Tours & tickets

Ullswater

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.

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.

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.

Your tour starts with a climb by our minivan, all the way up to the Kirkstone Inn, the highest inhabited building in the Lake District, for a stop to take in the views back down the valley right the way down to Lake Windermere. This once important coaching inn sits almost at the summit of the Lake District's highest pass that is open to motor traffic. From here the road plunges down into the Kirkstone Pass properly with the valley walls rising up steeply on either side on to the viewpoint for a photo stop of the ribbon of road as it descends down to Brothers Water. The thin strip of road winds past the lake, down to the Ullswater Valley and on to the charming and popular village of Patterdale. The only other village in this valley is Glenridding and it is here that you get your first glimpse of the National Park's second largest lake, Ullswater. You follow the road along the western shore of the vast and sparkling lake. You then head north towards Keswick. Your next stop is at one of the most spectacularly located Neolithic stone circles anywhere, Castlerigg. Castlerigg Stone Circle stands on a superb natural plateau commanding a superb 360 degree view over the surrounding fells. Made up of 38 free standing stones, some up to 3 metres (10 feet) high, it is one of Britain's earliest stone circles dating back to the Neolithic period 4000 to 5000 years ago. A short stop here before you head onwards to the shores of Derwentwater. Your journey now takes you along the eastern shores of Derwentwater. Driving along the woodedshore of the lake, the road suddenly forks off and you climb up a narrow, steep track into the wooded fell side. Suddenly, the trees clear and your next destination, Ashness Bridge appears. Ashness Bridge is the most photographed bridge in the Lake District. You will then be taken further up the fell to another well-known beauty spot, the Surprise View: you have an uninterrupted view across Derwent Water to Bassenthwaite. You head back along the shores of Derwentwater and start to head back down towards Ambleside. On the way you will pass Thirlmere, a man-made reservoir. You then head back along the mountain pass of Dunmail Raise. This is also the name of a large cairn which stands on the top of the pass. Legend has it that Dunmail, the last king of Cumberland, is buried beneath the cairn. Now the road drops steadily down from the fells and before long, you drive along the shores of Grasmere, your seventh lake. The road winds along the shore until you come to Rydal Water, your eighth and final lake.

Day 1: Leaving Manchester, we drive north into Lake District National Park and head to one of the most popular towns in the Lake District, Ambleside, hugged by some of England’s finest scenery. Here you’ll have time to explore and grab a bite to eat. We then drive to Kirkstone Pass for some photos. This is the Lake District’s highest pass that is open to motor traffic, and you’ll just love the views. Next up we journey along the shores of Ullswater. This lake is often described as England’s most beautiful lake, and it’s here we give you the chance to take a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. The final stop of the day is another incredible view as we take you to Friar’s Crag, an amazing promontory that overlooks the lake of Derwentwater. You have a short journey into the lively market town of Keswick where you’re dropped off at your accommodation and free to explore the charming town. Day 2: Your first stop of the day really is one of wonder. The mysterious Castlerigg standing stones were thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and were once a lively hub of ancient pagan rituals. After exploring the past, you take the narrow country lanes towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’. There’s free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. Time for lunch in Bowness-on-Windermere, a town sitting snuggly alongside Lake Windermere. This area is filled with adorable villages and surrounded by beautiful scenery. Enjoy a boat cruise on the lake, a truly wonderful way to take in the sights. That afternoon you continue to explore this wonderful region, including a stop at Langdale Boulders where you might spot some prehistoric rock art. After a stop in the cosy village of Hawkshead, you return to Keswick in the early evening. Day 3: There’s still plenty of adventure to be had today. We pick you up from your accommodation and you journey along winding lanes, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, and towards the Honister Mountain Pass.Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to see old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. Next up is something that will stop you in your tracks. The enormous Bowder Stone fell 200 metres from the Bowder Crag more than 10,000 years ago. The stone is an estimated 2,000 tonnes, around 9 metres high and 15 metres in diameter. Imagine the sound it would have made upon impact. You head back into Keswick for a nice bite to eat before heading to the lovely shores of Ullswater for a walk. Your last big stop of the day is in the market town of Kendal. Here you have time to explore and enjoy the cobbled streets and heritage to be found. From here you return to Manchester.

Leaving York once a week, this excursion will take you into the heart of the English Lake District. Board the mini-coach in York and set off on your tour. Travel through the Yorkshire Dales to the Lake District National Park. Sit back and enjoy incredible views of the Lake District's largest lake, Windermere.  You'll travel along the shores of Ullswater, one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, surrounded by towering mountains and quaint villages. You'll head over Kirkstone Pass which offers breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape, and pass by Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England. Next, you'll visit Hawkshead, a mediaeval village known for its charming streets and traditional architecture. Here, you'll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the local shops and cafes. The village was where William Wordsworth went to school, at the local grammar, now open to the public. After lunch, the tour continues to Tarn Hows, a picturesque lake surrounded by rolling hills and forests. Head down past Coniston Water, a historic lake with more great scenery. Finally, you'll visit Grasmere, a picturesque Lakeland village famous for its connections to the poet William Wordsworth and of course the world famous gingerbread. Here, you'll have a 45-minute break to explore the village, enjoying the local shops and great atmosphere. The tour ends with a visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle, a prehistoric monument that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Its one of the oldest in the country dating back over 4,000 years, you'll be in awe of the views and the history of the place. Overall, this tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of the Lake District, with its stunning landscapes and fascinating heritage.

