Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise
5.0 / 5 · 184 traveler reviews
Best full-day tour for scenery. This is a stress free, easy way to see a lot of the Lake District in a day without feeling rushed. You have time during the day to soak up the views and even paddle in a lake if you are brave enough. It is a great way for getting an overview of the Lake District, its culture, history and of course, its amazing scenery. If you come to the lakes, you should see it from a boat so you also have an included lake cruise, unique to this tour only. You will get plenty of variety, see magnificent scenery, eat gingerbread and get all the facts, figures and fascinating stories from our friendly, knowledgeable guides and drivers who know the area well. Travelling in a comfy mini-van with air con, Wi-Fi & phone charging ports as one of only 6/7 passengers you will find it is easy to ask questions and join in the conversation (if you want to). There are lots of stops for photos and fresh air. It is a great day out and we can't wait to share it with to you.
Your experience
Stop 1
You won’t be able to miss this one, England’s largest and most visited lake, it rarely fails to impress. Named after a Norse hero, Windermere is the most famous of them all and has had an almost magnetic pull for nearly all visitors to the area for the past 300 years or so. From its rocky inlets, secluded bays, grassy banks and wooded heights, to the northern skyline, indented with volcanic peaks, the southern shore heavily wooded with broadleaf trees, Windermere is what most people imagine the Lake District to look like. Keep listening to your guide and you will hear how it was created, what the Romans did here, the arctic fish who made the lake its home, things about boats and why the local “boggle” stopped the ferry running at night time.
Stop 2
This small body of water may once have been connected to the bigger Ullswater lake situated further down this valley which is filled with dramatic scenery. Around the western shore the path dips under the canopy of some of the oldest oak woodland in the Lake District but, as you will find out, it is the tragic tale of two brothers which gives this little scoop of water its romantic name.
Stop 3
At almost eight miles, this is the second longest of the lakes, with a dramatic serpentine shape overlooked by soaring fells, none higher than the challenging reaches of Helvellyn. The leafy shores are stippled with woods of oak, birch and hazel – one of the best examples of pre-plantation Lakeland scenery. As you will see, this is a special place to be. William Wordsworth declared Ullswater “the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur, which any of the Lakes affords” and who are we to argue with that? You don’t have to take his word for it though, you can decide for yourself on the included boat cruise down the lake. Here 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.
Stop 4
Shimmering and sparkling just south of the market town of Keswick, you will find Derwentwater. Studded with islands and craggy fells, this is undoubtably one of our prettiest lakes. Known as “the Queen” of the English Lakes, your drive along the shoreline you will glimpse the evocatively named Cat Bells and gaze towards the dramatic Jaws of Borrowdale. You will hear tales of hermits, hedgehogs, squirrels and mock sea battles, all part of the history and folklore of this enchanting lake.
Stop 5
You can tell from the meaning of the name, “the lake by the dairy pastures” that Buttermere is something special. Even by the high standards of the Lake District, you will find the scenery around here breathtaking. Ringed by crags and peaks, Buttermere is surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the Lakes which is why this perfect little lake was known to the early tourists as “the quintessence of natural beauty”. When you see it, you will understand why - even in the rain!
Stop 6
Way back in the ancient geological past, this lake was connected to Buttermere but since then, they have been separated by a narrow half mile strip of lush, green meadowland. Crummock Water is almost twice as long and half as deep again than her sibling body of water with fewer visitors and a more tranquil feel. The name of this quiet haven is derived from the Celtic language meaning crooked or bent lake, and you will be able to judge for yourself how accurate that description is when you stop here for a few moments to soak up the atmosphere, take in the splendid views and capture those unmissable photos.
Stop 7
From the viewpoint of Surprise View, you will see Bassenthwaite sparkling in the distance. Later in the day, you will get closer for a photo stop looking down on impressive views of the lake and its surrounding scenery. This is the northernmost of the major stretches of water with its shoreline being the best protected in the National Park due to its rich variety of plants and animals. More than seventy species of bird and wildfowl winter and breed here, including magnificent ospreys. This is also one of the very few places in Britain where the vendace, a nine-inch fish related to other Arctic species, is found.
Stop 8
As you will travel south, along the shores of the attractive, tree-fringed expanse of water at Thirlmere, you will hear the sad tale of the villages of Armboth and Wythburn, now lost, deep below these waters. The story is a fascinating one of wealth, industry and the might of the City of Manchester who crushed the rural lifestyle of these unfortunate villagers in the nineteenth century. Beautiful and tranquil, Thirlmere is backed by the mighty Helvellyn, once a favourite walking spot for Wordsworth and his friends. It is also a place of legend with tales of hauntings and big scary spectral black dogs. Good job you are safe in the van and we aren’t visiting after dark!
