Southern Lake District Discovery Tour 2024

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From$2,980 pp
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1-888-597-3519

905-639-9954

dhtour@dhtour.ca

8 Days / 7 Nights
Availability : June 7 and August 9
Start: Monk Coniston, Coniston, Cumbria, England
End: Monk Coniston, Coniston, Cumbria, England
Southern Lake District Discovery Tour: 7 nights based at Monk Coniston, Conistonwater, Cambria, Southern Lake District

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

A 7-night Southern Lake District Discovery Tour showcases the best of the region, from magnificent mansion houses like Holker Hall with its award-winning gardens to Dove Cottage – once home to William Wordsworth. There’s classic Lake District scenery to enjoy aboard a Windermere cruise, plus a look around the National Trust’s Sizergh Castle, and a trip to Muncaster Castle complete with a captivating bird of prey flying display.

DetailItineraryDates & PricesHotel DescriptionMapPhotos
Tour Details

Highlights:

  • Discovering historic Muncaster Castle
  • A cruise on Lake Windermere
  • Exploring Dove Cottage, former home of William Wordsworth
  • Admiring the impressive gardens of Holker Hall
  • Visiting Sizergh Castle, the stately home of the Strickland family
  • Staying in the comfort of our country house in Coniston

Pick Up Location & TIme

Monk Coniston, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AQ (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.

Price Includes

  • High quality en-suite upgraded accommodation at Monk Coniston
  • Excellent food in our country house, full board (B,L,D daily)
  • The services of our knowledgeable leader, ensuring you get the most from your holiday
  • Full-day excursions with all transport on touring days in a good-quality, comfortable mini-coach

Meals

All meals from dinner on arrival day, to breakfast on departure day
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 6 lunches
  • 7 dinners
  • 1 tea

Price Excludes

  • Airfare
  • Transfers
  • Pre / Post hotel nights
  • Travel to/from the Country Hotel (The nearest railway stations is Windermere)
  • Admissions (please allow approx. £10 per day 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 where you’ll have a complimentary cream tea to tuck in to. (D, T)

Accommodation: Monk Coniston

Day 2Morecambe Bay & Holker Hall

Our holiday begins with a visit to the coastal town of Grange-over-Sands where we start with a wander along the Edwardian promenade. In the afternoon, we stop at Cartmel, Cumbria’s centre of fine food and drink, including the famous sticky toffee pudding! Our final visit of the day is to Holker Hall, considered by many to be the finest house in South Lakeland. The award-winning gardens have evolved over hundreds of years, creating a landscape rich in beauty and character. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Monk Coniston

Day 3La'al Ratty & Muncaster Castle

A favourite for many, this morning, we head west for a ride on Lakeland’s most scenic miniature railway from Eskdale to the west coast village of Ravenglass. We visit the haunted and historic Muncaster Castle, which is home to the Muncaster Hawk and Owl Centre. Here we have the chance to watch an exhilarating flying display, set amidst 70 acres of the most tranquil gardens. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Monk Coniston

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: Monk Coniston

Day 5Haverthwaite, Windermere & Blackwell

It’s time for another train ride as we make our way from Haverthwaite to Lakeside, situated at the southern tip of Windermere. We’ll board a lake cruise here and disembark again at Bowness-on-Windermere, a popular and busy Lakeland town in a delightful setting. In the afternoon, we stop at Blackwell, a magnificent Arts & Crafts house, before moving on to the fascinating Windermere Jetty Museum. There are some beautifully restored launches on display and the lake’s 200-year boating history is brought to life. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Monk Coniston

Day 6Grasmere

Upon our arrival in Grasmere, we’ll first pay a visit to Dove Cottage, home of the famed Lakeland poet William Wordsworth. Afterwards, there’ll be a little free time to explore the village, or join an optional scenic stroll. Don’t miss the world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop! Later we travel to the Great Langdale Valley and wander along the shores of Elterwater, finishing at the acclaimed tearoom, Chesters by the River. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Monk Coniston

