Name: Lake District Gardens Tour 2026
Brand: DHTour
SKU: 1
Price: $3,010 pp
Availability: InStock

Lake District Gardens Tour: 7 nights based at Derwent Bank, Derwentwater, Northern Lake District

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Enjoy a week-long holiday at our welcoming country house on the shores of Derwentwater and explore some of Cumbria’s best gardens. From the elegant Winton Park and the immaculate topiary of Levens Hall, to historic Lowther Castle, every stop is perfect for garden lovers and green-fingered guests. We’ll visit a mix of hidden gems and award-winning garden spaces, all guided by our knowledgeable leader every step of the way.

Tour Details

Highlights:

Exploring the world’s oldest topiary garden at Levens Hall
Visiting a selection of award-winning and notable Lake District gardens
Meeting like-minded garden lovers

Pick Up Location & TIme

Derwent Bank, Portinscale, Nr Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5TY (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.

Drop off Location & Time

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward. Check out by 10:00am.

Price Includes

High quality en-suite upgraded accommodation at Derwent Bank
Cream tea on arrival day
Cooked or continental breakfast daily (B)
Daily packed lunches (L)
Dinner each night: Three-course plus tea & coffee (D)
Guided sightseeing with an experienced Leader
All transport to and from walks and sites of interest
All entrance fees (other than National Trust & English Heritage properties)
Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Meals

All meals from dinner on arrival day, to breakfast on departure day

7 breakfasts
6 lunches
7 dinners
1 teas

Price Excludes

Airfare
Transfers
Pre / Post hotel nights
Travel to/from the Country Hotel (The nearest train station is Penrith)
Admissions (please allow approx. £15 per day, per person for entrances)
Driver / Tour Leader gratuity is at your discretion
Travel Insurance

What to Expect

Unpack Once!

Explore places of interest, beauty, heritage and wonder. Enjoy active guided sightseeing on relaxed-pace trips to revel in the history, landscapes, architecture and culture of your chosen destination. Our knowledgeable leaders will provide fascinating detail to bring it all to life. Travel between locations by mini-coach or public transport following a carefully planned itinerary.

Accommodation at a country house hotel
Full Board Meals – from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day
Knowledgeable leader
Transport between locations

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

On each Discovery day, you will be walking roughly 3-5 miles (5-8km) throughout the course of the day as you explore the venues and locations we visit. You’ll also be hopping on and off the coach throughout – you should expect to spend the majority of the day on your feet. Most of this walking will be at attractions but some may be across country tracks or footpaths so be sure to bring sturdy shoes. There will also be stairs to climb in the majority of the venues you visit, though other more accessible options may be available. At some venues, there may also be uneven surfaces, such as cobbles or rocky paths.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival Day

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. (D, T)

Accommodation: Derwent Bank

Day 2Sizergh & Levens

Today’s journey takes us south to Sizergh Castle & Levens Hall, both near Kendal. At Sizergh, the limestone rock garden, reflective lake and colourful border planting create a garden full of interest. In the afternoon, we explore Levens Hall, home to the world’s oldest topiary garden. Here, the clipped shapes stand among roses and flowering borders.

Please Note: Entry to Sizergh Castle is not included in the price of this holiday. It is a National Trust property and NT members can take advantage of free entry. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Derwent Bank

Day 3Winton Park & Morland House

Our day starts with a visit to Winton Park, where landscaped terraces and colourful borders open to sweeping Eden Valley views. In the afternoon, we continue to Morland House, with its extensive lawns, walled rose garden and the lower garden around Morland Beck. Both are hidden gems of the Eden Valley and have lots to offer throughout the year. Please be aware that there are uneven surfaces and steps to navigate at all gardens we visit this week, so sturdy footwear is highly recommended. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Derwent Bank

Day 4Free day

A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Derwent Bank

Day 5Hutton in the Forest & Mirehouse

For today’s visits, we begin at Hutton in the Forest, where elegant terraces, a colourful walled garden and shaded woodland walks reveal centuries of careful design. Later, we continue to Mirehouse, a relaxed and welcoming garden by Bassenthwaite Lake. With wildflower corners, woodland paths and literary links, it balances both natural and man-made. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Derwent Bank

Day 6Rydal Mount & Brockhole

Today we start at Rydal Mount, once home to William Wordsworth. Informal lawns and terraces overlook Windermere, with winding paths and wild planting that reflect the poet’s love of nature. In the afternoon, we head to Brockhole, where sweeping lawns, imaginative borders and colourful planting reach the lakeshore. Both gardens celebrate their Lake District setting with wonderful views and tranquil corners to enjoy. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Derwent Bank

Day 7Dalemain & Lowther

On our final day, we start with a visit to Dalemain Mansion, known for its Blue Himalayan Poppy, Meconopsis Dalemain. This much-loved family home boasts herbaceous borders and a romantic rose walk. We’ll round off at Lowther Castle, where dramatic ruins frame modern gardens and sweeping lawns, woodland avenues, and imaginative planting have reinvigorated the grandeur of the estate. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Derwent Bank

Day 8Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

Dates and Prices

Departure Dates	Per person (single or twin)	Single in a double room
2026: May 15	$3,010	$3,290
2026: July 26	Call to Enquire	Call to Enquire
2026: August 7, 28	$3,010	$3,290

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.

