tours of lake district england

THE 10 BEST Lake District Tours & Excursions

Lake district tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

2. 4-Hour Private Lake Tours by 4x4

3. Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District

4. Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise

5. 8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery - Afternoon Half Day Tour

6. "All Creatures Great and Small" Tour from the Lake District

7. Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

8. Guided Canoeing Experience on Coniston Water - Half Day

9. The Lake District from Manchester

10. The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

11. Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise

12. Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere

13. The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour

14. 5-Day York, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Tour from Edinburgh

15. Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees

16. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

17. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

18. CHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

19. Private 1 Hour Family Photoshoot in Lake District

20. Beatrix Potter Afternoon Half Day - includes Hill Top and Cruise

21. Six Lakes Spectacular

22. MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

23. Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District

24. The Lake District Tour from Liverpool

25. Brilliant White Water Rafting in the Lake District UK

26. 6 hour Private tour of the Lake District.

27. Full day Private tour of the Lake District

28. Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Tour - Magnificent Views - Photo Stops - Expert Guide

29. Tales of the Lake District: A Self-Guided Drive Around Windermere

30. Six Lakes Lake District Tour (Half Day 4 Hours)

What travelers are saying.

• Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise
• Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District
• Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool
• Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise
• Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees
• Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
• Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway
• Millerbeck Light Railway
• Eden Valley Railway
• Crags Adventures
• Mobile Adventure - Day Adventures
• Path to Adventure
• Keswick Adventures
• Mountain Memories
• Mountain Journeys
• Adventure 21
• Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
• Into The Outside
• Ghyll Scrambling

The Lake District

England's premier national park.

Picture this. You're children's author Beatrix Potter . Well... maybe not quite yet. For now, you're just Beatrix. A little girl on holiday with her family in the Lake District . Tucked up at the base a bramley apple tree, toes wiggling in the cool blades of grass, you see a dusty rabbit dash a cross the field before you.

Overhead, a Red Kite circles. Your heart spikes. Will that cute little bunny be its next meal?

Now, we're not saying this was the moment that inspired Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit , but it's certainly possible, isn't it? The beauty of the Lake District has inspired many famous writers over the years. We just love Wordsworth's poems, don't you? 

But what we care about is your experience. How will the Lake District move you? To words? To tears? Perhaps you're a photographer. Or maybe you love nothing more than staring at trees. Whatever draws you in, the Lake District is one of England's greatest destinations.  

Explore the Lake District tours

Why you'll love the Lake District

Rolling Hills

Lush green hills and valleys tumble across this gorgeous landscape. It’s no wonder the likes of Wordsworth and Tennyson were inspired by its boundless beauty.

Charming Villages

Cosy pubs, welcoming teahouses and Grasmere’s famous home-made gingerbread await you in the villages of the Lake District. Bask in the warm hospitality of the locals.

Mysterious Stone Circles

Castlerigg Stone Circle is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and engulfed in mystery. Secret Pagan rituals took place here five thousand years ago. Will you feel the shadows lurking around you?

Tranquil Lakes

Whether the sun is shining, or mist is gathering on the shores, the lakes in this part of England are enchanting. On a still day you can view entire vistas in the glassy reflection of the water.

Lake District Tours

Top Tours in Lake District, England

Lake district tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

2. 4-Hour Private Lake Tours by 4x4

3. Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District

4. Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise

5. 8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery - Afternoon Half Day Tour

6. "All Creatures Great and Small" Tour from the Lake District

7. Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

8. Ancient Ambleside and Waterhead Self-Guided Lake District Tour

9. The Lake District from Manchester

10. The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

11. Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise

12. Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere

13. The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour

14. 5-Day York, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Tour from Edinburgh

15. Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees

16. Private 1 Hour Family Photoshoot in Lake District

17. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

18. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

19. CHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

20. Beatrix Potter Afternoon Half Day - includes Hill Top and Cruise

21. Six Lakes Spectacular

22. MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

23. Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District

24. The Lake District Tour from Liverpool

25. Brilliant White Water Rafting in the Lake District UK

26. 6 hour Private tour of the Lake District.

27. Full day Private tour of the Lake District

28. Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Tour - Magnificent Views - Photo Stops - Expert Guide

29. Tales of the Lake District: A Self-Guided Drive Around Windermere

30. Six Lakes Lake District Tour (Half Day 4 Hours)

What travellers are saying.

• Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise
• Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District
• Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool
• Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise
• Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees
• Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
• Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway
• Millerbeck Light Railway
• Eden Valley Railway
• Crags Adventures
• Path to Adventure
• Mobile Adventure - Day Adventures
• Keswick Adventures
• Mountain Memories
• Mountain Journeys
• Adventure 21
• Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
• Into The Outside
• Ghyll Scrambling

  England's  Lake District: Inn to Inn  

Walk through the heart of the Lake District, with lodging along the way at some of the Lake District's most delightful country hotels and inns. Experience ever-changing spectacular views of fields, moors, woodlands and mountains.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Scenic guided hikes with talks by Lakeland experts
• A cruise across Coniston Water
• A visit to Brantwood- home of the poet, artist and social reformer, John Ruskin
• Views of Beatrix Potter's Hilltop Farm
• The sheer beauty of Tarn Hows with its thick conifers, clear lake and picturesque views
• Ancient Roman ruins- a bath house and a fort
• The World Owl Center- home to a diverse collection of thrilling birds of prey, the largest in existence
• The same splendid views of Grasmere that inspired Wordsworth's poetry

Each day, we guide you on a robust walk across vales and hills. We walk 4 to 9 miles per day with ascents of 600 to 1400 feet (you may also opt for only a half day of hiking). Sightseeing by minibus rounds out an appreciation of Lake District history and culture.  

What your day will look like

Day 1 

Arrive at our first hotel in Grange-over-Sands, where lunch is available, if required (at own expense). In the afternoon we drive to the medieval village of Cartmel with its imposing 12th-Century Priory church and on the way back take a short walk along the bay promenade. A tea reception and orientation meeting is followed by our Welcome Dinner. (D)

The hotel is located next to the train station in Grange-over-Sands. You can take the train from Manchester Airport to Grange-over-Sands for your arrival. Should you require a pre night, please let us know.

Day 2 

Walk through delightful limestone woodlands and up grassy slopes to the top of Hampsfell escarpment to enjoy the spectacular views across Morecambe Bay and towards the Lakeland mountains. In the afternoon, follow country byways through the gentle Cartmel Valley and Bigland Estate to our next inn at Newby Bridge. (B, L, D) 9 Miles

Day 3 

This walk includes a delightful variety of countryside, with ever-changing views. Woodland, green fields and a moorland ridge bring us to our lunch point in the peaceful Rusland valley. Then an enchanting walk across heather-clad Bethecar Moor, until Coniston Water opens up below. Drive in our minibus to reach the next inn by the shore of Coniston Water, where two nights are spent. (B, L, D) 10 Miles

Day 4 

We enjoy a short cruise across Coniston Water to Brantwood, home of the poet, artitst, and social reformer, John Ruskin. Then choose between a walk up the Coppermines Valley to absorb the spectacular scenery (and a fascinating insight into an industry which supported the local economy for over 300 years) or sightseeing in Hawkshead and Sawrey, where Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm is situated.  (B, L, D)  4 Miles/Optional

Day 5 

Leave Coniston for a ramble over lush green rises to Tarn Hows, a jewel-like lake built by a Victorian landowner to enhance the view. Walk up the Tilberthwaite Valley, with an optional diversion to Holme Fell to admire the incomparable views in all directions. The next three nights' accomodation will be in either a traditional Lakeland Inn in Little Langdale, or a delightful country guest house, superbly encircled by nearby Lakeland hills. (B, L, D) 8 Miles

Day 6 

We motor along England’s steepest road across spectacular Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, stopping to tour a 2nd-century Roman fort. Continue to the tiny village of Boot, and visit Eskdale Corn Mill, where packed lunches may be eaten, or a visit to a nearby pub in case of bad weather. There is time to enjoy the atmosphere of the wonderful Lakeland village of Boot, before rejoining the minibus for the drive to the Irish Sea coast at Ravenglass, and a walk through rolling pastures, past the ruins of a Roman Bath House, for a visit to medieval Muncaster Castle and its world-famous Owl Centre.(B, L, D) 2 1/2 Miles

Day 7 

Walk by Elterwater and follow in Wordsworth’s footsteps along Loughrigg Terrace for a superb view of Grasmere Lake and vale, the inspiration for many of his great poems. We arrive at the village of Rydal, which Wordsworth made his home for the final 37 years of his life. After lunch in a traditional “tearoom” we visit Rydal Mount, the poet’s home and its gardens, which were lovingly landscaped by the poet during his time there. In the afternoon we walk along the valley side to Dove Cottage in Grasmere, Wordsworth’s home during his nine most productive years as a poet, and visit the cottage and nearby museum (a visit to Grasmere village can be arranged instead of this final walk). Return to our accommodation for the final night, and our Farewell dinner.

(B, L, D) 7 Miles

Day 8 

Departure after breakfast. To depart from the tour, you can take a taxi from the hotel to the train station in Windermere or you can hire a private transfer back to the airport in Manchester. Should you require additonal nights, please let us know. We can also arrange for an extension in Grasmere should you want to spend more time in the beautiful Lake District. (B)

For the remainder of 2023 and for all of 2024 we will be offering our tours on customized basis only.  This means that you will select you tour, guided or self-guided, select your dates and we will plan your walking tour using the same great guides and accommodations as our group departures.  Group sizes can range from 2 to 12 people. 

