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Lake DistrictLiterary activities

Our most recommended Lake District, Cumbria Literary activities

From Manchester: Lake District and Windermere

1. From Manchester: Lake District and Windermere

You leave manic Manchester behind and head straight for the lovely Lake District. Your first stop of the day is at Bowness that sits on the shores of Windermere. You have time here to take a leisurely cruise upon the lake and admire the sublime views of the landscapes. You travel around the southern tip of Windermere and towards Coniston Water. You enjoy the views of this body of water before arriving in the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead. This is where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, a place Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There's free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. We then take in spectacular views of Ullswater Lake as we head along country roads to its southern shores before returning to Manchester in the early evening.

Lake District: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour

2. Lake District: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour

The Lake District is renowned for being the most beautiful corner of England and this full-day tour introduces you to just that; magnificent scenery of mountains, valleys and lakes from the south to the north. From within the circle, get picture-perfect views of some of the Lake District’s highest peaks. Travel over the famous Kirkstone and Honister passes whilst enjoying some spectacular mountain scenery. From beautiful valleys to waterfalls and traditional Lakeland villages, enjoy plenty of stops for admiring the views and taking photographs.  Eat lunch at the market town of Keswick, where you can try a typical pub lunch, or seek out a charming restaurant. Get the chance to stretch your legs at either the magnificent lake of Derwent water or Ullswater, where you can see the tranquility of the Lake.

From Liverpool: Lake District Tour

3. From Liverpool: Lake District Tour

You will start the Lake District tour at the medieval village of Hawkshead, famous for its connection with Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. You will have time here to explore the cobbled alleys and get something to eat, from shops to cafe's, galleries and so much more. It's a beautiful village and a highlight of the tour. William Wordsworth's old Grammar School can also be found here, along with St Michael and All Angels Church which overlooks the village of Hawkshead. Enjoy the scenic views of the Lake District. Make your way back to Coniston, famous for its links with Arthur Ransome, John Ruskin and the Bluebird Water Speed record. Take in the stunning scenery and look out for Brantwood, the former home of social reformer and art critic John Ruskin. As your Lake District tour comes to an end, you will then continue your journey back to Liverpool.

From London: Lake District Tour with Cream Tea & Cruise

4. From London: Lake District Tour with Cream Tea & Cruise

Head to London Euston station to enjoy a relaxing train journey to Oxenholme in the spectacular Lake District National Park. On arrival at Oxenholme you will be met by a local guide, who will take you on your tour of the Lake District. This tour is the ideal way to explore the best of the Lake District, which is famous for its Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth connections.  Enter the National Park and travel north alongside Lake Windermere to the medieval village of Hawkshead. Explore this fascinating village where Wordsworth went to school. Continue on towards the renowned beauty spot of Tarn Hows for a photo stop before driving through Yewdale, passing Yew Tree Tarn, used in the film Miss Potter. Next journey into the famous mountainous valleys of the Langdales, which have been carved by glaciers to form spectacular u-shaped valleys. Arriving at the lakeside village of Waterhead you will join a lake cruise on England’s largest lake, Windermere, and sit back and enjoy the views of the Lakeland Fells (local word for mountains). Arriving at Bowness Bay, enjoy a cream tea at the Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, once owned by Beatrix Potter. You will then be taken back to Oxenholme Station for the train back to London.

