Scenic Cumbria & the Lovely Lake District

We head to Haverthwaite where we climb aboard our heritage train on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway for our nostalgic journey. Look forward to being transported back to the golden age of steam as we travel through the picturesque Leven Valley to peaceful Lakeside, the southern tip of Lake Windermere.

From here we explore the stunning beauty of Lake Windermere on a leisurely scenic cruise. Sit back and relax as we enjoy magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and many wooded islands as we cruise England’s largest natural lake.

We disembark in Bowness-on-Windermere, a popular resort and charming enclave on the eastern shores of the lake. We enjoy free time in this bustling town with its craft and gift shops, lakeside cafés and quaint tea rooms. We also enjoy free entry to the enchanting World of Beatrix Potter Attraction where an endearing short film presentation, exhibition and garden bring Beatrix Potter’s celebrated characters to life, complete with sights and sounds of the glorious countryside.

We take a scenic drive through stunning Cumbria to the market town of Ulverston, the birthplace of Stan Laurel, where we enjoy some time at leisure. Be sure to visit the Laurel & Hardy Museum, devoted to the beloved double act and bursting with personal items, photos, memorabilia and more, located in a 1930s period cinema and originally created by a lifelong fan. We return via the seaside town of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and the scenic coastal road to our hotel in Barrow-in-Furness, where there is time to explore this historic port town.

In the morning, we make our way to Grasmere, the picturesque village associated with the poet William Wordsworth, who lived here for 14 years and declared the Grasmere as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. You may like to visit his former home of Dove Cottage and his grave in the churchyard before picking up some deliciously moreish Grasmere gingerbread in the famous Victorian shop – the top-secret recipe hasn’t changed since 1854 and is locked away in a bank in Cumbria!

We continue to the market town of Kendal, the southern gateway to the Lakes and home of the famous Kendal mint cake. There are also plenty of cafés and boutiques as well as one of the country’s oldest museums plus an award-winning art gallery housed in a beautiful Grade I listed villa.