Lake District Tour

Our Lake District tour from York begins by travelling into the beautiful green countryside of the Yorkshire Dales. We’ll pass through the valleys, known locally as ‘Dales’ and meander along the country lanes as we make our way to our first stop: Aysgarth Falls; a beautiful triple-flight waterfall that featured in the film Robin Hood; a Prince of Thieves. Take a walk along the river and embrace the power of the water here. Next, look closely for Red Squirrels as we travel to the quaint town of Askrigg, a charming example of a Yorkshire village set in the picturesque Wensleydale area. Stroll around this traditional place; recognisable as the fictional village of Darrowby from the TV series All Creatures Great & Small, based on the books of James Herriott. Now it’s time to start our Lake District adventure, and we’ll begin at Sizergh Castle; a stately home at the gateway of the Lake District National Park. The house dates back to the fourteenth century and has been the home of the Strickland family for over 750 years. Whilst here, there will be time to explore the house & grounds, and have some lunch. Next we’ll travel to Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Beatrix Potter loved animals and was inspired by the unspoilt landscape of the Lake District where she lived for much of her life. After time to visit the charming cottage where Beatrix lived we’ll travel to Windermere; our base in the Lake District and where we will spend the two nights of our tour.

NIGHT ONE: Bowness

Today our journey take us around some of the highlights of the Lake District. We’ll begin seeing by an iconic destination; Dove Cottage, former home of the Lakes most famous son: William Wordsworth. One of England’s greatest poets, Wordsworth was one of the founders of the Romantic Age, and we’ll pass the house where he wrote many of his most famous works and visit the adjacent village of Grasmere, famous for its gingerbread. Next, enjoy a leisurely drive along the Honister Pass, one of England’s most scenic roads and absorb the stirring landscape views. For lunch we’ll stop in Keswick, a pleasant market town where we can relax by the lake, or wander through the town centre. Close by is our next stop, the dramatic Castlerigg Stone Circle; one of England’s most atmospheric neolithic sites and thought to be at least 4,000 years old. Few other stone circles are set amongst such a beautiful backdrop, and here we can get up close to the circle, and even touch the stones. This afternoon we will loop around Ullswater Lake, regarded by many as the most beautiful of all Lakes, and the place which inspired Wordsworth’s iconic poem Daffodils. Now it’s time to travel back towards Windermere, where we’ll have the rest of the afternoon free. Enjoy time to relax by the water and/or perhaps take a boat trip on Windermere itself; England’s largest lake.

NIGHT TWO: Bowness

This morning it’s time to depart the Lake District and continue our Yorkshire adventure by travelling back to York. Upon our return the afternoon will be free to explore this city, which is truly one of the greatest in Britain with its fascinating history. Occupied by the Romans, Vikings and Saxons, the story of York is extremely complex, and it’s said that York is the most haunted city in England. There’s so much to do here including: visiting the majestic York Minster, exploring the renowned National Railway Museum, taking a walk atop the ancient city wall, wandering through the historic central streets known as ‘The Shambles’, visiting the home of York’s most infamous resident Guy Fawkes, trying a traditional Yorkshire pudding or joining one of the many fantastic ghost tours. Information will be provided to help explore the city, including a self-guided walking tour with maps. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore York and take in as much of the history as possible.