Stop 9
Cradled snugly in the Vale of Grasmere lies the lake of the same name, ringed almost completely by shapely fells and forever associated with the poet William Wordsworth. As we look out over the water, you will discover that it was here William, his sister Dorothy and brother John would spent lazy days swimming and fishing for pike. They would row out to the island for summer picknicks and walk its shores soaking up the sounds and sights, lying in the grass listening to the wind in the trees and marvelling at the echoes of a bird calling, its voice carrying on the wind. Today, you will still see people wild swimming and colourful row boats bobbing along. Things haven’t changed too much around here.
Stop 10
You will get great views from the road of this reedy little lake, one of the prettiest on a summer’s morning and even on a frosty winter’s day. Tinged in shades of gold and orange on a misty day in the fall, this is a lake to take your breath away. Smaller than its neighbour at just ¾ mile long, ¼ mile wide and 50ft deep, it was a great favourite of the Wordsworth family and for this reason it is usually mentioned in the same breath as Grasmere. Driving along the shore, you will need to pay attention as we pass the rocky knoll with its steps leading up to Wordsworth’s seat, reputedly his favourite place to sit and gaze upon the water, overlooking this often glass-like lake and its shores. Rydal water was originally called “Rothaymere” meaning “the lake in the valley where the rye is grown” and it has a flourishing population of wildfowl. Gulls roost along the shoreline and if you are really lucky, you may spot red squirrels in the larches or the native Herdwick sheep in the pastures.
Stop 11
You won’t get many views better than this. Perched high on an oak-lined cliff edge you will enjoy one of the best views in the Lake District. Surprise View is an absolute gem and offers stunning panoramic views across Derwent Water to the Skiddaw mountain range, Borrowdale Valley, the town of Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake, the Solway and even the distant shores of Scotland (on a good day). The photo opportunities are fabulous!
Stop 12
Taking a well-hidden single-track road, you will climb steeply for half a mile up to an old dry-stone packhorse bridge. One of the most photographed locations in the Lake District, Ashness Bridge with its fast flowing, tumbling stream looks out across Derwentwater to the towering peaks of Skiddaw rising above the town of Keswick is a “must do” photo stop.
What’s included
- Relaxed and friendly small-group tour of no more than 7 guests
- Comfortable minivans with air-conditioning, WiFi and charging points for most mobile devices
- Regular photo / refreshment / comfort stops
- Professional Guides share their expertise of all the fascinating facts and stories in English
- 1 hour cruise on Ullswater Lake included
- Departure and return to convenient, centrally located meeting points
- All entrance fees for locations on the itinerary are included
Not included
- Lunch
Meeting and pickup
If you have selected this option, your driver or guide will meet you outside of Oxenholme Railway Station ticket office on the Southbound side. Postcode: LA9 7HF What3Words: ///daily.slate.rift They will be wearing an orange or black coat printed with our "EnglishLakesTours.com" logo
If you have selected this option, your driver or guide will meet you outside of Ambleside Library on Kelsick Road. Postcode: LA22 0BZ What3Words: ///treaty.courier.constants They will be wearing an orange or black coat printed with our "EnglishLakesTours.com" logo
If you have selected this option, your driver or guide will meet you outside of Windermere Lake Cruises ticket office, in the pull-in area. Postcode: LA23 3HQ What3Words: ///upsetting.sport.mash They will be wearing an orange or black coat printed with our "EnglishLakesTours.com" logo
If you have selected this option, your driver or guide will meet you outside of Windermere Railway Station ticket office. Postcode: LA23 1AH What3Words: ///spreading.inflame.removes They will be wearing an orange or black coat printed with our "EnglishLakesTours.com" logo.
Before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The time of pickup from Oxenholme train station is timed to meet the first train heading towards Glasgow from London Euston on Mondays to Saturdays
- The English Lake District weather can change quickly, even in the summer months. Please bring a waterproof coat with a hood in case of rain or windy weather
- As there is a little walking involved on the tour, some uphill and on uneven or wet terrain, please wear suitable, comfortable shoes
- No Children under the age of 7 can travel on this tour
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- All passengers, including children of any age, must have a seat purchased for them
- We will collect you from the departure point linked to your chosen option. Please do not change to a different departure point without informing us in advance as we don't automatically go to every departure point. If we don't know you have changed your departure point we may not pick you up for the tour!
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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