Major city · United Kingdom
Buttermere
Spend 1–2 days in Buttermere for lakeside walks and waterfalls; stay overnight in the village or nearby hostel.
Buttermere is a tiny lakeside village in the Lake District, sandwiched between Buttermere and Crummock Water and framed by Grasmoor and High Stile. The area is ideal for short hikes to Moss Force, Scale Force and surrounding fells. With a free bus to Cockermouth and easy road access, a single night lets you sample the scenery without a long drive.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short daylight, possible snow)
- Airport
- CAX
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Buttermere999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Buttermere, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetycheckThe village is safe; main risks are wet paths and changing mountain weather – wear sturdy boots and check forecasts.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police · 999 fire and ambulance · 111 Non‑emergency NHS
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckCAX Carlisle Airport (about 48 km (30 mi) north, shuttle or taxi needed (check schedules)).CAX Carlisle Airport (about 30 mi (48 km) north, shuttle or taxi needed (check schedules)).
- Getting aroundMost attractions are within walking distance; a free bus runs five return trips daily between Buttermere and Cockermouth.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee in a café£2–£3 (≈ US$3–4)
- Metro or bus rideBus ticket Cockermouth–Buttermerecheck times£0 (≈ under US$1) (free service)
- Budget bedYHA Black Sail dorm, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedBridge Hotel double, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedBridge Hotel double, a night, per room£150 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £70 (≈ US$95) · High £120 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CAX Carlisle Airport (about 48 km (30 mi) north, shuttle or taxi needed (check schedules))CAX Carlisle Airport (about 30 mi (48 km) north, shuttle or taxi needed (check schedules))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Buttermere: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Most attractions are within walking distance; a free bus runs five return trips daily between Buttermere and Cockermouth. Private car gives flexibility for farther fells.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cockermouth
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round trip
Free bus, about 15 min each way
Town centre, market and historic bridge; good for lunch.
Keswick
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 30 min
Bus to Cockermouth then local bus, total ≈45 min
Lake District hub, museums and shops.
Borrowdale
goDoor to door: ≈40 min
Drive or local taxi, about 20 min via B5289
Scenic valley with walks to St. Mary's Church and lakes.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Bridge Hotel
Village inn, rooms and restaurant, good base for walks
YHA Black Sail
Hostel in Ennerdale, budget dorms, 5 km (3.1 mi) walk to ButtermereHostel in Ennerdale, budget dorms, 3.1 mi (5 km) walk to Buttermere
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–£70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–£120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Bridge Hotel double1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £70 | £140 |
| Free bus ticket (round trip)2 × £0 · check schedule | £0 |
| eSIM data (7 days)2 × £10 · check provider | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £27 |
| Trip total≈ £149 per person per day, bed included | £297≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in GBP; flights and car hire excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee in a café | £2–£3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub meal (pie and chips) | £8–£12 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Bottle of water (500 ml) | £1–£1.5 (≈ US$2) |
| Bus ticket Cockermouth–Buttermerecheck times | £0 (≈ under US$1) (free service) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus service is limited to five return trips per day; plan around the timetable.
- Weather can change quickly on the fells; bring waterproof gear.
- Some paths (e.g., to the upper Moss Force) involve scrambling; assess ability.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 999
- Fire and ambulance
- 999
- Non‑emergency NHS
- 111
Pocket card
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ButtermereButtermere
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police999
- Ambulance / Fire999
- Non‑emergency NHS111
Embassy
UK consular services are in London; nearest regional office in Carlisle (check opening hours).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Free bus Cockermouth ↔ Buttermere: about £0 (≈ under US$1), 5 return services per day (check timetable)
- Taxi from Buttermere to Keswick: ≈ £30–£40, 20 min (check availability)
Say or show
- Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (sorry)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much is it?)
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet? (where is the toilet?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Buttermere. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short daylight, possible snow) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a car hire for flexible access to surrounding fells.
- Consider a guided waterfall walk if unfamiliar with scrambling.
Sources
Ask about Buttermere
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