Ultimate Lake District Tour Visiting 10 Lakes

5. Ultimate Lake District Tour Visiting 10 Lakes

Your day starts with a climb, all the way up to the Kirkstone Pass Inn for a stop to take in the views back down the valley right the way down to Lake Windermere and Ambleside. From here the road plunges down into the Kirkstone Pass and descends down to Brothers Water. As you arrive at the village of Glenridding, you join a 1-hour cruise on Ullswater to relax and see the stunning fells as the boat cruises the full length of the lake. You then leave Ullswater and head north and west towards Castlerigg. Castlerigg Stone Circle stands on a superb natural plateau commanding a superb 360 degree view over the surrounding fells. Made up of 38 free standing stones, some up to 3 metres (10 feet) high, it is one of Britain's earliest stone circles dating back to the Neolithic period 4000 to 5000 years ago. Your journey now takes you a short distance to the head of Derwentwater where you stop at Lakeside near Keswick, for lunch. You then travel to 'Surprise View', one of the most stunning viewpoints in the Lake District. The road now rises higher as you climb the fell to the Honister Slate Mine at the head of the pass. You have a brief stop here. You now descend slowly down the steep track as it twists and turns into the Honister Pass and on to Buttermere. Buttermere could not be more of a contrast to the magnificent yet hard scenery of Honister. You are now entering the Vale of Lorton, one of the lushest and prettiest parts of the Northern Lakes. The spectacular scenery continues as you move along the shore of Crummock Water with unparalleled views and also the site of an ancient battle. From here the scenery softens and the fells decline into hills. You now take the road which will bring you into the Whinlatter Pass, your third mountain pass on this tour. The pass winds through Whinlatter Forest. Then on to the Whinlatter Viewpoint where you will stop again to allow you to admire the magnificent views of Bassenthwaite. You now head back towards Keswick and start the journey down towards Ambleside. On the way you will pass Thirlmere, and at the foot of the water, you then head back along your fourth, and last, mountain pass of Dunmail Raise. You pass Grasmere village to drive along the shores of Grasmere, your ninth lake. The road winds along the shore until you come to Rydal Water, your tenth and final lake.

From Manchester: Lake District Sightseeing Day Trip

6. From Manchester: Lake District Sightseeing Day Trip

The tour departs from Manchester Airport and bypasses the city heading into the luscious surrounding countryside. Admire the views as you travel to the UK’s largest national park, the Lake District, stopping at the underground Rheged Discovery Center along the way. During the partially narrated 2-hour journey to the Lake District, the tour also stops by the famous Castlerigg Neolithic Stone Circle where you can feel ancient mythical energy flowing around you. Continue on to Grasmere Village, which boasts an array of beautiful 19th century architecture as well as the grave of well-known poet William Wordsworth. Afterwards, let your nose lead the way to Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop, where you can taste a selection of traditional sweet treats from the region. After you have filled up on gingerbread, it is time to explore the national park and navigate through the Langdales, also known as “Little Switzerland”. As you wander around the park, marvel at the breath-taking views that sprawl across the landscape, which offers some of the most dramatic and diverse scenery in the UK. Throughout the tour there is plenty of stops both on and off the bus to make the most of your trip to the Lake District. One of the highlights of the day includes an amble around Blea Tarn before a stop at Ambleside where you can get lost in the maze of twisting streets or shop at a selection of picturesque stores.

Lake District 3-Day Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

7. Lake District 3-Day Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1 Depart Edinburgh and head south through the Scottish Borders. Take in the gorgeous rolling expanses of the Galloway Hills and Southern Uplands as you travel to the first stop of the day, the Victorian spa town of Moffat. From Moffat you’ll continue south over the border into England and head to the historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith. Enjoy lunch and explore the imposing ruins of Penrith Castle. After lunch you'll enter the Lake District National Park and travel along the northern shores of Ullswater. Often described as England’s most beautiful lake, it’s here you’ll enjoy a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force Waterfall. Continue 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 hub of ancient pagan rituals. Head into the lively market town of Keswick where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, with free time to explore the charming town. Note that in July and early August your accommodation may be in Windermere. Day 2 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 Hawkshead, 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, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick. Day 3 You’ll be picked up at your accommodation and head to the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer. The drive takes you along winding lanes, through the rural village of High Lorton, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere and toward the Honister Mountain Pass. Stopping in the mountains, you’ll have the opportunity to visit old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. After refreshments, the drive continues through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there will be free time for lunch and shopping. After lunch, you’ll begin the return journey, heading toward Penrith and north to the border. After crossing into Scotland you’ll stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From there it’s a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills back to Edinburgh.

