Lake District Explorer (From Manchester) 2025

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 the village of 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.

Now it’s time for a bite to eat and we head to the lovely town of Bowness-on-Windermere which sits snuggly along the sparkling Lake Windermere. This area is filled with charming villages and surrounded by beautiful scenery and one way to enjoy this is by jumping on board the optional boat cruise on the lake, which is a truly wonderful way to take in the sights. Or, if you’d prefer, you can simply wander and find somewhere to fill your bellies, perhaps in one of the cosy pubs for a traditional English meal.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to explore this wonderful region, including a stop at Langdale Boulders where you might spot some prehistoric rock art. We then carry on to the cosy village of Hawskhead. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this charming town is dotted with whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, courtyards and squares. And it’s got as much interesting history as it does beauty, being once an important wool market in medieval times, and the place where William Wordsworth was educated.

We return to Keswick in the early evening, giving you more time to spend in this quaint town. The name of this town is said to mean the “farm where cheese is made” in Old English… dinner plans sorted?

Your overnight accommodation will be in Keswick. (B)

Last day of the trip, but there’s still plenty of adventure to be had today. Speaking of striking, our first stop 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. We then take the steep and winding route of Honister Mountain Pass, stopping for some photos of this striking region. Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to see old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.

We carry on along the winding lanes, passing the shores of Crummock Water and the tranquil Buttermere, as we make our way back to Keswick for lunch. But this is also a great time to explore some of the town’s other features which may have been closed at night – such as the Keswick Mining Museum or the Derwent Pencil Museum.

Stomachs full, we head to the lovely shores of Ullswater. This glacial lake is the second largest lake in the region by both area and volume and is surrounded by both stunning mountain scenery and gentle rolling hills. Your last big stop of the day is in the market town of Kendal, nicknamed ‘Auld Grey Town’ due to the distinctive limestone used in many of the buildings. Here you have time to explore and enjoy the cobbled streets and interweaving alleyways as you discover the heritage to be found, including at Kendal Castle, a medieval fortification built back in the 13th century.

We’ve left the Lake District behind now but you’re taking memories with you. Stories to tell your friends, photos to share with family, all worth treasuring until your next adventure. And as we coast along the rolling beauty of the English countryside towards the vibrant urbanity of Manchester, you’ll have those memories (and perhaps a few other souvenirs) to keep you in good company. (B)