Hidden Treasures of Cumbria & the Lake District

Check in to the North Lakes Hotel & Spa in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Our discoveries begin in Carlisle, where centuries of conflict and changing borders have shaped one of Britain's great frontier cities. We explore mighty Carlisle Castle on a guided tour, which has guarded the gateway between England and Scotland for more than 900 years, before visiting the magnificent cathedral, home to remarkable medieval architecture and beautiful stained glass. Our time here also includes a buffet lunch.

Afterward, we head to Dalemain Mansion, finely dressed in a salmon-pink Georgian façade which almost glows in the sunlight. We learn how behind Dalemain’s orderly frontage are the remnants of a 12^th-century pele tower and an Elizabethan manor, and we trace its roots back to the reign of Henry II. There is much to discover inside; a helter-skelter of secret passages, spiral staircases, a priest’s hiding hole, as well as Chippendale furniture and priceless oil portraits.

This morning we visit Blackwell for a guided tour, one of Britain's finest Arts and Crafts houses. Designed by celebrated architect M.H. Baillie Scott, the house is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, filled with beautiful details and enjoying wonderful views across Lake Windermere.

We then board our cruise for a relaxing journey along England's largest lake, sailing from Bowness to Lakeside and enjoying ever-changing views of wooded shores, rolling hills and distant fells.

Our day concludes at Levens Hall, a beautiful Elizabethan house famed for its spectacular gardens and the world's oldest topiary garden. There is time to explore at leisure before enjoying a soup and sandwich lunch with tea and coffee.

We begin at Hutton-in-the-Forest, one of Cumbria's finest country houses and home to the same family for more than 400 years. A fascinating blend of medieval tower house, Jacobean mansion and Arts and Crafts interiors, the house is particularly noted for its beautiful William Morris designs and impressive collections. We find out more on our guided William Morris interiors tour.

Later, we enjoy free time in the bustling market town of Keswick, with time to find lunch at your leisure and perhaps stroll to the shores of Derwentwater to admire the views. Our final visit is to Mirehouse, a beautiful family home set amongst glorious gardens on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, where we enjoy a guided tour. Rich in literary connections, the house has welcomed many famous visitors over the years, including Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Beatrix Potter. Explore the elegant rooms, peaceful gardens and lakeside setting before we return to the hotel after another memorable day in the Lake District.