Scenic Cumbria & the Lovely Lake District

From a morning pickup in your local area, we travel by coach to our hotel.

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.

Full Day

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 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. We return, to our hotel in Barrow-in-Furness via the scenic coastal road, past Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

*For 2026 departures, the visit to Kendal will take place on day four following time in Grasmere.

Full Day

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!

Our next stop is the handsome market town of Keswick, which sits between peaceful Derwentwater and the looming bulk of Skiddaw, England’s fourth-highest mountain. Enjoy the pedestrianised Market Square, browse the unique shops and art galleries, or treat yourself in one of the quaint cafés and restaurants.

*For 2026 departures, time in Grasmere will be followed by time in Kendal rather than Keswick.

Full Day

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board the coach for the journey home.