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8 Lakes Tour: Experience Majestic Scenery in Lake District Half Day Tour
4.9
167 Ratings
Cumbria
Experience the majestic scenery of the Lake District on the 8 Lakes Tour. This stress-free half-day tour allows you to soak up the views, paddle in a lake, and learn about the area’s culture and history. Join us for a comfortable and informative adventure!
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Kirkstone Pass - As you ascend and wind your way up, you’ll find yourself on the highest road in the Lake District, renowned for its breathtaking views. Along the journey, you’ll pass through stunning mountain landscapes, pausing at the summit near the historic Kirkstone Pass Inn to take in the sweeping vistas. The air is brisk, but stepping out to gaze down the long valley with Windermere Lake glistening in the distance is well worth it. On clear days, you might even spot the sea at Morecambe Bay. Look around to see the native Herdwick sheep among the impressive dry-stone walls and watch hikers, appearing as tiny colorful dots, navigating ancient pack horse trails on the surrounding hillsides. Descending the other side of the pass, you’ll have another chance to capture amazing photos of the wide valley with the road winding towards Brothers Water.
- Ullswater Lake - Stretching nearly eight miles, Ullswater is the second longest lake, with a dramatic serpentine shape framed by towering fells, including the challenging heights of Helvellyn. The wooded shores, dotted with oak, birch, and hazel, represent some of the best examples of pre-plantation Lakeland scenery. This place holds a special charm, as noted by William Wordsworth, who called Ullswater “the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur, which any of the Lakes affords.”
- Castlerigg Stone Circle - Perched on a hill with a stunning panorama of majestic mountains, 48 stones stand here, placed over 5000 years ago. This is Castlerigg stone circle, once thought to be a Druid site by romantic Victorians. Today, its true purpose remains a mystery, but few stone circles in Britain can match the dramatic setting of Castlerigg. A short walk brings you into the circle itself, where you can soak in the atmosphere and marvel at the breathtaking views.
- Ashness Bridge - Taking a hidden single-track road, you’ll climb steeply for half a mile to reach an old dry-stone packhorse bridge. Ashness Bridge, with its fast-flowing, tumbling stream, is one of the most photographed spots in the Lake District. It offers a picturesque view across Derwentwater to the towering peaks of Skiddaw above Keswick, making it a must-visit photo stop.
- Surprise View - Few views can rival this one. Perched high on an oak-lined cliff edge, Surprise View offers one of the best vistas in the Lake District. This gem provides stunning panoramic views across Derwent Water to the Skiddaw mountain range, Borrowdale Valley, Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake, the Solway, and even the distant shores of Scotland on a clear day. The photo opportunities are fantastic!
- Lake Grasmere - Nestled in the Vale of Grasmere, this lake is almost entirely surrounded by shapely fells and is forever linked with the poet William Wordsworth. Overlooking the water, you’ll learn that William, his sister Dorothy, and brother John spent lazy days here swimming, fishing for pike, rowing to the island for summer picnics, and walking its shores. Today, you’ll still see people wild swimming and colorful rowboats bobbing along. Not much has changed here.
- Rydal Water - From the road, you’ll get great views of this reedy little lake, one of the prettiest on a summer morning or even on a frosty winter day. In autumn, it is tinged with shades of gold and orange on misty days, making it a breathtaking sight. Smaller than its neighbor at just ¾ mile long, ¼ mile wide, and 50ft deep, it was a favorite of the Wordsworth family and is often mentioned alongside Grasmere. Driving along the shore, you’ll pass the rocky knoll with steps leading up to Wordsworth’s seat, his favorite spot to gaze upon the often glass-like lake and its shores. Originally called “Rothaymere,” meaning “the lake in the valley where the rye is grown,” Rydal Water has a thriving population of wildfowl. Gulls roost along the shoreline, and if you’re lucky, you might spot red squirrels in the larches or native Herdwick sheep in the pastures.