Lake District: 3-Day Small Group Tour from Manchester

8. Lake District: 3-Day Small Group Tour from Manchester

Day 1: Leaving Manchester, we drive north into Lake District National Park and head to one of the most popular towns in the Lake District, Ambleside, hugged by some of England’s finest scenery. Here you’ll have time to explore and grab a bite to eat. We then drive to Kirkstone Pass for some photos. This is the Lake District’s highest pass that is open to motor traffic, and you’ll just love the views. Next up we journey along the 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. The final stop of the day is another incredible view as we take you to Friar’s Crag, an amazing promontory that overlooks the lake of Derwentwater. 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. Day 2: Your first stop of the day really is one of wonder. The mysterious Castlerigg standing stones were thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and were once a lively hub of ancient pagan rituals. After exploring the past, you take the narrow country lanes towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’. There’s free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. Time for lunch in Bowness-on-Windermere, a town sitting snuggly alongside Lake Windermere. This area is filled with adorable villages and surrounded by beautiful scenery. Enjoy a boat cruise on the lake, a truly wonderful way to take in the sights. That afternoon you continue to explore this wonderful region, including a stop at Langdale Boulders where you might spot some prehistoric rock art. After a stop in the cosy village of Hawkshead, you return to Keswick in the early evening. Day 3: There’s still plenty of adventure to be had today. We pick you up from your accommodation and head for Moss Force Waterfall. The views will take your breath away. 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 see old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. Next up is something that will stop you in your tracks. The enormous Bowder Stone fell 200 metres from the Bowder Crag more than 10,000 years ago. The stone is an estimated 2,000 tonnes, around 9 metres high and 15 metres in diameter. Imagine the sound it would have made upon impact. You head back into Keswick for a nice bite to eat before heading to the lovely shores of Ullswater for a walk. Your last big stop of the day is in the market town of Kendal. Here you have time to explore and enjoy the cobbled streets and heritage to be found. From here you return to Manchester.

Half-Day Tour of Beatrix Potter Country and Places

9. Half-Day Tour of Beatrix Potter Country and Places

Your tour starts with a visit to Wray Castle for spectacular scenery and lake views. This is the holiday home where Beatrix first visited and fell in love with the landscape and culture of the Lake District. You then visit Near Sawrey. This village features in many of her "little books" illustrations, the Tower Bank Arms is immediately recognisable as the place where Kep, the collie-dog goes looking for the two fox-hound puppies to rescue Jemima Puddle-duck. You will be amazed when you see it, exactly like it is in the book! Hill Top Farm was bought by Beatrix with the profits from publishing Peter Rabbit. She often visited Hill Top and wrote many more books here which were inspired by the people and the places around her in this beautiful part of England. Entrance to the gardens of Hill Top and the House are included in this tour. William Heelis was a solicitor who advised Beatrix about her land purchases. His offices were in Hawkshead village. Today, these offices house the Beatrix Potter Gallery where many of Beatrix's documents are kept, including the copy she made of her original Peter Rabbit letter. The gallery is not included in the tour. Your guide will take you on a short tour of the most picturesque village in the Lake District. Beatrix bought a lot of land in the Lake District and owned the beautiful spot of Tarn Hows, known as one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District. You have a photo opportunity here and then, after a short scenic drive, Coniston Water comes into view. Coniston Water is the third largest lake in the Lake District and is the straightest. You will have a short stop here to admire the view and see the famous fell of Coniston Old Man towering over the village and the lake - beautiful scenery which Beatrix knew well. Beatrix also owned a lot of farms in the area and as you travel down the Yewdale Valley back to Ambleside, you will see Yew Tree Farm, famous as a location in the film "Miss Potter".

From Chester: Lake District Tour

10. From Chester: Lake District Tour

Leaving Chester 3 times a week, this tour heads approximately 2 hours North to the Lake District via the M6 Motorway.  Your driver and guide will take you to the medieval village of Hawkshead, famous for its connection with Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Have time here to explore the cobbled alleys and get something to eat, wandering through shops, cafés, galleries, and so much more. It's a beautiful village, and a definite highlight of the tour. William Wordsworth's old Grammar School can also be found here, along with St. Michael and All Angels Church, which overlooks the village of Hawkshead. Explore some of the Lake District's most incredibly beautiful spots as you travel towards and through the Langdale Valley. When your Lake District tour comes to an end, you will be transported back to Chester.

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What people are saying about Lake District, Cumbria

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 258 reviews

The tour day was amazing! We felt like we learnt a lot about the history in Lake District. Our tour guide (Peter) made the experience so much better and he answers all the questions you ask which made us learn even more. The view was amazing and we never new that we would be able to see the amazing view of the surprise view. Thanks

Really great experience with lots of picturesque stops and the most amazing and entertaining guide Darren!

The whole trip was awesome. Best part of the trip was it covered all the main spot in a day.

Rabbies tour was excellent. James, our tour guide, was fantastic! Highly recommend!

great experience with excellent guides. would recommend