The Lake District Explorer
3 day tour
This tour combines a train journey from London with an adventure through the best sights of the Lake District.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Places you explore
Ullswater - The second largest lake in the English Lake District is famous for its sublime, tranquil beauty.
Aira Force Waterfall - A lovely stone bridge crosses the fabulously flowing waterfalls.
Castlerigg Stone Circle - Admire dramatic mountains as you mull over the purpose of this mysterious stone circle.
Lake Windermere - You can choose to wander the shores or put on your sailing hat and go for an optional cruise.
Derwent Water - This gorgeous location was used in Star Wars - The Force Awakens. But the lasers and spaceships seem a million miles away from this peaceful area.
Honister Pass - The location of a famous slate mine and one of the most rugged vistas in the Lake District.
Your journey
You may get a little poetic in the Lake District.
The lakes are so lovely, you’ll concoct verses about their beauty. The silent Castlerigg standing stones are so mysterious you'll think about them for days. And the mountains are so magnificent you'll get lyrical about their rugged peaks and soothing slopes.
This tour includes a return train journey from London Euston to Penrith. And on arrival in Penrith, your driver-guide meets you and takes you through the best of the Lake District.
Take this tour and discover why this delightful area inspired England's greatest poets and writers.
If you love this itinerary but want to start somewhere else, have a look at this tour departing from Manchester or Edinburgh.
Rail & Trail Journey
This trip combines a return train journey with one of our tours. It's a fast and sustainable way to get you to where you want to go.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 23:45 (tour departs at ) - ,
*Train times may vary a little. We'll email you your exact departure time before your tour.
- ,
You're restricted to kg (0lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- After booking your tour, we'll contact you about your train journey
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport on a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Avanti West Coast 2nd class return rail travel from London Euston to Penrith Station
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
- Tour accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1
- Explore the ancient ruins of Penrith Castle
- Take as many photographs as you can at ‘England’s most beautiful lake’, Ullswater
- Relax in the market town of Keswick
You depart London Euston Station and head north 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
- Stare in wonder at the views on an optional boat trip, Lake Windermere
- Wander around the cosy village of Hawkshead
- Enjoy the peace of the Wordsworth Memorial Daffodill Garden
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 have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or eat lunch while enjoying sublime views of the surrounding scenery.
After lunch you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water. 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
- Set your sights on sweepings views from atop the Whinlatter Pass
- Learn about the slate mines at the Honister Mountain Pass
We pick you up from your accommodation and head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer.
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 visit old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.
After refreshments, you continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there’s free time for lunch and shopping.
Once you’ve eaten lunch, you head towards Penrith station. Your guide will drop you off at the station, where you catch your train back to London Euston Station.
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay in the lively market town of Keswick*.
*Please be aware that Keswick is busy. You may need to be flexible with rooms we're able to reserve for you here. If you'd prefer to find your own accommodation for this location, please choose the 'book your own accommodation' option when you book your tour.
How does the accommodation work?
Your tour excludes accommodation; but when you book, you can ask us to reserve local accommodation for you, or you can choose to reserve your own accommodation in the overnight locations.
I want Rabbie’s to book my accommodation, what happens now?
Once you've booked your tour, we'll reserve all your accommodation, and your driver will drop you off with your hosts.
We'll reserve your room(s) with one of our preferred accommodation suppliers and you'll pay them directly when you check-in. Most accommodation hosts don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.
You won't be able to choose which Hotel/B&B you stay in, but we will confirm the named property and exact prices on your first day of tour. If it's important for you to know where you're going to be staying in advance, or if you want to stay in a specific Hotel/B&B, we recommend that you select the option to book your own accommodation.
What if I want to change my accommodation booking with Rabbie’s?
Plans can change, so we let you alter your accommodation choices for free within the first 48 hours of booking. After this time, amendments aren't guaranteed and carry a surcharge. Please contact rooms@rabbies.com if you have any questions.
I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?
You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central.