- Bridge House - You won’t believe the story of the family who lived in this tiny cottage. With a long and varied history, you’ll hear all about it as we slow down for a quick photo at the famous Bridge House in Ambleside. One of the most photographed buildings in the Lakes, this quirky 300-year-old house straddles the clattering brook of Stock Ghyll.
- Lake Windermere - England’s largest and most visited lake, Windermere rarely fails to impress. Named after a Norse hero, it has drawn visitors for nearly 300 years. From its rocky inlets, secluded bays, grassy banks, and wooded heights to the northern skyline with volcanic peaks and the southern shore with broadleaf trees, Windermere embodies the quintessential Lake District. Listen to your guide to learn about its creation, Roman history, arctic fish inhabitants, boats, and local folklore.
- Windermere - One of the pick-up locations for this tour, we meet outside the railway station entrance. Windermere village, largely a product of the Victorian railway’s arrival, remains the transport hub of the central Lakes. With many original villas and guest houses still standing, the village continues to attract day-trippers and holidaymakers. Discover why the village changed its name, why William Wordsworth opposed the railway, and why the lake is a mile down the hill.
- Bowness-on-Windermere - Another pick-up point for this tour, we meet outside Pier 1 by the lake shore. Bowness is a bustling place with hotels, bed and breakfasts, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Older than nearby Windermere, its narrow streets behind the parish church date back over 300 years. If you’re staying here, you’ll find the village’s history condensed in this small area, with cottages once inhabited by boatmen and fishermen, George Washington’s ancestors’ coat of arms in the church window, and Charles Dickens’ stay at the famous “Hole in t’Wall” inn. A short stroll along the promenade leads to the boating area, where you can sail big boats, hire small boats to explore the islands and inlets, or row tiny boats on the lake.
- Ambleside - Surrounded by fells, Ambleside is described as “the hub of the wheel of beauty,” sitting at the heart of the southern lakes with roads radiating into the central valleys. Passing through the town center, you’ll see the legacy of the Victorian tourist boom in the splendid slate buildings and the tiny Bridge House over Stock Ghyll stream. Learn about the Roman fort, Galava, on the shores of Windermere Lake, and discover the mural celebrating the town’s oldest custom, Rushbearing, inside the spired parish church. This bustling town offers a glimpse into 21st-century life, where nature, landscape, and weather still impact daily life, and how its famous residents attracted the first tourists over 100 years ago.
- Coniston - Near one of our pickups
- Kendal - Near one of our pickups
- Cartmel - Near one of our pickups
- Ulverston - Near one of our pickups
- Newby Bridge - Near one of our pickups
- Grange-over-Sands - A short drive from our Windermere pickup
- Flookburgh - If staying here, join the tour at Windermere
- Scarborough - a test
- Dockray Hall Industrial Estate - our home base
- Brothers Water - This small lake may have once been connected to the larger Ullswater lake further down the valley, which is filled with dramatic scenery. The path around the western shore dips under the canopy of some of the oldest oak woodland in the Lake District. However, it is the tragic tale of two brothers that gives this little lake its romantic name.
- Derwentwater - Just south of Keswick, Derwentwater shimmers and sparkles. Studded with islands and craggy fells, it is one of our prettiest lakes. Known as “the Queen” of the English Lakes, a drive along its shoreline offers views of the evocatively named Cat Bells and the dramatic Jaws of Borrowdale. Hear tales of hermits, hedgehogs, squirrels, and mock sea battles, all part of the lake’s enchanting history and folklore.
- Bassenthwaite Lake - From Surprise View, you can see Bassenthwaite sparkling in the distance. This northernmost major lake has the best-protected shoreline in the National Park due to its rich variety of plants and animals. Over seventy species of birds and wildfowl winter and breed here, including magnificent ospreys. It is also one of the few places in Britain where the vendace, a nine-inch fish related to Arctic species, is found.