Price From:  $3,950 - Per Person  /  Double Occupancy

Single Supplement: $425

Price may vary depending on group size.  Please contact us price quote.

Your trip price includes the following. 

• 6 scenic guided hikes
• 7 nights lodging in charming country inns  and hotels
• Double-occupancy room with private bath
• 7 sumptuous breakfasts and 7 dinners
• 7 packed or pub lunches
• Lake steamer cruise
• Sightseeing visits and admission fees
• Talks by Lakeland experts
• Luggage transported between inns

For additional information, please call or email us at [email protected] and one of our exceptional Travel Advisors will be happy to share with you all kinds of details.

Best Time to Go

May through October

Convenient Airport

Manchester Airport (MAN)

Traveling By Rail

Windermere Train Station

Grange-Over-Sands Train Station

Northern Rail and Trans Pennine Express Trains offer direct service from Manchester Airport to Windermere, which makes the journey by public transport very straightforward. For rail information including reservations, time schedules and current fares please refer to BritRail at (800) 677-8585 or www.britrail.com . In the UK call (08457) 484950, or visit 

www.nationalrail.co.uk . Another useful resource is The Train Line at   www.thetrainline.com .

Follow this link to the Meteorological Office for information on climate and rainfall averages.

Self-Guided Tours & Trip Extensions

England's Coast to Coast

Iconic walk across England via Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

The Heart of Lakeland

Mountains rise from sea level to heights of over 3000 feet, and are intersected by lush green valleys, often containing lakes. 

The Cotwolds Way

The finest villages of the northern Cotswolds. 

Wales: Pembrokeshire Coast Path

The stunning Pembrokeshire coastline.

London Highlights - 4 Days

The Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the National Church of England, Buckingham Palace

Dublin - 3 Days

St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, National Gallery of Ireland, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens

Scottish Whisky and Golf - 4 Days

Edinburgh, Old Course Experience, whisky Master Class, St Andrews

The World of Downton Abbey

Beaulieu Motor Car Museum, Highclere Castle, Bampton, Blenheim Palace, Ladock village, Bath

Stay in touch 

GET IN TOUCH

(800) 724-8801 [email protected] 4222 fortuna center plaza, #629 montclair, virginia 22025 usa, stay connected  , join our newsletter and find out more.

Thank you for signing up.  We will periodically update you on tours, news, deals and more. 

Explore the beautiful scenery and the best locations on one of our guided tours from Keswick.

These are the tours available for you to book for 2 people

Scheduled Half Day Tours

Eight Lakes Half Day Tour

Group size:

Suitable for:

approx. 4 hours

max. 7 guests

Beatrix Potter Morning Half Day Tour

Entry fees are optional

max. 6/7 guests

Beatrix Potter Afternoon Half Day Tour with Lake Cruise

Wordsworth Morning Half Day Tour

approx. 3.5 hours

Coniston and Langdales Half Day Tour

Scheduled full day tours.

The Ultimate Lake District Tour: the best of the lakes and landscape - Full Day All-inclusive Tour

Includes boat trip on Ullswater

approx. 8.5 hours

The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

Includes entry fees to major stops

approx. 9 hours

max. 6 guests

All Creatures Great And Small Full Day Tour

The Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Scenic Tour

Private tours, private tour: all creatures great and small.

Private Tour: Lake Poets: Wordsworth and his circle at Dove Cottage, Grasmere and Rydal Mount

Private tour: beatrix potter morning, private tour: beatrix potter afternoon with lake cruise.

Private Tour: The Ultimate Lake District Tour

Private Tour: The Tale of Beatrix Potter

approx. 8 hours

Private Tour: The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

approx. 9.5 hours

Private Tour: Eight Lakes Half Day Tour

Top Tours in Lake District, England

Lake district tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

2. 4-Hour Private Lake Tours by 4x4

3. Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District

4. Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise

5. 8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery - Afternoon Half Day Tour

6. "All Creatures Great and Small" Tour from the Lake District

7. Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

8. Guided Canoeing Experience on Coniston Water - Half Day

9. The Lake District from Manchester

10. The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

11. Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise

12. Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere

13. The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour

14. 5-Day York, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Tour from Edinburgh

15. Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees

16. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

17. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

18. Private 1 Hour Family Photoshoot in Lake District

19. CHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

20. Beatrix Potter Afternoon Half Day - includes Hill Top and Cruise

21. Six Lakes Spectacular

22. MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

23. Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District

24. The Lake District Tour from Liverpool

25. Brilliant White Water Rafting in the Lake District UK

26. 6 hour Private tour of the Lake District.

27. Full day Private tour of the Lake District

28. Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Tour - Magnificent Views - Photo Stops - Expert Guide

29. Tales of the Lake District: A Self-Guided Drive Around Windermere

30. Six Lakes Lake District Tour (Half Day 4 Hours)

What travellers are saying.

• Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise
• Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District
• Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool
• Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise
• Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees
• Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
• Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway
• Millerbeck Light Railway
• Eden Valley Railway
• Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
• Path to Adventure
• Mobile Adventure - Day Adventures
• Keswick Adventures
• Mountain Memories
• Mountain Journeys
• Crags Adventures
• Adventure 21
• Into The Outside
• Ghyll Scrambling

5 BEST Lake District Tours from London (2024)

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

Ready to book the best Lake District tours from London?

You’ve come to the right place because I’m covering the top 5 Lake District tours from London here!

How do I know?

I’ve lived in London since 2012 and have been to the Lake District so many times since moving here since it’s amazing and charming and relaxing and all the best things about the UK.

And of course, I’ve had to get there, so have taken a fair few tours of the Lake District from London over the years!

Unlike my guide to the best Lake District tours , these ones are specifically departing from London, so they’re a fantastic resource if you’re staying in the city and want a day trip or a couple day break.

I’ve only included quality tours in this list so you know that you’re getting the best of the best.

Want me to get to the point?

The best Lake District tour departing from London is this Lake District rail trip from London .

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best tour of the Lake District from London is this Lake District rail trip from London .

Click here to check prices and availability.

It’s got great reviews and a consistently high rating, so you can’t go wrong.

But let’s jump into the other great tours of the Lake District that leave from London.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best London to Lake District Tours

1. lake district rail day trip from london : lake district tours from london.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 60+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  13 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Meet your Expert Guide in Oxenholme
• Return Rail Journey
• Free Wi-Fi On Board (Train Only)
• Return Train tickets (between London Euston and Oxenholme Station (reserved seats)

Discover the wild beauty and literary history of England’s Lake District on a guided day trip from London that includes round-trip train tickets .

You’ll travel in a comfortable minivan and visit stunning places like Lake Windermere , the charming village of Hawkshead , and the peaceful Tarn Hows .

If you go during the summer, you’re in for a special treat.

You can explore Hill Top, the farmhouse that inspired Beatrix Potter ‘s famous stories.

You’ll also get to enjoy a relaxing cruise on the lake and have a delicious English tea at the Lindeth Howe hotel.

You can make your journey even fancier by upgrading to first-class train tickets.

During the winter, the trip is a bit different.

You’ll get to see Rydal Mount and Gardens , where you’ll learn a lot and have a cream tea.

Then, you’ll visit Bowness and can choose to enter the World of Beatrix Potter, a cool place that brings her stories to life.

2. From London: Lake District Tour with Cream Tea & Cruise : Lake District day trip from London

⭐️  RATING:  4.6 out of 5 Stars, 19+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 day | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Round-trip train tickets to Lake District National Park with reserved seats
• Scenic lake cruise
• Visit medieval Hawkshead village

Head over to London Euston station for a calm train ride to Oxenholme in the amazing Lake District National Park.

When you get to Oxenholme, a l ocal guide will meet you and show you around the Lake District.

This guided tour is the best way to see the most interesting parts of the Lake District, which is famous for its connections to Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth.

Start by going up north along the edge of Lake Windermere to a village called Hawkshead .

This is where Wordsworth went to school.

Then, go on to a beautiful place called Tarn Hows where you can stop and take pictures.

After that, drive through Yewdale and pass by Yew Tree Tarn , which was in a movie called “Miss Potter.”

Next, go into the big valleys of the Langdales , which were shaped by ice a long time ago and look really amazing.

When you reach the village of Waterhead by the lake, you’ll go on a boat cruise on Windermere , the biggest lake in England.

Sit back and enjoy the view of the big hills, which the locals call Lakeland Fells.

When you get to Bowness Bay , have a special tea with cream at Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, where Beatrix Potter used to live.

At the end of the day, the guide will take you back to Oxenholme Station for the train ride back to London.

3. Overnight Lake District with Afternoon Tea & Cruise from London

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 5+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 days | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Free Wi-Fi On Board the Train
• Culinary Aspect (cream tea on Day 1)
• One night’s hotel stay in the Lake District with Breakfast

Discover the amazing beauty of the Lake District National Park on an overnight trip from London .

Travel by train through scenic routes to reach this stunning park and enjoy a guided tour .

Cruise on Coniston Water , a big lake in the area.

See where Beatrix Potter, a famous author, used to live at Hill Top, and have a yummy traditional afternoon tea.

Stay in a nice 3 or 4-star hotel , and after a tasty English breakfast, have your own adventure on the second day.

You’ll have a guided tour to explore the amazing Lake District National Park, go on a boat ride on Coniston Water , visit Beatrix Potter’s old home, Hill Top, and the old village of Hawkshead .

Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at Lindeth Howe , where Beatrix Potter also lived.

4. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from London : Lake District trip from London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 5+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 days | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• 2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
• Professional Driver Guide
• Transport by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
• 2nd class return rail travel from London Euston to Penrith station
• Small-group tour (maximum 16 people)

Embark on a fantastic 3-day journey to the picturesque Lake District, a region that captures the essence of both British history and the wonders of nature.

What makes this adventure special is that you’ll be part of a small group , ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience throughout your trip.

To kick off your adventure, you’ll hop on a train departing from London .

This train journey provides the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the changing landscapes as you make your way towards the Lake District.

Once you arrive, you can leave all the planning and logistics to the experts – your transportation and accommodation are all taken care of, leaving you free to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings.

The itinerary for this tour has been carefully crafted with you in mind.

It’s ideal for those who want to make the most of their time in this rural paradise.

From the mesmerizing Ullswater Lake that reflects the beauty of its surroundings to the scenic drive through Kirkstone Pass, every moment is a chance to connect with the stunning natural environment.

One of the highlights of your journey will be a visit to Dove Cottage , the former home of the renowned poet William Wordsworth.

Here, you can step into the world that inspired his words and gain a deeper understanding of the connection between this great poet and the landscape that surrounded him.

Throughout your trip, you’ll travel in style and comfort aboard a top-of-the-line Mercedes mini-coach .

This comfortable mode of transportation ensures you can relax and enjoy the sights without any worries.

It’s a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of London, allowing you to fully embrace the tranquility of the Lake District.

When it comes to accommodations, you’ll be treated to two nights of cozy and comfortable lodging.

This gives you plenty of time to unwind, recharge, and truly appreciate the beauty and serenity of the Lake District.

5. Self-guided Lake District Tour from London : tours to Lake District from London

While it’s not something you can book, it is possible to do your own self-guided tour of the Lake District from London .

Obviously you can rent a car and make the drive, but I would only recommend this if you’re very familiar with driving in the UK.

Instead, you can book your own tickets from London to Oxenholme Train Station, using Omio , and you can then either get a train to Windermere (the closest lake) which takes about 20 minutes, or you can arrange for a taxi.

This will allow you to explore the Lake District for the day on your own terms, as once you’re dropped off in Windermere, you can walk your way around the local area and go down to the lake and do some hikes.

This is a fantastic option for those who are a bit more adventurous or don’t want to be on the schedule of a tour, but still want to see the Lake District from London.

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

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A beginner’s guide to England's Lake District

May 7, 2022 • 6 min read

In summer, lakes like Derwentwater are prime for exploring © SolStock / Getty Images

The 885-square-mile Lake District  is a hauntingly beautiful part of northwest England  that was voted the nation's favorite national park in 2018. The region seduced Wordsworth and other literary giants, and continues to attract sightseers, walkers and adventurers in search of its fascinating heritage and abundant outdoor activities.

From Windermere to Scafell Pike, and the best things to do with your family, here's what you need to know about visiting the Lake District.

History of the Lake District

Until the mid-19th century the area was barely visited by outsiders – Daniel Defoe described it as "barren and frightful" in 1724 – but the Romantic poets’ idea of "sublime nature" encouraged an appreciation of wild places, and the introduction of the railway to Windermere in 1847 made mass tourism possible.

Lake District National Park

The landscape in the region is spellbinding: shadowy ridges gilded with golden light, shimmering meadows ablaze with wildflowers, and sparkling blue lakes that reflect the whole glorious scene.

Lakes are plentiful, of course: to the west of Windermere is Coniston Water and west of here are Wasdale valley and Wastwater, the deepest lake in England. North of Wastwater you’ll find Lake Buttermere, absurdly scenic from all angles, and east of Buttermere is Derwentwater, with its lovely wooded islands. Further east, Ullswater is arguably the most majestic of all, and is where the daffodils that inspired Wordsworth can be found.

Here are some of the region's key locations and what you can do there.

Bowness-on-Windermere is still the entry point for most visitors. Its adjacent namesake lake ribbons for 11 glorious miles through the gently undulating southern portion of the park. Taking a cruise here is a classic Lakeland experience, albeit one you’ll share with plenty of fellow sightseers. 

On the western side of Windermere is the village of Hawkshead, a pretty and atmospheric place to stay. It also has important connections to Beatrix Potter. You can visit Potter’s old home, a 17th-century cottage called Hill Top whose setting inspired much of her work. 

Beyond Lake Windermere, heading north into the middle of the park, the scenery becomes more wild and dramatic. Bottle-green valleys dotted with sheep and flanked by craggy ridges form great fissures in the landscape. Mountain passes, draped like bootlaces across the unforgiving terrain, link remote hamlets and villages.

Wordsworth was schooled in Hawkshead and lived for a time in Grasmere. You can visit his old home, Dove Cottage , where he penned some of the greatest poetry ever written – much of it concerned with the nature he found around him – and see his grave in St Oswald’s Churchyard .

The most northerly of the Lake District's major towns, Keswick  has the most beautiful location of all: encircled by cloud-capped fells and nestled alongside the idyllic, island-studded lake of Derwentwater, a silvery curve criss-crossed by puttering cruise boats. It's also brilliantly positioned for further adventures into the nearby valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere, and is a great base for walking.

The best walks and hikes in the Lake District

The Lake District has some of the finest walking trails in the world. Walk Lakes  is a useful resource and allows you to choose trails by both difficulty and location. Some popular routes include:

The 5-mile circuit around Buttermere is surrounded on all sides with mountains and offers consistently stunning views.

The popular 3-mile scramble up the 1476ft (450m) peak of Catbells, adjacent to Derwentwater, is slightly more testing and provides one of the best panoramic views in the Lake District.

For the glory of saying you’ve climbed the highest peak in the country, Scafell Pike beckons. This is doable for anyone with reasonable fitness but should be approached with common sense and waterproofs, not flip flops and a vest. If the weather is kind, you’ll catch a glimpse of Wastwater from the top – a mere puddle on the landscape when viewed from the 3208ft (978m) summit.

The national park also has a wide range of accessible walks for those who are less mobile. There are 50 routes, right across the national park to suit people of all abilities, including many routes for wheelchair users. You can find full details of those at the park website .

Read more: The 8 most dramatic hikes in England   

Outdoor sports

Not surprisingly, there’s an abundance of other ways to enjoy the outdoors in Lakeland, from water-based activities such as fishing and kayaking, to mountain-biking, climbing and gorge walking (often called "ghyll scrambling" in these parts). One of the most exciting adventure activities can be found at the Honister Slate Mine on its vertiginous via ferratas – think cables, cliffs and clinging on for dear life.

Things to do with kids in the Lakes

There are also plenty of great family days out to be had in the Lakes, and they're not all reliant on favorable weather. For indoor entertainment, try the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness. It's divided into areas themed on Potter's more famous stories and is perfect for younger children.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway (known locally as La'al Ratty) makes for a highly pleasant 40 minutes, trundling 7 miles from the coast through the lovely Eskdale valley to the foot of the Scafell range. Nearby Muncaster Castle , with its impressive castle grounds, has a Hawk and Owl Center with daily flying displays of birds of prey.

How to get around the Lake District

It's possible to access and explore most of the Lake District using public transport – there are railway stations at Windermere, Oxenholme (Kendal) and Penrith, and an excellent network of local busses, including the legendary 555 that runs the entire length of the national park and is a day out in itself.

For convenience and flexibility, most prefer to use their own transport. The M6 flanks the entire eastern edge of the park, while the A591 and A66 dissect it internally. Most of the Lake District’s roads are rural and mountain passes may be closed in bad weather.

The national park also offers electric car hire options, as well as a network of charging points .

Read more: How to get around in England

Where to stay

The bulk of accommodations is in the four main towns – Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick – but almost every village has at least one B&B option. There are also plenty of campsites and youth hostels.

What to eat

The county is crammed with passionate food producers and local delicacies. Taste Cumbria has a running schedule for local food markets. There are plenty of excellent pubs to choose from too, from no-nonsense fodder for hikers to fine dining at the three-Michelin Starred L’Enclume in Cartmel.

What to pack

What kit you bring will depend on what walking you plan to do, and you’ll need to be properly prepared for the likes of Helvellyn and Scafell Pike, especially in the colder months. You should have a pair of sturdy boots and waterproofs as an absolute minimum.

You might also like: Top 10 national parks in England    Best things to do with kids in England    Top 9 road trips in England  

This article was first published November 2015 and updated May 2022

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Walk the Lake District

• Hiking & Trekking
• Fully Guided

• Introduction
• Day 1 Join trip in Seatoller in the Borrowdale Valley
• Day 2 Hike to Keswick via Cat Bells
• Day 3 Hike Buttermere and Haystacks
• Day 4 Scafell Pike: highest mountain in England (978m)
• Day 5 Drive to Keswick; Walk up Latrigg and Lonscale Craggs
• Day 6 Walk from Stonethwaite to Grasmere
• Day 7 Trip ends in Seatoller

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• A Rhonda · 24th June 2023 Reaching the top of the highest mountain in England - Scalfell Pike - fabulous feeling Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Claire Panke · 31st May 2023 This is an excellent, varied tour in a stunningly beautiful area of northern England. Our hotel GlaraMara House was fantastic, with comfortable and spacious rooms, excellent, friendly staff, and fabulous food. Our guide Graham, and the other local... Show more Trip date: May 2023
• A CLAIRE · 31st May 2023 Every day yielded wonderful experiences ! The hotel was wonderful, the food and the staff was top-notch. Our main guide Graham was superb and we had good group dynamics. Climbing Scafell Pile was certainly a highlight - and a challenge - but I will... Show more Trip date: May 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Julie · 29th May 2023 Climbing Scarfell Pike Trip date: May 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Shawna · 30th April 2023 Despite my comment about letting people know what kind of vigorous uphill climbing to expect, this trip was indeed full of wonder and memorable moments, Getting to know the other hikers, the wonderful Garamara place, and the views as we hiked - were the... Show more Trip date: April 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Nicki · 18th April 2023 Scafell Pike, valley walking, meeting like minded people in the group, the food at the hotel Trip date: April 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Anne · 16th April 2023 Getting up Scafell Pike with the help of your professional guide. He had his work cut out to get us to the top. Trip date: April 2023 Review collected by Explore!

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Lake District Hiking Tours

Lake district.

• Hike in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter through the Lake District in Northern England
• Traverse dramatic mountain passes with vistas over shimmering lakes
• The charming village of Grasmere, once home to William Wordsworth
• Relax in cozy and welcoming Lakeland country inns for jam and scones and pints of ale
• Discover the pretty market town of Keswick, on the shores of glistening Derwent Water
• The rugged peak of Skiddaw which dominates the skyline

Hiking in the Lake District in the North-West of England allows you to experience exhilarating mountain peaks, peaceful valleys, and of course, pristine lakes. It is a land which has inspired poets, writers and artists for centuries including the famed William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Breathtaking landscapes and pretty villages scattered with traditional inns make it one of the UK's finest regions for excellent trails and one which every keen hiker should experience.

We’ve organized thousands of self-guided hiking tours in the Lake District and along the Coast to Coast which starts here. We know the Lake District personally with many staff having hiked or being based in the area!

Enjoy the Lake District as part of a longer trail like the Coast to Coast , or focus on the region itself with an itinerary such as the Lake District Trail . We also have a collection of easier grade tours in the Lake District, if you prefer your walking to be of a gentler pace whilst still ticking off some amazing views! The Lake District is a favorite of many of the team at Macs, and we look forward to helping you plan your adventure !

Featured Tours - Lake District

Coast to Coast Walk

The Lake District Trail

Heart of the Lake District

The Cumbria Way

The Lake District Round

Discover lake district.

Q: When is the best time to walk in the Lake District?

A:  Spring is a personal favorite of the Macs team as the nicest time of year to walk in the Lake District. The weather is usually fairly mild (although it is the Lake District so you should always bring your waterproofs!), the flowers are in bloom and lambs dot the fields and pastures. 

Q: Do I need to be able to navigate?

A: Many of the trails are signposted in the Lake District and booking with Macs Adventure you can download our app, which has the routes already loaded, so that we no longer need to use paper and can do our bit for the planet. However as the weather can be rather unpredictable in the Lake District fells we do recommend that you have had some experience in navigating in order to get full enjoyment from these trips.

Q: What are the paths like?

A: You will find  a variety of terrain in the Lake District including rocky, mountainous terrain, some boggy sections and lakeside and woodland paths. Most days will involve a couple of steep ascents and descents.

Q: Will there be places to eat on the walks?

A: Depending on the walk, you may pass a small village with a cafe or tempting tearoom. There are other days where the walk will take you into the fells where there are no facilities and on those days you will be able to pick up a packed lunch from your accommodation or the village shop. Our detailed route notes will advise you of the days where this is the case.

Q: How fit do I need to be?

A: All of our Lake District tours are graded moderate and above and pass through hilly terrain, so you will enjoy the walks more if you have a relative level of fitness. However, on the Lake District Trail  and Lake District in Comfort tours you will stay for 2 nights in each place so you can always take it easy on the second day if you would prefer not to walk! 

Enjoy a picnic!   - The views you get from some of the Lake District fells are simply too beautiful to pass by quickly! Pack a picnic lunch, pick your perfect spot overlooking one of the shimmering lakes, breathe it all in and enjoy it! 

Make sure you have the right gear - T his can make a big difference to how enjoyable you find the hike!  For walking in the Lake District, good waterproofs are essential as well as a sturdy pair of boots! 

Stock up on gingerbread and Kendal Mint Cake! -  A must on every trip to the Lake District is a visit to the famous Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. Here at Macs we all have a bit of a sweet tooth but this gingerbread is the stuff of dreams! A delicious combination of spicy and sweetness it will have you running up those fells in no time! And on this note, another famous Lake District treat which will give you a much needed sugar boost is Kendal Mint Cake. If you feel yourself flagging, a couple of bites of this will sort you out in no time! 

Take to the water! -  If you have the time we highly recommend adding some extra nights on to your trip to allow you the time to relax. And a great way to spend the afternoon in the Lake District is to take a boat trip! This way your feet can take a rest and you can experience the lakes from ground level instead of looking on them from above. Add an extra night in Ambleside and enjoy a trip on one of the Windermere Lake Cruises. Or add a night in Patterdale to experience the romance of the Ullswater Steamer boats, who have been operating since 1855.

It's not just the team here at Macs Adventure who think the Lake District is a pretty inspiring place to be! Quite a few film-makers think that's the case too and have decided to film their movies here. Look closely whilst you are out walking and you may recognize scenes from the following;

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning part 1 - Tom Cruise paraglides down to Buttermere. 

Star Wars VII The Force Awakens - this blockbuster movie used the breath-taking Derwentwater in some of it's dramatic battle scenes to create the planet of Takodana and Skiddaw peak can be seen clearly in the background. The leading star of the movie, Rey, says when she arrives in the Lake District (or Takodana!) " I didn’t know there was so much green in the whole galaxy” - a sentiment you may also feel whilst walking in the Lake District!

Peter Rabbit -  The famous children's writer Beatrix Potter is almost synonymous with the Lake District. She owned several properties and farms in the Lake District, bred Herdwick Sheep and was a passionate supporter of the National Trust. Her most successful story, Peter Rabbit was first published in 1901 and in 2018 it was turned into a film starring James Corden and Margot Robbie. Just like the books, the filming locations for this were all around Ambleside and Windermere

Tommy -  Filming for this 1970's cult classic took place in the Borrowdale Valley, and also near Wainwright's favorite, Haystacks. 

Miss Potter -  Yew Tree Farm in Coniston was the star of the show in this 2006 film about the life of Beatrix Potter starring Renée Zellweger. Once owned by Beatrix Potter, it is the scene of her home Hill Top in the film. 

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Last Minute Trips

Lake district & northumberland walking tours, explore our lake district walking holidays.

Discover the history and heritage of the north of England, exploring iconic coastlines, wild moors and rugged fells.

Venture into the Lake District, climbing from the high fells – including Scafell Pike and Helvellyn – through to some of the smaller but nontheless spectacular peaks, such as Catbells. Tick off a few  Wainwrights  and rest your legs by the still waters of Buttermere or Windermere.

Alternatively, stroll along Hadrian’s Wall, visit the ancient castles of Bamburgh, Lindisfarne and Alnwick, tread upon Roman roads and walk in the footsteps of Vikings in Northumberland.

Leading the way, our expert guides have the local knowledge to tailor each day’s routes to the group’s wants and needs. We know the best  walking routes  and where to enjoy the best  views . But perhaps most importantly, we know which pubs the locals recommend at the end of each walk!

Walk Hadrian's Wall on a Guided Adventure

Just three hours from  London , let us show you the north of England at its finest.

Walk Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland – Guided

• 6 days, 5 nights

Walk the Lake District, Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland and Edinburgh

• 7 days, 6 nights

Walk the Lake District Valleys and Villages – Self Guided

• Self-Guided

Walk the Lake District Summits – Guided

Walk the Lake District Circuit – Self Guided

• 8 days, 7 nights

Walk England – the Grand Tour

• 11 days, 10 nights

Walk the UK – Grand Tour

Prefer to go private.

Whether you prefer to travel on your own, as a couple or with friends and family, we offer a range of guided, private or self-guided tours, so that your Lake District and Northumberland walking vacation suits you perfectly. Be as active as you like, with tailored routes to suit both beginners and more experienced walkers. With our handpicked mix of the best trails in the North, enjoy a seamless walking tour, safe in the knowledge we have everything covered.

Prefer to Walk the Cotswolds?

If you’d prefer rolling hills, thatched cottages and honey coloured stone walls then have a look at our walking tours of the Cotswolds instead. 

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What people are saying

The north faqs.

The Lake District is in the North West of England, with rugged mountains (fells), dramatic lakes (meres) and deep valleys formed by Ice Age glaciers. It contains England’s highest mountain, and deepest lake, and is both a National Park and a World Heritage Site, in recognition of its natural wild beauty and cultural significance, having inspired generations of poets, writers and artists.

Northumberland is a county in North East England, and lies on the England-Scotland border. It is home to one of the most picturesque and untouched stretches of coastline in the United Kingdom along with rolling hills and gentle mountains.

The best way to travel up North is by train, approximately a 4 hour direct journey from London Paddington to The Lake District (Penrith) and Northumberland (Newcastle Train Station).

All of our self-guided trips begin from the Lake District. We can also arrange pre and post accommodation at a range of different locations so you can arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to start your tour. You can also fly into Manchester and transfer to the start of the tour from there.

Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer for you from London – the drive is approximately 5 hours. 

The North of England is hillier than many of the other regions of England. However the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales have a variety of routes which makes the regions great walking country and suitable for those who are moderately fit and active. There are many hills, fells and moors but the incredible views from the top more than make up from the ascents! However, you will be able to miss out some of the steeper inclines – or add in some hillier walks for those looking to stretch their legs. There are routes for everyone and we can tailor your tour to your specific preferences.

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