What if I cancel my tour at short notice?
If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation. And occasionally you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.
What are the accommodation types?
We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard.
The prices below are for guidance only and are based on 2022 rates. We’re working with suppliers to bring you the most up to date pricing for tours departing in 2023.
B&B (Bed and Breakfast) Standard
The toilet and showering facilities are shared with at least one other room in the house, and the price includes breakfast. The cost is £35 - £50 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single standard room is £40 - £70 per night.
B&B En suite
The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £45 - £65 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is £75 - £90 per night.
Hotels
Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £75 - £90 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single is £90 - £150 per night.
Hostels
Please note, we're unable to book hostels for this tour at the moment. You may still be able to book hostel accommodation yourself if you choose to the option to book your own accommodation for your tour.
A hostel consists of dormitory rooms with 4 to 16 bunk beds. The bathroom facilities are a short distance from the dorm room. Kitchen facilities are equipped so you can make your own meals. The cost based on dorm beds is £19 - £30 per person per night.
Please note that SYHA hostels only offer same gender dorms. Some independent hostels will offer mixed rooms (males and females together).
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.
FAQs
Where does the tour depart from?
Your tour departs from Euston Station, London. You take the train to Penrith Railway Station where your guide and mini-coach will be waiting for you. On the last day of your tour, your driver-guide takes you back to Penrith Railway Station where you catch the train back to Euston Station.
How do I get to London’s Euston Station?
Depending on where your London accommodation is located, there are several ways to get to the station. You can easily access the station using the underground network, local buses, or a taxi.
What time does the train depart?
The departure time of your train will vary depending on availability and season. We will email you with details of the exact train departure and arrival times prior to your tour. We recommend that you plan to arrive at the train station at least forty minutes before your train departs. This will allow for travel delays should they occur on the way to the station and give you enough time to collect your tickets, locate your platform and purchase refreshments. It’s important for you to arrive early because if you miss your train, you will be responsible for purchasing new tickets for the next departure.
Where do I collect my tickets?
At the train station, insert any credit or debit card into one of the self-service ticket machines and enter the Ticket Collection Reference Number in the email we send you. If you have problems with this, please go to a manned ticket window with your booking confirmation or phone the Avanti helpline on +443455280253. Allow 20 minutes for ticket collection and ensure you collect all the tickets for your journey. Once you’ve collected your train ticket, it’s non-amendable and non-refundable unless the service is cancelled or delayed.
Do we have reserved seats?
In most cases, you have pre-assigned and reserved seats. The details are provided on your tickets. If you booked your ticket within one week of departure, you may not have a seating reservation. But don’t worry, there are usually plenty of unreserved seats available.
Can I buy food and drink on the train?
Each train has a café on board which provides a selection of food and drinks. If you require anything in particular, we recommend you pick up what you need from one of shops at Euston Station.
Which platform does the train leave from?
The platform changes every day. Your train’s destination is Penrith Station. Please watch the electronic departure board for notification of your platform. The platform will be announced about 15 – 20mins before departure. The departure gates close five minutes before the train leaves, so please make your way to the train once you’ve seen which platform the train is departing from.
What happens if the train is cancelled?
If your train is delayed by more than 15 minutes or cancelled, please seek advice on the status of your journey from a railway staff member. Once informed, please contact us and we’ll help arrange public transport alternatives. Depending on the circumstances and transport options, your itinerary may be rearranged to bring you to an alternative meeting point. If this happens, we’ll provide compensation for any missed portion of your tour.
How long is the train trip?
The train a little over three hours.
Where do we meet the tour bus?
Your driver-guide will meet you at Penrith Station with the other guests who started the tour in Edinburgh or Manchester. Penrith Station is small, and you’ll easily find them. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the guide may not be at the bus stop to meet you. Don’t worry, they’ll be there as soon as possible. If you have problems finding your bus, just give us a call on +44(0)131 226 3133.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance. You can click here for excellent rates.
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
You're restricted to kg (0lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.