- Thirlmere - Traveling south along the shores of Thirlmere, you’ll hear the sad tale of the villages of Armboth and Wythburn, now submerged beneath the waters. The story is one of wealth, industry, and the might of Manchester, which crushed the rural lifestyle of these villagers in the nineteenth century. Beautiful and tranquil, Thirlmere is backed by the mighty Helvellyn, once a favorite walking spot for Wordsworth and his friends. It is also a place of legend, with tales of hauntings and spectral black dogs. Good thing you’re safe in the van and not visiting after dark!
- Blencathra [Saddleback] - As you approach Keswick, the road is dominated by the mountain known as Blencathra. The name means “Saddleback” in the ancient Cumbric language, and from a distance, it does resemble one. In summer, it is covered in purple heather, while in winter, it often wears a snowy cap. Standing at 2,848ft, Blencathra has six separate fell tops and is part of the Skiddaw range, some of the oldest rocks in England at roughly 500 million years old. Look carefully, and you might see the distinctive Sharp Edge, an aptly named arête providing one of the most famous scrambles in the area. Not for the faint-hearted!
- Helvellyn - If you suffer from vertigo, you’ll be glad to pass by Helvellyn in a comfy air-conditioned mini-van rather than climbing it. The third highest peak in the Lake District, it is popular year-round with experienced walkers, especially the classic ridge route along Striding Edge, which features dizzying drops and some all-fours scrambling. As you enjoy the scenery, spare a thought for the Helvellyn Weather Assessors who climb the mountain daily between December and March to assess avalanche risks and record conditions. Discover why it was Wordsworth’s favorite mountain and hear the tear-jerking story of a romantic artist and his faithful dog Foxie, immortalized by Wordsworth in his poem “Fidelity.” (Spoiler: Foxie survives. Yay!)
- Wordsworth Grasmere - Dove Cottage. William Wordsworth found this tiny cottage while on a walking tour of the Lake District. It is a richly evocative place, especially for poetry lovers. He lived here quite contentedly with his sister Dorothy and his wife and children when he was writing his famous poems. You will be able to snap a quick photo of this famous little whitewashed house as we pass by.
- The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop - We stop here; we have to. There would be a rebellion on the bus if we didn’t so don’t worry, you will have time to get that delicious, moresome, gingery treat everyone loves. Created in 1854, only a handful of people know the secret recipe for this deliciously unique, spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake. When you enter the shop, you will be greeted by the wonderful aroma of freshly baked Grasmere Gingerbread hanging in the air. But it doesn’t stop there, the shop also sells its own award-winning rum butter and a variety of ginger-themed goodies, as well as toffee, fudges, chocolates, conserves, Cartmel Village Store Sticky Toffee Sauce, Kendal Mint Cake, conserves, ginger beer, ginger themed gifts, and much, much more. Just one thing though, please don’t feed the drivers and guides, we’ve only just managed to wean them off it all!
- Grasmere - Stopping here, you will find a couple of narrow roads leading to a tiny village green, a cluster of handsome grey-stone buildings and a scatter of traditional whitewashed cottages. This is Grasmere an archetypal Lake District village. Look up, and all around you will see that the ring of mighty fells surrounding the Vale of Grasmere lovingly cradles this snug little village. At its heart you will find the ancient church looking much as it did in Wordsworth’s time, still crouched beside the babbling river Rothay. We don’t stop here for long but you will quickly discover that it really is as William Wordsworth described it “The loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. He should know, he lived here for over a decade returning to be buried in this serene, English country churchyard dotted with yews and ivy strewn monuments. Literary and gingerbread pilgrims flock here to pay their respects and to purchase the famous local tasty treat.
- Rydal - As you pass through this tiny hamlet packed with history, you will discover where William Wordsworth lived for 37 years, the church where he was warden, who “Dora” is and what is so special about the Badger Bar. It is hard to believe that so much happened here in such a sleepy spot!
