Lake District Explorer
3 day tour
Take in the fresh air, beautiful views, and quintessential architecture 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 - Our favourite waterfall in the Lake District lies in a forest and boasts a beautiful stone bridge crossing.
Castlerigg Stone Circle - The dramatic mountanous surroundings of this neolithic site are as fascinating as the history.
Lake Windermere - You can choose to wander the shores or put on your sailing hat and go for a 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.
Your journey
The Lake District is where you see the top ten tallest mountains in England. It’s where you discover the deepest lake in the country. And it’s where you can visit 1,779 listed buildings and 16,510 archeological sites.
For a place that’s famous for its poetry and quaint cottages, it certainly boasts some of England’s biggest and most brilliant destinations.
You learn about the poetry of Wordsworth, admire the serene views over Lake Windermere and Derwent Water, and wander through market towns collecting stories and photos as you go.
Join this tour and experience the best of the Lake District.
If you love this itinerary but want to start somewhere else, have a look at this tour departing from Edinburgh.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 09:45 (tour departs at 10:00) - Coach Parking Bays, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD
For more details of where the coach leaves from (including a map and video guide) visit our departure point page.
18:30 - Coach Parking Bays (Drop Off), Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) 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
- Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
- Transportation by a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Tour accommodation
- Attraction entry tickets
Itinerary
Day 1
- See the power of the mighty Aira Force waterfall for yourself
- Take as many photographs as you can at ‘England’s most beautiful lake’, Ullswater
- Relax in the market town of Keswick
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
- 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 Daffodil Garden
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. You might enjoy an optional 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
- Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shores of Ullswater
- Learn about the slate mines at the Honister Mountain Pass
Last day of the trip, but don’t despair. There’s still plenty of adventure to be had today. 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.
Attractions
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- Windermere Lake Cruises
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
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 can I book accommodation?
Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.
Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.
Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.
How much will the accommodation cost?
We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.
As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:
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Approximate prices, per person per night |
Overnight Location |
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Sole Occupancy |
Multiple Occupancy |
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(1 person per room) |
(2+ people per room) |
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B&B Standard |
£80 - £120 |
£60 - £80 |
UK & Northern Ireland |
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€80 - €120 |
€60 - €80 |
Ireland |
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B&B En-suite |
£100 - £145 |
£55 - £95 |
UK & Northern Ireland |
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€100 - €145 |
€55 - €100 |
Ireland |
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|
Hotel |
£110 - £190 |
£75 - £150 |
UK & Northern Ireland |
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€130 - €235 |
€75 - €150 |
Ireland |
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NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)
Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).
FAQs
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 14kg (31lbs) 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.