3/4 Day Trip - London to Lake District (Car/Train/Both?)

I'd drive. Public transport isn't necessarily the norm in Europe, particularly outside of the big cities. People in the UK prefer to drive than to get the bus. London is very well catered for public transport wise but the rest of the country is more hit and miss, especially the more rural areas. Your sister doesn't drive and she's been spoilt in respect of public transport in London and I would suggest that her opinion has been skewed by this. Driving in the Lake District will be so much more convenient, you'll see more and be able to take things at your pace (in particular the needs of the young children).

Driving from London to the Lake District will involve several hours on very busy motorways = 3 lanes each way. (The Brit version of interstates). If you wish to go by train, pre-book about 11 weeks in advance specific trains in order to get the lowest prices. www.nationalrail.co.uk is the best site for finding train times & fares. You will be going from London Euston (EUS) and your destination will be Windermere or Penrith - you would beed to check where you can get car /minibus hire. Alternatively, use buses in the Lake District - but best to drive yourself as these may be few and far between. Alternatively, google for a private mini bus hire including driver. If using trains - pre-book with the train company at www.virgintrains.co.uk
You can discounts for group travel:> https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/tickets/your-ticket/group-travel

You may also like to consider taking a day trip by train to Edinburgh - which is most easily done from Penrith or failing that, Oxenholm.
For local buses:> www.traveline.info

‘A’ roads in there Lake District are generally good. If you go on unclassified roads be prepared! See this about the Hardknott Pass:> http://www.visitcumbria.com/wc/hardknott-pass/

If you think that you can handle these types of roads, hire a car:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugYgXTOMVjw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8uHFMQ33OI

I'm not sure where you got the impression that public transport is the norm in Europe - most people prefer to drive unless they are just travelling between major cities.

Your main issue is going to be the size of your party plus all their luggage - you will need to hire a people carrier (don't ask for a van as this will get you a commercial vehicle with no windows) plus, if you were to hire, where you would pick up the vehicle.

Although you could get to the Lakes by train, for a group of 8, driving would be easier. It's probably a 6 hour drive in practice. Certainly having a vehicle to get around would be beneficial. Work out the cost by doing dummy bookings of both train and vehicle hire. Unleaded petrol is currently between 116 and 125p per litre and diesel is between 117 and 127 p - more expensive at motorway filling stations.

Everyone on this forum seems almost without exception to stay in Keswick, but that's because few drive. It's a bigger place, but certainly wouldn't be my choice. I like Grasmere, Hawshead, Eskdale if you want rural Lake District or just outside the Park itself, Cartmel, a gorgeous village with a Priory, great tea shops and a microbrewery. The latter two places would be my choice.

I you are relying on public transport, stay in Kendal, Ambleside or Keswick.

Thank you JC, James, Harley and Jennifer! I will definitely prefer to drive myself - I can handle roads similar to that in the video.
James - We are doing a separate trip to Edinburgh and highlands later.

I will have to check which is a more cost efficient option (still prefer spending extra for convenience). Renting/Hiring in London or taking the train and hiring the minibus in Windermere/Penrith (I'm guessing I'll have more options in London).

Hi Nikhil,
I've driven to the Lake District from London many times...it's about a 4.5 - 5 hour drive if you get an early start and are going to Keswick, which is where we always stay.
I've done the Lake District both with public transport and with a car over many separate trips. Here's my 2 cents.
The buses in the Lakes are quite good and run frequently to most areas you will want to visit. The only thing is that they stop running frequently after about 5 or 6 o'clock in the afternoon since they exist primarily to service people who live there.
Cars, obviously, let you move around on your own schedule. With that many people though you will need a very large vehicle. Although the roads in the area are in great shape they can be VERY narrow in places. There are spots where there are dry-stacked stone walls on both sides of the road. If you meet a truck or other large vehicle it is a bit tight! In the rural parts you have to watch out for sheep in the road but I LOVE that! If you are comfortable with all of that though I would recommend using a car...there are some stunning places you can get to where buses don't run.
The drive up and back to the Lake District from London isn't bad at all. We like to stop in York for lunch. They have a great park and ride system that is easy to navigate. Once we stopped off at Fountains Abbey on the way home for a couple of hours. There are plenty of other places to stop along the way if you have your own vehicle.
Have fun planning!

Thank You, Anita! This is helpful.

I have the same concerns about running into situations where it may become difficult to manoeuvre a large vehicle.
For everything, else car sounds like a much more flexible option. Did you see any large vehicles (minibuses) when you visited or, are these very rare?

Which option do large groups prefer (for someone who has been in a similar situation)?

-
Nikhil

Wondering how well you would do taking the UK driving theory test:
https://www.gov.uk/take-practice-theory-test

I failed. 40/50. I guess I will pass it after going through some literature on driving in UK. But this was helpful. Thanks!
Can you tell me where can I read about the traffic rules in UK?