- Oxenholme Station - Timed to meet the early morning train as it arrives from London, this is one of the pick-up locations for the tour – we meet outside the ticket office. Oxenholme is the Lake District railway station on the West Coast Main Line which runs from London to Glasgow and is where day-visitors to the Lake District arrive for our tours. If you aren’t catching the branch line train to Windermere or staying in the Lakes, it is a convenient location to meet one of our full day tours. Should you decide to stay close to the station, there is a guest house and a small hotel within easy walking distance. If you are meeting us by car, there is a car park at the station with a flat rate of £12.00 per day. While you are waiting for a return train back home, you can get refreshments at Willans shop. It is located next to Oxenholme Lake District Railway Station and sells a wide variety of products, many of which have been made on site.
- Troutbeck - As you climb up the windy road from the shores of Windermere, passing by elegant Victorian mansions, you will see that the view of the lake changes quite a lot. You will have a quick photo stop to hear about the lake itself and look down on it across the rolling green fields and broadleaf woodland of the nearby farms. You will fall in love with this tiny village, strung out along the valley side above the Trout Beck (stream) from which it gets its name. One of its most striking features is the fine selection of traditional Lakeland buildings, most of them dating from the 17th century. As you pass through the village you will hear about Townend, a National Trust property preserved like a time capsule which tells the story of the Brown family who lived here from 1626 for over 400 years. If you gaze across the valley you will start to see the countryside change as we head up higher becoming more bleak and remote as you move into the mountains. Beatrix Potter once had a farm here.
- Patterdale - Nestled in the valley on the south end of Ullswater, you will see that this village is a small cluster of buildings hugging the roadside with two pubs a youth hostel and a mountain rescue base. There used to be a shop, but that has recently been sold and we are all waiting to see what happens to it next. That’s how small the village is! The saint’s church, at the northern end of the village, replaced the medieval original in the nineteenth century and is known for the locally made embroidered tapestries that hang inside, created by an artist with the surname of a Shakespeare play. This is walking territory and a number of good walks start from this village into the high fells surrounding it. As you pass through, you will hear about a local breed of dog, a well-known patron saint and a spring which was once thought to have healing properties.
- Glenridding - Passing along the leafy road past farms and pastures, suddenly, you get your first exciting glimpse of Ullswater and its fleet of historic steamers as we enter the village. For centuries this was a busy mining valley but you will find no trace of it now. Lead was discovered in the area in the 17th century and mining here was at its height in the early 19th century with Greenside, hidden among the fells, being one of the best lead mines in the country. The mine closed in 1962 and now the village is a busy little place with some shops and cafes packed full of walkers and hikers. There are also some classy hotels here with grounds stretching down to the lake’s edge. You will discover that one of them, formerly a Regency era family villa, was visited by a famous scientist who stayed here for a week with his family and later wrote of his holiday “This place is magnificently beautiful, and I enjoy the scenery”. We agree with him!
- Keswick - At the top of Derwentwater, is the northern tourist capital of the Lakes crammed full of shops, cafes, bars hotels and Victorian guest houses. Despite the genteel feel of the town, mining used to be the reason for Keswick’s existence. It all started in 16th century with expert miners from Germany who settled on Derwent Isle and were employed to find gold. They only found copper and other minerals. Later, as mining declined, tourism grew with the arrival of the railway on 1865. Wordsworth visited the town often, particularly to see his close friend and fellow Romantic Poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge who complained “for two thirds of the year we are in retirement…the other third is alive & swarms with Tourists of all shapes & sizes & characters”. You will find that nothing much has changed. As we drive through the town, you will see the Moot Hall, hear about a familiar poet who wrote about bears, the antics of saints, a unique museum and what Keswick means in Old English.
