotunnel, so you're well rested for tomorrow's crossing. The terminal is just a few minutes from here.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Ferry crossing and long leg
Switching from driving on the right to driving on the left takes concentration, so plan in breaks.
The M6 around Birmingham can get congested; it's usually quieter around midday or early afternoon.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
The crossing with DFDS or P&O Ferries takes around 90 minutes. It's an experience for the children: seagulls, the open deck and the first sight of the white cliffs of Dover.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
An overnight stop south of Manchester, so the long stretch from Dover splits into two manageable legs. This keeps your time behind the wheel under the desired limit.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Settling into your base, first glimpse of Derwentwater
A short driving leg, then plenty of time to arrive and explore the area.
Keswick has supermarkets for your first shop, so the cottage kitchen is well stocked.
Your fixed base for the next nine nights in Keswick, the ideal starting point for Derwentwater, Catbells and Buttermere. Through providers such as Lakes Cottage Holidays or Sally's Cottages you'll find family-friendly houses with a garden and kitchen. From here, everything on your list is within easy reach by short drives.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
In the afternoon, take a first stroll along the shore of Derwentwater, right on the doorstep of Keswick. The flat lakeside path near Friar's Crag offers one of the finest lake views in the region and is easy going for children.
First proper walk and time on the water
Sturdy shoes for Catbells — it's rocky at the top.
The rock becomes slippery when wet, so it's best to stick to the lower section then.
The climb up Catbells is the classic choice for families: a manageable summit with wide views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. The path is steep but short, and children get to enjoy a genuine summit moment.
The Keswick Launch excursion boat circles Derwentwater, calling at several jetties, including one at the foot of Catbells. This lets you combine a walk and a boat trip neatly, covering part of the route by water.
Easy lakeside circular walk
The circuit is flat and well suited to tired little legs.
It's best to park in Buttermere itself, as the small car parks fill up quickly in the morning.
The flat circular walk around Buttermere is one of the finest easy walks in the Lake District, around four and a half miles almost level along the shore. A short rock tunnel, clear water and mountain backdrop make it a family favourite.
A little break in the village of Buttermere with homemade cake and soup, perfect after the walk. Sitting outside, the children can watch the sheep grazing nearby.
Steamer trip and waterfall
Aira Force and the steamer combine well into a single day.
Check the timetable in advance for the steamer trip and secure your tickets.
Aira Force tumbles more than twenty metres through a wooded gorge, reached via well-kept paths and stone bridges. A short, varied walk that children enjoy, with its bridges and thundering water.
The historic steamers of Ullswater Steamers sail from Glenridding across the region's second-largest lake. A leisurely trip with views of the surrounding fells, often with the option of walking between one of the landing stages.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Short distances, some relaxation, a touch of history
A deliberately quieter day at the halfway point, with no long drives.
Keswick has a weekly market and plenty of cafés for a relaxed wander.
A stone circle around 4000 years old, set on a hilltop with all-round views of the mountains. Free to visit and a good place to talk to the children about the people of the Stone Age.
The small Pencil Museum tells the story of how the pencil was invented in Keswick, complete with the world's longest colouring pencil and hands-on activities. A charming fallback for a rainy day that children enjoy.
Villages, poetry and lake views
All three places lie along the same road, so the drives between them are short.
Ambleside has paid, level parking spaces in the village.
The village of Grasmere is inseparably linked with the poet William Wordsworth. At Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread you can try the famous Grasmere Gingerbread, and a short lakeside walk rounds off the visit nicely.
Between Grasmere and Ambleside lies the small Rydal Water, with an easy lakeside path and a small cave that children love to explore. A lovely addition along the way.
The lively town of Ambleside on the northern shore of Windermere invites you to stroll around. The tiny Bridge House over a stream is a popular photo spot, and there are plenty of ice cream shops and outdoor stores.
The region's largest lake
Bowness is the most touristy spot on the trip, so it pays to get there early.
If you want to swim, quieter spots along the shore can be found at Fell Foot at the southern end.
Bowness is the bustling landing point on Windermere, England's largest natural lake. This is where the excursion boats depart, and the World of Beatrix Potter attraction delights younger children.
A round trip on Windermere reveals the wooded shores and lakeside villas from the water. Boats run frequently, and you can choose between shorter and longer tours.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
History and a mountain road, approached with respect
This is the longest day's drive of the trip, but it's packed with variety.
The roads in Eskdale are narrow in places, but easier to drive than the eastern approach to Hardknott. Take it easy and use the passing places.
At the foot of the notorious Hardknott Pass lie the ruins of a Roman fort with sweeping views over Eskdale. The narrow pass road itself is considered one of the steepest in England — you can take it in and experience the history without having to drive the toughest section.
The narrow-gauge steam railway, affectionately known as La'al Ratty, chugs through Eskdale between Ravenglass and Dalegarth. A relaxed alternative to driving the pass, and a highlight for children.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Journey south
This leg is longer than the usual day's drive, so set off early and take frequent breaks.
If you'd prefer a gentler pace, you can plan an additional overnight stop in the Midlands.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
A final short morning walk to the Friar's Crag viewpoint on Derwentwater, before heading south again. A peaceful farewell with perhaps the finest lake view in the region.
An overnight stay in south-east England, so you can reach the ferry to Dover in a relaxed manner tomorrow. The coast is just a short drive from here.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Ferry crossing and journey home
Keep your passports to hand again for border control.
The final driving leg is around four to four and a half hours, so plan in a break.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
The return crossing over the Channel from Dover to Calais again takes around 90 minutes. One last look at the sea, then it's on across the mainland towards home.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The end of your round trip: you're back home in Cologne, with plenty of lakes, walks and boat trips in your memories.
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