Things to do in
Lake District

Our most recommended things to do in Lake District

From Manchester: Lake District Bus Tour & Windermere Cruise

From Manchester: Lake District Bus Tour & Windermere Cruise

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.

From Windermere: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour of Lake District

From Windermere: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour of Lake District

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.

From Liverpool: Lake District Sightseeing Adventure Day Trip

From Liverpool: Lake District Sightseeing Adventure Day Trip

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!

Liverpool: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Cream Tea

Liverpool: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Cream Tea

Experience a day in the stunning Lake District National Park on this stunning tour departing from Liverpool. This tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spectacular landscapes that make the National Park so special. Itinerary Departure from Liverpool: Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours north via the M6 Motorway to the Lake District. Lake Cruise: Relax on a beautiful lake cruise, taking in the unrivalled views of the lake and the surrounding fells. Tarn Hows: Scenic Stop to admire the tranquil beauty of Tarn Hows, an iconic spot known for its breathtaking views. Hawkshead the medieval village: Explore the charming village of Hawkshead, famous for its connections to Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Enjoy a cream tea at Lindeth Howe, the hotel was once the home of Helen Potter, mother of Beatrix Potter. Here you have time to warm up by the fire and enjoy a cup of tea and homemade scone. The perfect finish to your day exploring the Lake District.

From Manchester: North Wales and Caernarfon Castle Day Trip

From Manchester: North Wales and Caernarfon Castle Day Trip

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.

Manchester to Lake District with Lake Cruise & Cream Tea

Manchester to Lake District with Lake Cruise & Cream Tea

Experience a day in the stunning Lake District National Park on this stunning tour departing from Manchester. This tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spectacular landscapes that make the National Park so special. Itinerary Departing Manchester we'll make our way towards the spectacular Lake District. When we arrive you can have some time in Bowness to explore the shops and cafes and take in those views of the iconic lake. Lake Cruise: Relax on a beautiful lake cruise, taking in the unrivalled views of the lake and the surrounding fells. Next on to Tarn Hows: Scenic Stop to admire the tranquil beauty of Tarn Hows, an iconic spot known for its breathtaking views. Hawkshead the medieval village: Explore the charming village of Hawkshead, famous for its connections to Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Afterwards we'll make our way to Lindeth Howe for cream tea, here you can warm yourself by the fire or admire the views out onto Windermere. 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.

Lake District: Beatrix Potter Half-Day Tour

Lake District: Beatrix Potter Half-Day Tour

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

Lake District: Six Lakes Morning Tour from Windermere

Lake District: Six Lakes Morning Tour from Windermere

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.

Coniston Water: 60-Minute Wild Cat Island Cruise

Coniston Water: 60-Minute Wild Cat Island Cruise

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 Lake District Return Cruise from Pooley Bridge

Ullswater Lake District Return Cruise from Pooley Bridge

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.

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Frequently asked questions about Lake District

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What people are saying about Lake District

Overall rating

4.8
(955 reviews)

The tour was amazing, amazing tour guide, Tony was amazing, he allowed us to take photos during each stop , showed us through the whole of Lake District, it was worth every penny, 100% an experience I will never forget!

A lovely 2 hour boat trip across Ullswater lake, stopping at Howtown and Pooley Bridge. interesting commentary. Great for getting across the lake, or simply sitting back and enjoying the cruise.

It was amazing and breathtaking scenery even that was foggy misty and gray for the most of the day. It was not a big group and Toni the driver and the guid was calm and informative

we had an amazing trip, the guide was very cultivated and entertaining while telling us stories of each place we were in I had one of the best times of my life!

Paul was great. Very knowledgeable and a great guide.