Things to do in

Lake District

Discover the wonderful scenery of the Lake District on a guided tour from Manchester. Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Windermere, with visits to the charming villages of Bowness, Hawkshead, and Grasmere. Set off from Manchester and enjoy a comfortable ride to the Lake District. Your first stop of the day is at Bowness, which sits on the shores of Windermere. Board a leisurely cruise on the lake or wander around the town, which offers beautiful views. Then continue your journey down narrow country lanes towards Grasmere, a place Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found." Enjoy free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or soak up the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. Travel around the southern tip of Windermere and towards Coniston Water. Marvel at the views across the water before arriving in the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, the place where famous poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After exploring the cozy village, you return to Manchester in the early evening.

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.

The tour departs from Liverpool and drives out of the city heading north to connect to the M6 Motorway. Listen to a partially narrated journey as we head to Bowness on Windermere for our first views of one of the many Lakes that give this area its name. You will have the opportunity to hop on one of Windermere's boats (at own cost - but ticket from driver/guide) on a one way journey to Ambleside. On a pleasant day, use your time to shop for a picnic that we can have when we are in the open air of the Langdales. On colder, more overcast days, you can take lunch at Ambleside in one of the many eateries. On to the Langdales, we travel through Little Langdale to Blea Tarn where we spend time exploring the area. At the end of our walk, we head out through Great Langdale and on to the picturesque village of Grasmere. The final stop of the day, you can wander around and see why it has been voted England's most beautiful village on a number of occasions. You may wonder what that delicious aroma is and follw the scent to the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop like so may travellers who have been here before you!

Experience a day in the spectacular Lake District National Park with a cruise on England's largest lake Windermere, and a locally-sourced cream tea at the historic Lindeth Howe Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes that make the National Park so special. Lake cruise and cream tea included. Itinerary Departing Manchester we'll make our way towards the spectacular Lake District. On arrival enjoy some free-time in the lakeside town Bowness-on-Windermere. Explore the shops, cafes, and unrivaled views of the iconic lake. Windermere Lake Cruise: Relax on a beautiful lake cruise, taking in the panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding fells. Tarn Hows: After joining your driver-guide at Ambleside Pier you will make your way along the winding country roads to the tranquil Tarn Hows, an iconic spot known for its breathtaking views and connections to Beatrix Potter. The medieval village of Hawkshead: Explore the charming village of Hawkshead, famous for its connections to Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Here you can enjoy a pub lunch or some Grasmere Gingerbread which can be found in the village. Cream Tea: Afterward a scenic drive through the Cumbrian countryside we'll arrive at Lindeth Howe for cream tea. here you can warm yourself by the fire or admire the views out onto lake Windermere. This is only available until the 31st March 2025. Experience the timeless beauty and heritage of the Lake District, gaining insights from our expert guide and enjoying the unique opportunity to explore this iconic landscape up close. Attractions included: The tour includes a cruise on Lake Windermere and a locally-sourced cream tea collectively worth £20. From the April 1st 2025 - 31st October 2025 passengers will enjoy a Windermere Lake Cruise followed by a journey through Leven Valley at the southern end of Lake Windermere on a heritage Steam Train. Cream Tea is only available until the 31st march 2025.

Caernarfon included. We’ll stop in the historic seaside town of Conwy. You’ll have time to explore and take in the sights that make Conwy such a popular visitor destination. After a roam around the town, we’ll head off to explore the incredible Snowdonia National Park, they’ll be plenty of opportunities for photo stops and for you to really enjoy it. We'll journey onto Caernarfon Castle, this medieval fortress steeped in Wales' fascinating history, stands as a testament to the nation's rich past. Here, you'll have time to explore its towering walls and uncover the pivotal role it played in shaping the nations history. We then head to the charming Welsh village of Betws-y-Coed situated in the heart of the National Park. The village, which was once a place for pilgrims, became a hub for artist and authors who took inspiration form the scenery and landscapes that surround it. It’s a wonderful stop on the tour and a great place for some free time to explore.