Day 7Levens Hall & Sizergh Castle

A visit to Levens Hall, an impressive Elizabethan house with the world’s oldest and most spectacular topiary gardens. Established in 1694 they have remained largely unchanged since the 17th century. Prepare to be amazed exploring this awe-inspiring wonderland! In the afternoon we head to Sizergh Castle, a much-loved National Trust property, home to the Strickland family for over 800 years. There is much to explore in the medieval house, as well as the rich gardens and wider estate. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Monk Coniston

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
2024: June 7 $2,980 $3,260
2024: August 9 $2,980 $3,260

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 £10 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: Monk Coniston, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AQ

By Rail:
The nearest train station is at Windermere.

By Taxi:
The 13-mile journey from Windermere railway station takes approximately 30 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Ace Taxi. As a guide price, it cost £25 per 4-seat taxi in 2019. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:

Ace Taxi*
Tel: +44 (0) 1539 445445
Email: acetaxiwindermere@gmail.com
The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Monk Coniston Manager.
*Ace Taxi is not owned or managed by us.

By Bus:
From Windermere station you can catch the 505 bus direct to Monk Coniston – the bus stop is right outside our Country House. Journey time is around 50 minutes.

By Car:
From Ambleside take the A593 signposted to Coniston. Turn sharp left over a narrow bridge, then after half a mile turn left onto the B5286, signposted to Hawkshead. About 3 miles along this road, and just before Hawkshead, turn right onto the B5285, signposted to Coniston. Follow this road over Hawkshead Hill. The road descends then goes around a 180° bend to the left. The entrance to Monk Coniston is on the left about 100yds after the bend. There is car parking available within the grounds.

Hotel Descriptions
4

Monk Coniston

Wrapped in manicured gardens with stunning views over Coniston Water, Monk Coniston combines country house grandeur and romantic, gothic-style charm with contemporary touches to great effect among the rugged landscapes of the Lake District. Rocky mountains and grassy fells loom all around this handsome home, once owned by Beatrix Potter, and more latterly turned hikers’ hotel and owned by the National Trust. Fell-flecked scenery unfurls from the windows of the bedrooms in the main house, adjoining cottage and counting house. While the setting remains traditional and the grand entrance recalls a traditional era, the interiors have been swept into the present with bold patterns and comfy fabrics. Beyond the house, trails from the doorstep set off to explore the Lake District. Climb famous summits including Bow Fell, the Langdale Pikes and the Old Man of Coniston. Bag a series of Wainwright summits. Alternatively, slip into the beautiful valleys and stroll picturesque lakeside paths in search of secret corners such as Cathedral Cove in Little Langdale.

Address: Monk Coniston, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AQ

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

Stay in the smartly presented rooms in the main house. With 32 rooms, Monk Coniston has plenty of space and there’s a range ‘Classic’, ‘Premium’ and ‘Superior’ Rooms to choose from. Rooms with a view are well worth the extra spend as you’ll be overlooking the gardens or the lake.  Our favourite is Room 9 on the first floor, which contains some of the original features from when it was first built in 1885, a striking sailboat-patterned wallpaper and opens on to beautiful views of the gardens and fields that slope down to the shore of Coniston Water.

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, lounge, bar, Lakeland barn for activities, library and board games to borrow

After a day exploring the Lake District, return to the house. Stroll through the extensive grounds with their putting green and croquet lawn and uncover the hidden walled garden on the hill behind the house. Take a turn around the National Trust nature trail and look out for the fabulous, rare mature trees. Stumble on the small secret folly stood quietly among the bluebells when they’re out and the lush green grass when they’re not. Catch up with fellow guests in the bright and spacious lounge or grab a drink from the airy bar and wander down the garden to the bench overlooking Coniston Water for the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner – you might even spot the restored steam yacht Gondola cruising the five-mile length of the lake. After hours, duck into the converted Lakeland barn with its exposed beams and rustic chandelier for evening activities and skittles.

Map

Photos

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