Explore the Lake District your way with this guidebook that illustrates a scenic 123-mile (199 km) point-to-point trip across 20 of the region’s most beloved lakes, valleys, towns and walking spots. Designed for flexibility, the guide is organised into three themed sections—Westmorland, Allerdale and the Western Lakes—so you only visit the places that you choose. __________________________________________________________________ WHAT TO EXPECT • This is an online travel guide – much like a digital book – ready for you to read, browse, and get inspired while planning at home or using your phone on the go. • The guidebook offers an overarching plan to help shape your multi-destination holiday, with different ideas and sample itineraries. It shows how destinations can be combined to suit your timeframe – typically from 3 to 14 days. • It’s designed to help you decide where to go, what to see, where to stay, and to inspire your trip in a way that suits your interests. It also includes helpful tips such as how to get there and where to park. • Please note: the guide itself is not customisable. However, each route includes Uncover Britain’s own pre-populated Google Maps with suggested pins and directions, plus customisable directions by section using Google Maps. __________________________________________________________________ GO BEYOND THE CLASSICS WITH: • Windermere, Derwentwater, Elterwater and Ullswater – explore lakeside towns and scenic beauty • Kendal – culture, shops and views near the southern gateway to the Lakes • Grasmere – literary links, lakeside paths, and the famous gingerbread • Allerdale – discover Keswick, Buttermere and Cockermouth; hike Catbells for a classic view • Scafell Pike – visit Wasdale Head and set out on one of the UK’s most iconic mountain walks • Wordsworth & Beatrix Potter – follow in the footsteps of literary greats • Waterfalls, fells, valleys, quaint villages, and relaxing market towns • Ideal for walking, hiking, photography, and tranquil moments in nature __________________________________________________________________ While you could search for places to go on your own, this guide offers curated context and ready-made itineraries along a recommended journey—so you don’t have to second-guess or piece everything together yourself. HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go

Day 1 You depart Edinburgh and head South through the Scottish Borders. You can enjoy the gorgeous rolling expanses of the Galloway Hills and Southern Uplands as we travel to our first stop of the day, the Victorian spa town of Moffat. From Moffat you continue south over the border into England and head to the historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith. Here you have the chance to enjoy lunch and explore the imposing ruins of Penrith Castle. This uniquely coloured castle played a key role in defending the border from invading Scots. After lunch we enter the Lake District National Park and travel along the northern shores of Ullswater. This lake is often described as England’s most beautiful lake, and it’s here we give you the chance to take a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. You then travel towards Keswick, stopping outside the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and once a lively hub of ancient pagan rituals. You have a short journey into the lively market town of Keswick where you’re dropped off at your accommodation and free to explore the charming town. Day 2 After breakfast, you take in views of Ullswater Lake as we head along country roads to its southern shores. You continue further south and travel over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass towards the lovely Lake Windermere. Here you can choose to wander the shores or put on your sailing hat and go for a cruise (45 minute island cruise included in tour price). Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There's free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick. Day 3 You’ll be picked up at your accommodation and head to the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer. The drive takes you along winding lanes, through the rural village of High Lorton, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere and toward the Honister Mountain Pass. Stopping in the mountains, you’ll have the opportunity to visit old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. After refreshments, the drive continues through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there will be free time for lunch and shopping. Once you’ve eaten lunch, you begin the return journey, heading toward Penrith and north to the border. After crossing into Scotland you’ll stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From there it’s a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills back to Edinburgh.

Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh behind, you trace the stunning East Lothian coastline to the walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. After a stop to admire the fortifications, continue to Bamburgh Castle. Next, journey towards York on the historic Great North Road, once trodden by Roman legions. Arrive in York in the late afternoon, where you'll spend the next two nights. Day 2 This leisurely day gives you the flexibility to spend time exploring the medieval heart of York. Your journey begins in the late morning when you head for the magnificent North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Lunch will be in Whitby, a bustling fishing port and the inspiration for the fertile imagination of author Bram Stoker. After lunch and free time in Whitby, travel to the fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay*, a perfectly preserved conservation village of winding lanes and narrow alleys before returning to York. Day 3 Head west in the morning into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats, and rich cultural heritage. Continuing West, your route takes us through the Northern Dales, a beautiful area of natural beauty that is the center of the Dales cattle trade. The final leg of today’s journey ascends into the remote hills of the Yorkshire Dales before descending into the lively market town of Keswick, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation. Day 4 After breakfast, head a short distance out of town to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought by many to have been built over 5,000 years ago. Then travel on to the shores of Ullswater, described as England’s most beautiful lake, for a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass, stop at Lake Windermere for a leisurely cruise on the lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch, journey around the southern tip of Windermere towards Coniston Water, reaching the charming conservation village of Hawkeshead. Explore the village, then follow narrow country lanes north to Grasmere. Here, enjoy free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or relax in the peaceful Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothay. Return to Keswick in the late afternoon. Day 5 Leaving the Lakes behind, start your climb towards Hartside Pass, at over 1900 feet above sea level, with the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District easily visible on a clear day. Follow the route of the old sheep drovers road between England and Scotland, stopping at Hadrian's Wall along the way, and crossing the border into Scotland and towards the town of Jedburgh for refreshments by the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. The final stop of the tour is at the world-famous Scott’s view with stunning views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot hills that form the border between Scotland before continuing North to Edinburgh.