Supplement applied for single in a double room.

Rates include room upgrade (premium) and membership fees.

Rates are in $ CAD.

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.

During your Discovery Tour you’ll have the opportunity to visit many fascinating places. The following is our provisional programme, and your leader may adjust it at their discretion, taking into account factors such as weather, local opening times, or other events. This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.

Most admissions to places of interest are not included. Please allow up to £15 per day for admissions to all the places of interest we will be visiting. The full adult price is given but there are usually good reductions for parties and seniors. If you are a member of the National Trust, English Heritage or similar, remember to bring your card for free admission to their properties. Please bring cash as card machines are not always available at all venues.

Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.

Travel Details:
Address is: Derwent Bank, Portinscale, Nr Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5TY

By Rail:
The nearest train station is at Penrith on the main line between London and Glasgow.

By Taxi:
The journey from Penrith to Derwent Bank can be made by taxi. The 20-mile journey from Penrith railway station takes approximately 40 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Davies Taxis. The price of a 4-seat taxi is around £40. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:

Davies Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0) 17687 72676
Email: info@daviestaxis.co.uk
The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Derwent Bank Manager.
*Davies Taxis is not owned or managed by us.

By Bus:
The X5 bus runs approximately every hour from Penrith station. The nearest bus stop is on the A66, about ¾ mile walk from Derwent Bank. Alight at the Portinscale bus stop and take the road on the left (signposted to Portinscale, Grange and the Newlands Valley). Follow this road through Portinscale village – Derwent Bank is on the left-hand side after the Derwentwater Marina.

Alternatively catch the bus to Keswick and then take a short taxi journey to Derwent Bank in Portinscale.

By Car:
From Penrith – leave the M6 motorway at junction 40 and take the A66 towards Keswick. After 17 miles you’ll reach a roundabout in Keswick – continue ahead following signs to Cockermouth and Workington. One mile beyond the roundabout, and 200yds beyond the B5289 turning to Keswick, turn left off off the A66 signposted to Portinscale, Grange and the Newlands Valley. Derwent Bank is approx ¾ mile along this road on the left after the Derwentwater Marina and before the Nichol End Marina. There is a large car park available at Derwent Bank.

Hotel Descriptions

Derwent Bank

Close to Keswick and situated slap bang on the shore of Derwentwater, with the glassy lake on one side and the razor-edged ridges, humpbacked fells and muscular mountains of the Lake District on the other, beautiful Derwent Bank has been entrancing walkers since 1785. Extensive refurbishment and investment have seen this established walkers’ retreat transformed into a beautiful country house hotel perfect for people looking to explore the great outdoors. It’s also perfect for drinking in the views over a glass of something chilled on the terrace. With 41 bedrooms across the main house and garden rooms as well as a rustic ‘pod’ to sleep in, there’s plenty of space, along with a pretty orangery, large lounge and relaxed vibe. The lakeside land encompasses a formal garden, extensive lawns and mature trees. The emphasis is on enjoying the great outdoors and it’s all made super easy with walkers’ facilities from an inspiration point equipped with maps and route ideas to a boot room and drying space – this is the Lakes, after all. With views of Cat Bells and Grizedale Pike, the inspiration for adventure is never far away. Venture out from the house to head to the high peaks such as Scafell Pike, Blencathra and Helvellyn or stick to the lower slopes and lakes; Ullswater, arguably the most beautiful of the Cumbrian lakes, Borrowdale and Buttermere are all within easy reach.

Address: Derwent Bank, Portinscale, Nr Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5TY

Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Stay in one of the main building’s beautifully presented rooms or in the stylish outhouse where there are eight garden rooms with exceptional views for stylish, laid-back Lake District accommodation. In the main house, we’d pick room 12 for the extra space and stunning views over the gardens and Derwentwater. Alternatively, ask for rooms 46, 47, 48 and 49 in the outhouse, all first-floor garden bedrooms with their own glass balcony looking over the ornate formal garden and with views of the lake. There’s easy access to the boot room and orangery too, making these rooms a must to stay in. If you’re after somewhere a little more unusual to stay overnight, there’s a ‘pod’ in the garden that offers extra privacy, sleeps up to four and gives you a great story to take away!

All ‘Classic’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Premium’ and ‘Superior’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress, larger television, enhanced toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe & slippers.

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, formal garden, extensive garden, putting green, orangery, lounge and board games to borrow

After a day exploring the Lake District, settle in at our country house. Walk the pretty gardens, pause on the pier that juts out in to Derwentwater and look for the boats and ferry that sail on the lake. Try your hand on the putting green or at croquet. Grab a drink and sit on the terrace above the sloping lawns. Indoors, the spectacular orangery with its superb views, is the ideal setting for a bit of peace and quiet, or sink into the sofas in the large, comfortable lounge. Head to the bar for a great local ale and a cracking conversation with fellow guests.

Map

Photos

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Lake District Gardens Tour 2026

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