What's Included
- Relaxed and friendly small-group tour, max 7 guests
- Comfortable air-conditioned minivans with WiFi and charging points
- Regular stops for photos and comfort
- Professional guides sharing fascinating facts and stories in English
- Convenient central meeting points for departure and return
- All entrance fees included for itinerary locations
What's Not Included
- Food & drink
Additional Information
Ideal scenic half-day excursion. Your later part of the day will be filled with visiting some of the most stunning landscapes in entire Lake District. This is a leisurely, effortless way to discover a large part of the Lake District in half-a-day without getting overwhelmed. You will have ample opportunity to enjoy the views and even dip your toes in a lake if you’re adventurous. This is an excellent method to gain a general understanding of the Lake District, its tradition, history and, unmistakably, its breathtaking scenery.
You’ll experience diverse sights, bewitching landscapes, savor gingerbread, and obtain all the intriguing facts and statistics from our friendly and well-informed guides and drivers who are well-acquainted with the region.
Traveling in a cozy mini-van equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and phone charging ports, being one of just 6/7 passengers, you’ll find it convenient to ask questions and engage in discussions (only if you choose to). There are numerous stop-offs for photography and breathing in the fresh air. It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, and we eagerly look forward to sharing it with you.
- 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
- 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!
Location
LA23 1AH
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(167 Ratings)
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Johnedy
Aug 11, 2024
Our first trip to the Lakes - The scenery was stunning- lovely trip very comfortable and commentary as we made our trip down Windermere definitely recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_w
Aug 10, 2024
Beautiful scenery - The guide was friendly and knowledgeable and touring with a small intimate group is a nice way to go. We stopped at some lovely spots with incredible views, and got some great photos.
Review provided by Viator
Carlcovs
Aug 9, 2024
Fantastic tour! - Really fantastic tour with two fabulous, knowledgable and witty women. Felt totally safe with driver and so much information was shared by the tour guide about the areas we drove to. Only 5 of us which made the tour much more enjoyable. Highly recommend.
( I cannot remember the names of the two women, so sorry!)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julieb8217
Aug 7, 2024
Lake District 8 lakes tour - Gillian and Sandra gave an excellent tour of the Lake District. Loved the mix of factual information and stories and legends. Would recommend wholeheartedly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mitch88surrey
Jul 4, 2024
Highly recommended - Fabulous tour with Tim who was incredibly knowledgeable about the Lake District. He effortlessly talked about all aspects of the region including the history, geography, politics and some wonderful tales.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julier58
Jul 3, 2024
Magnificent Lakes District - Fantastic area to see with great commentary by Jillian and expert driving by Sandra. Jillian’s comprehensive insight into the area, its history and its future was very informative. My knowledge of this area has been enhanced. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happiness686095
Jul 2, 2024
Outstanding tour , great views, photo shops , wonderful insight. Shall repeat - Sandra and Gillian on 30/6/24 were simply FANTASTIC!
Compared to a rival company’s tour done 1/7/24, it made us all realise just how much care they took with their great knowledge , witt and care! The duo were dynamic, loved the Lakes . The tourbus HIGHLY recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daytrip26807937133
Jun 30, 2024
First, but not the last… - An invaluable and thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the majesty of the Lake District. 100% recommended. We will return, and when we do will take tours with English Lakes. Luke & Khamkaew.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cathyoffer
Jun 14, 2024
An Enjoyable Bus Tour of 8 Lakes. - The beauty of the Lake District never disappoints, no matter the season, even on a rainy day but despite that Gillian was very informative and the group interactive, so I learnt a lot and enjoyed the history, local stories and legends. It was a 'driving tour' with 4 hours on the bus, alighting briefly at a few placesSandra drove very well and we felt safe at all times. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Danuta_b
Jun 13, 2024
Super afternoon tour of the Lake District - Wonderful anecdotes and insights from our driver. Saw an awful lot and at a good pace - did not feel rushed. Wonderful variety of landscape and got a really good overview of the essence of the Lake District. Only 6 of us - nice and cost and friendly
Review provided by Viator
