Car parks near the Borrowdale Valley

Published:: 17 February 2025

A family return to their car after a winter walk in the Lake District. Two children sit in the open boot of the car as they remove their muddy boots with the help of two adults. — Visitors return to their car after a family day out in Buttermere | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The traditional farming landscape, lake side walks and fell walking haven that surrounds Buttermere, Crummock water and Loweswater makes the area a favourite spot for a Lakeland adventure. Three nearby National Trust car parks are the ideal starting point for a care free day out. Find out parking costs and how to find each of the car parks.

How much does it cost to park in the Buttermere Valley?

National Trust members can scan to park for free, but if you’re not a member don't forget some change as due to our rural location there is very limited mobile signal which means we can't take card or phone payment in all the car parks.

Every scan and every penny directly funds our work in the valley to care for wildlife, walls, paths, cottages and farms.

£5 up to 2 hours
£7 up to 4 hours
£8.50 all day

Charges apply at all times.

Pay by phone in our car parks

If you don't often carry cash with you, many of our car parks have the option to pay by phone. To do this, you must first download the app to your phone which then allows you to pay for your parking remotely. You can find more information and download the app here: Pay by Phone

We recommend dowloading before you head out in case connection is poor on location.

Check car parking availability in the Lake District

We're working with our partners in the Lake District to safely manage our car parks. You can find the most up to date information and a guide to how busy car parks are today using the Safer Lakes car park tool.

No Overnight Parking

We don't allow overnight parking due to the impact on nature and wildlife, staff resource and visitors. However, motorhomes and campervans are very welcome and well served at our campsites. You can find your nearest site here nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays. Click here to find out which of our campsites are open throughout winter: Winter camping and outdoor holidays.

Don't always believe the satnav

Please note that in rural locations post codes often cover a wide area so don't always believe the satnav; look for the signs.

Lanthwaite Wood National Trust car park

Park here for a half mile level walk to one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes looking right down Crummock Water to the fells beyond.

How to get to Lanthwaite Wood car park

Postcode: CA13 9UY
Grid ref: NY158207
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Buttermere National Trust car park

Choose from paths that take you around Buttermere itself or up to Scale Force before coming back for some food or a drink at one of the local pubs.

How to get to Lanthwaite Wood car park

Postcode: CA13 9UZ
Grid ref: NY172172
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Honister Pass National Trust car park

Our highest car park at 350m altitude is a good place to gain height before heading for the summits or to start a downhill walk and catch the bus back up. The car park is off the B5289, 9 miles from Keswick at the summit of Honister Pass between the Borrowdale and Buttermere valleys.

How to get to Honister Pass car park

Postcode: CA12 5XN
Grid ref: NY225135
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Parking in Buttermere

Roadside verges and laybyes in and around Buttermere are often used as parking for visitors looking to spend a day out hiking. At busy times, this causes access problems for people who live there including farmers and potentially emergency vehicles.

These road gets particular busy during the spring and summer months and bank holidays.

We are doing everything we can to find a solution for your parking needs, but in the meantime, we’d like to ask everyone to do what they can to help ease the pressure of parking in the valley.

Three ways you could help the parking at Buttermere

Ask: could a fire engine get past?
If you’re trying to park at Buttermere and you’re not confident a fire engine or tractor and trailer could easily pass, please find an alternative place to park. The National Trust car parks at Buttermere is nearby.
Plan ahead
Plan your trip ahead and arrive early for a better chance of accessing a local car park.
Go green
There are shuttle buses organised for the busiest times. Could you get the bus instead of bringing the car?
Check back for more information on dates and time later in the spring.