Experience a day in the spectacular Lake District National Park with a cruise on England's largest lake Windermere, and a locally-sourced cream tea at the historic Lindeth Howe Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes that make the National Park so special. Lake cruise and cream tea included. Itinerary Departing Manchester we'll make our way towards the spectacular Lake District. On arrival enjoy some free-time in the lakeside town Bowness-on-Windermere. Explore the shops, cafes, and unrivaled views of the iconic lake. Windermere Lake Cruise: Relax on a beautiful lake cruise, taking in the panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding fells. Tarn Hows: After joining your driver-guide at Ambleside Pier you will make your way along the winding country roads to the tranquil Tarn Hows, an iconic spot known for its breathtaking views and connections to Beatrix Potter. The medieval village of Hawkshead: Explore the charming village of Hawkshead, famous for its connections to Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Here you can enjoy a pub lunch or some Grasmere Gingerbread which can be found in the village. Cream Tea: Afterward a scenic drive through the Cumbrian countryside we'll arrive at Lindeth Howe for cream tea. here you can warm yourself by the fire or admire the views out onto lake Windermere. This is only available until the 31st March 2025. Experience the timeless beauty and heritage of the Lake District, gaining insights from our expert guide and enjoying the unique opportunity to explore this iconic landscape up close. Attractions included: The tour includes a cruise on Lake Windermere and a locally-sourced cream tea collectively worth £20. From the April 1st 2025 - 31st October 2025 passengers will enjoy a Windermere Lake Cruise followed by a journey through Leven Valley at the southern end of Lake Windermere on a heritage Steam Train. Cream Tea is only available until the 31st march 2025.

Surround yourself with the scenery that inspired Beatrix Potter's enchanting tales during a half-day tour of the Lake District National Park. Visit the author's home and explore the medieval Hawkshead and the scenic Tarn Hows. Start by making your way to Hill Top, the 17th-century home that Beatrix Potter used as an artistic retreat. Stroll through the charming garden, home to various flowers and which featured in several of her little stories. ~Please note, Hill Top House is closed on Fridays out of the UK school holidays and from November-February. In this case you will visit the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness, here you will discover more of the authors life and about the characters she created. After exploring Miss Potter’s extraordinary house, continue to the medieval village of Hawkshead, and get some time to explore the fascinating village. Drive through the renowned beauty spot of Tarn Hows. Conclude with a lake cruise offering unrivaled views of the mountains. Note: The tour includes a £32.50 worth of attractions, Lake Cruise RRP £17.50 and Hill Top £15

Start off by travelling over the famous Kirkstone Pass which is the highest mountain road in the Lakes, before making your way down to take in the beautiful Ullswater. You’ll have the chance to stretch your legs at Castlerigg Stone Circle, taking in the panoramic views of the fells. The tour returns travelling south along the vast Thirlmere whilst learning all about its interesting story. There is then time to wander around the historic village of Grasmere before travelling back to Windermere. This half-day tour is perfect for those who are short on time but want to see as much of this beautiful area as possible.

Discover ‘Wild Cat Island’ as seen in the 1970‘s film ‘Swallows and Amazons’ during this 60-minute cruise. Enjoy an outing that perfectly pairs serenity and sightseeing during your time in the Lake District. Hop aboard your vessel and sail to Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, poet, artist and social reformer. Visit the house, garden, craft gallery, and Brantwood Café all in the span of 60-minutes. Catch a later sailing back and see stunning views of the lake and natural surroundings.

Ullswater is the epitome of the Lake District and is regarded as the most beautiful lake in England. It’s home to the popular Ullswater Steamers who have been sailing on the lake since 1859 offering visitors an opportunity to experience this treasured landscape from a different perspective, onboard one of the largest heritage vessel fleets in the world. The boats connect with many famous walking routes, including the Ullswater Way a 20 mile route around the lake. There are excellent facilities at the main pier houses. You will find toilets and licensed bars onboard, there are seating options outside on the upper decks and inside the lower deck saloons. The cruise will take you through iconic mountain and countryside panoramas best seen from a boat. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as peregrine falcons or red deer on the high fells and don't forget the camera. The valley has rich cultural connections, its majestic beauty has inspired writers and poets such as William Wordsworth over the centuries. You will understand why this is a Lake District hidden gem and memory making experience. Your cruise starts at Pooley Bridge pier. It is a one hour cruise to Glenridding pier. There is an option to get off at Glenridding but check your return cruise time back to Pooley Bridge. It is a 5 minute walk to the village, there are a couple of pubs, a hotel and independent shops to pick up a Lake District souvenir before returning back the pier to catch one of the cruises back to Pooley Bridge pier your start point.