The Lake District Explorer
002334R-20
Explore the areas that were written about in poems and painted in pictures. Follow the footsteps of paper and canvas artists as you travel through inspiring scenery and visit the homestead of a famous English poet.
- Explore the ancient ruins of Penrith Castle
- Take as many photographs as you can at ‘England’s most beautiful lake’, Ullswater
- Relax in the market town of Keswick
- Stare in wonder at the views on an optional boat trip, Lake Windermere
- Wander around the cosy village of Hawkeshead
- Jump into the world of William Wordsmith at his Dove Cottage and Daffodil Garden
- Set your sights on sweepings views from atop the Whinlatter Pass
- Learn about the slate mines at the Honister Mountain Pass
Group Size: Max. 16
Tour Code:
002334R-20
You depart London Euston Station and head north to the historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith. Here you have the chance to enjoy lunch and explore the imposing ruins of Penrith Castle. This uniquely coloured castle played a key role in defending the border from invading Scots.
After lunch we enter the Lake District National Park and travel along the northern shores of Ullswater. This lake is often described as England’s most beautiful lake, and it’s here we give you the chance to take a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force waterfall.
You then travel towards Keswick, stopping outside the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and once a lively hub of ancient pagan rituals.
You have a short journey into the lively market town of Keswick where you’re dropped off at your accommodation and free to explore the charming town.
(During July/early August this tour may stay in Windermere).
Note: This tour can also depart from Edinburgh, heading south through the Scottish Borders and the Galloway Hills to the Victorian spa town of Moffat.
After breakfast, you take in views of Ullswater Lake as we head along country roads to its southern shores.
You continue further south and travel over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass towards the lovely Lake Windermere. Here you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or eat lunch while enjoying sublime views of the surrounding scenery.
After lunch you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water. Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkeshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School.
After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”.
There’s free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick.
We pick you up from your accommodation and head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer.
You journey along winding lanes, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, and towards the Honister Mountain Pass.
Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to visit old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.
After refreshments, you continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there’s free time for lunch and shopping.
Once you’ve eaten lunch, you head towards Penrith station. Your guide will drop you off at the station, where you catch your train back to London Euston Station.
Note: If you’re departing from Edinburgh, you will begin your journey back to Edinburgh after lunch.
- Transport in an air-conditioned, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Two nights of accommodation
- Breakfast at Bed & Breakfast accommodation
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- 2nd class return Virgin Rail travel from London Euston to Penrith Station
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
- Gratuities to driver-guide
- Meals not indicated
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
You may get a little poetic in the Lake District. The lakes are so lovely, you’ll concoct verses about their beauty. William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage is so fascinating, you’ll be inspired to rhyme about the 19th century lifestyle. And the mountains are so magnificent you’ll get lyrical about their rugged peaks and soothing slopes. This tour includes a return train journey from London Euston to Penrith. And on arrival in Penrith, your driver-guide meets you and takes you through the best of the Lake District. Take this tour and discover why this delightful area inspired England’s greatest poets and writers.
Places you’ll Explore:
Ullswater – Explore the beautiful shores of the second largest lake in the English Lake Country
Aira Force Waterfall – Cross a stone bridge and arrive at a magnificent waterfall
Castlerigg Stone Circle – Gaze upon the panoramic views and the mountains from the site known as a miniature Stonehenge
Lake Windermere – Wander the shores of this beautiful lake, or go for a cruise on its waters
Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage – Take a look at this pristine cottage where the famous poet, William Wordsworth lived and composed his prose
Derwent Water – May the force be with you on your journey to this lake that was a filming location for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Honister Pass – Journey through one of the highest passes in the region and enjoy the views from the top
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.
