The Lake District Explorer

( 5 Star )

Visit: Ullswater - Aira Force Waterfall - Castlerigg Stone Circle - Lake Windermere - Derwent Water

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

Duration: 3-Day Tour (11.00-18.30 hours) Schedule: Every Wednesday (01/05/19-30/10/19) AND every Saturday (04/05/19-28/03/20) The Lake District is where you see the top ten tallest mountains in England. It’s where you discover the deepest lake in the country. And it’s where you can visit 1,779 listed buildings and 16,510 archaeological sites. For a place that’s famous for its poetry and quaint cottages, it certainly boasts some of England’s biggest and most brilliant destinations. On this trip, you take the train from Manchester and head straight there. You learn about the poetry of Wordsworth, admire the serene views over Lake Windermere and Derwent Water, and wander through market towns collecting stories and photos as you go. Join this tour and experience the best of the Lake District.

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 You collect your train ticket at the station and travel from Manchester to Penrith. After arriving in Penrith and meeting your Guide, 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 stays in Windermere).

Stare in wonder at the views on an optional boat trip, Lake Windermere Wander around the cosy village of Hawkshead Enjoy the peace of the Wordsworth Memorial Daffodill Garden 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 enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. And there's Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread shop you have to visit to try the best gingerbread in the world. In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick.

Set your sights on sweepings views from atop the Whinlatter Pass Learn about the slate mines at the Honister Mountain Pass 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 begin your return journey, heading towards Penrith where you join your comfortable train for your journey back to Manchester or Manchester Airport.

Inclusion

Transportation by a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach Air conditioning as standard The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide 2nd class return rail travel from Manchester Airport Railway Station or Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station

Exclusion

Entry fees to visitor attractions Optional activities Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program Personal equipment Travel insurance Gratuities Voluntary tips for guides or drivers Travel and medical insurance Any items not mentioned as included

Note

Tours depart from Manchester Tours departs on dates as specified except (17/07/19) Accommodation upgrade to 3 star property is available on request Child supplement is available on request All Tours are operated on mini and midi-coaches and with very experienced driver-guides. Luggage - You’re restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items. Important information - Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes