Windermere Trip Overview
The Northern Sights Tour is very popular as it affords the opportunity to see the beauty of the Skiddaw range of mountains whilst passing through the stunning scenery of the Central Lakes. You will see Neolithic structures dating back over 2000 years and what are considered the most beautiful of the lakes all in one day. We pride ourselves on customising all our tours to suit your personal requirements. We can spend more time, or less, at places so please use the itinerary as a framework for us to create the perfect day for you. Each tour includes one paid for experience as highlighted*
Although some guests actually want to see the Lakes at its wildest it can spoil it for others so, as “Pleasure first, Business second” is our mantra we, unlike most operators, will let you know in advance if we think the weather may be an issue to allow you to make an informed decision as to continue with your trip, arrange an alternative date or request a refund.
Additional Info
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Starts: Windermere, United Kingdom
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Windermere Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Windermere, Lake District, United Kingdom
The Northern Sights Tour is very popular as it affords the opportunity to see the beauty of the Skiddaw range of mountains whilst passing through the stunning scenery of the Central Lakes. You will see Neolithic structures dating back over 2000 years and what are considered the most beautiful of the lakes all in one day. We pride ourselves on customising all our tours to suit your personal requirements. We can spend more time, or less, at places so please use the itinerary as a framework for us to create the perfect day for you. Each tour includes one paid for experience as highlighted*
Although some guests actually want to see the Lakes at its wildest it can spoil it for others so, as “Pleasure first, Business second” is our mantra we, unlike most operators, will let you know in advance if we think the weather may be an issue to allow you to make an informed decision as to continue with your trip, arrange an alternative date or request a refund.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Windermere, Windermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
We will skirt the western shores of the longest and most visited of the lakes as we head northwards towards Ambleside. A short detour to a raised point will allow you some spectacular views, and photo opportunities of Windermere before we continue onwards.
Pass By: Kirkstone Mountain Pass, England
We climb away from Windermere over the highest pass open to motor traffic in the Lakes. Kirkstone connects the Rothay Valley with Patterdale and was originally used for the movement of lead, copper and slate. You will stop at the top to take in the wonderful views before we descend towards Ullswater.
Stop At: Ullswater Lake, England
We arrive in Glenridding, the southern gateway to Ullswater, which some think is the most beautiful of all the lakes, and is very popular with water sport fanatics too. Here you will have the opportunity to see the Lakes from the water onboard the Ullswater Steamer; founded in 1855 it’s original purpose was to transfer lead from the local mines to the east of the lake. Nowadays these wonderful boats give you taste of life on the water. Each tour includes one fee incurring experience* so if you don’t wish to cruise on Ullswater you can choose Hill Top as your inclusive experience instead.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Aira Force Waterfall, Penrith CA11 0JS England
After passing the spot where Wordsworth was inspired to pen his famous “I wandered lonely as a cloud” you will disembark at Aira Force, a beautiful waterfall set under a Victorian bridge, where you can stretch your legs and shoot some artistic photographs.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Castlerigg Stone Circle, Castle Lane Underskiddaw, Keswick CA12 4RN England
Described as one of the most visually impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain the stones date back to around 3000BC. The beauty of these impressive Neolithic structures are emphasised by the stunning “picture perfect” backdrop of Helvellyn and surrounding hills.
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Derwent Water House Keswick on Derwentwater Nbiughl, Keswick CA12 5RF England
Not the deepest or the longest but arguably the most beautiful Derwentwater is the quintessential Lakes’ lake. This is probably why it’s been used as the backdrop for so many Hollywood movies including The Dam busters, Swallows & Amazons, Without A Clue, Miss Potter and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Stop At: Surprise View, Borrowdale, Keswick England
The clues in the name so we wont spoil it with any more detail!!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Ashness Bridge, Keswick England
What it doesnt have in size it makes up for in being probably the most photographed spot in the Lakes. If you’ve ever searched for images of the Lakes this will definitely have been there!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Borrowdale, Borrowdale, Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Borrowdale has the dubious reputation as being the wettest place in England, which, if you know England’s weather, is some claim! On the way we’ll take a look at the Bowder Stone, an unusual tourist attraction which is often missed by visitors to the area.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Keswick CA12 5XN England
A fantastic photo opportunity awaits you as you reach the summit of Honister Pass, home to the famous Honister Mine; the centre of green slate mining but which today is used more by thrill seekers than miners. As we reach the summit we drive between artist Terry Hawkins slate statues to look down the valley towards a trio of Lakes.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Buttermere, Buttermere, Cockermouth, Lake District, Cumbria, England
My personal favourite; Buttermere is especially memorable for its photogenic qualities with the backdrop of Wainwright’s beloved Haystacks providing a photographer’s perfect shot. If the weather is kind you have the opportunity to walk along the shore path where you can really absorb the beauty of this lake and its surroundings.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Moss Force Waterfall, Buttermere, Cockermouth CA12 5TS England
The Newlands Pass allows us to admire Moss Force; an impressive waterfall favoured by the Romantic Poets and conveniently situated near to the roadside. The pass is our route to the most northern lake, Bassenthwaite.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Bassenthwaite Lake, A66, Bassenthwaite, Keswick England
The only actual “Lake” in the Lake District, Bassenthwaite is often overlooked but is worth the visit if only to enjoy one of the fine eateries where you will enjoy lunch. It’s also home to nesting Ospreys which, if you’re lucky, you may be able to see as we travel along the shoreline
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Skiddaw, CA12 4PH England
The highest mountain at the northern end of the Lakes it sit’s alongside Blencathra and is the last bastion before the land falls away to the Scottish border. It’s an impressive sight and holds ghostly stories!
Pass By: Thirlmere, Keswick CA12, UK
Sitting below Helvellyn this lake is a major water source for the city of Manchester 96 miles away. A short stop here will allow you to see the Victorian workmanship which made this happen, as well as glorious views of the lake itself.
Stop At: Grasmere, Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
The home of the Lakes Poets. You will have the opportunity to see what inspired them, where Wordsworth lived, and was buried, plus sample some famous Grasmere Gingerbread in this quaint Lakeland village.
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Great Langdale, Great Langdale, Lake District, Cumbria, England
The Langdale Valley presents stunning views of the highest peaks of the Lakes and, if you haven’t seen them already, you’ll definitely meet the famous Herdwick “Herdy” Sheep. Native to the Lakes they are known for their hardiness to the harsh weather and provide the opportunity for some very cute photographs!
Stop At: Hawkshead, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Originally a centre for wool trade Hawkshead is a typical Lakes village with strong connections to Wordsworth, who was schooled here, and Beatrix Potter who’s husband was the local solicitor. The Beatrix Potter Gallery is housed in her husband’s old office building and there are other interesting curiosity shops to peruse.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s House, Main St Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside LA22 0LF England
Famous as the home of Beatrix Potter and the inspiration for many of her literary works, here you will have time to enjoy her beautiful house and gardens. Each tour includes one fee incurring experience*. So, you can choose either Hill Top as your inclusive experience or, if you would prefer, the Ullswater Steamer instead.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Claife Viewing Station, Claife Station Cottage Kemble Drive, Far Sawrey LA22 0LW England
Built to attract tourists in the late 1700s this is one of the remaining viewing stations where you have the opportunity to see Windermere as the first tourists did over 200 years ago via the “Picturesque” windows. You will then get to see Windermere from the water as we use the cable ferry to cross to the other side.
Duration: 15 minutes
