Windermere Trip Overview
The Western Lakes are more rugged and exposed than the rest of the district and as such has its own unique character. Much less explored than the more popular lakes and hills this area has a serene and ethereal feel not found elsewhere in this region. Even in peak summer you’ll feel like you’ve got it all to yourself which is why it’s our favourite part of the Lakes. We pride ourselves on customising all our tours to suit your personal requirements. We can spend more time, or less, at places so use the itinerary as a framework for us to create the perfect day for you. Each tour includes one paid for experience 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 >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Windermere Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Windermere, Lake District, United Kingdom
The Western Lakes are more rugged and exposed than the rest of the district and as such has its own unique character. Much less explored than the more popular lakes and hills this area has a serene and ethereal feel not found elsewhere in this region. Even in peak summer you’ll feel like you’ve got it all to yourself which is why it’s our favourite part of the Lakes. We pride ourselves on customising all our tours to suit your personal requirements. We can spend more time, or less, at places so use the itinerary as a framework for us to create the perfect day for you. Each tour includes one paid for experience 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
Stop At: Grasmere, Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
We arrive at Grasmere, the centre of the Romantic Poets. You will see Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, both homes to Wordsworth between 1799 and his death in 1850. You may also visit Wordsworth’s grave or perhaps treat yourself to some famous Grasmere Gingerbread which has been being made here since 1854.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Thirlmere, Thirlmere, Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, England
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.
Duration: 10 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 the surrounding vista
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: 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. Each tour includes one fee paying experience* so you can choose to enjoy a short cruise on the Keswick Launch to see the surrounding beauty from the water and be collected from the south end of the lake or, alternatively, you can choose to ride the Ravenglass heritage railway if you’d prefer.
Duration: 45 minutes
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 our visitors.
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 Lake, Buttermere, Cockermouth CA13 9XA 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
A short detour up the Newlands Pass allows us to admire Moss Force; an impressive waterfall favoured by the Romantic Poets and conveniently situated near to the roadside.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Crummock Water, Buttermere, Cockermouth England
Named after the Celtic word for crooked we skirt it’s shores heading towards the western edge of the Lakes
Pass By: Loweswater, Loweswater, Cumbria, England
The classic Lakes scenery continues as we travel past Loweswater with stories of corpse roads and other sinister tales.
Stop At: Ennerdale Water, Ennerdale Bridge, Cleator CA23 3AS England
Seldom visited Ennerdale is probably the Lakes “secret lake” – beautiful and remote it’s no wonder it’s the most popular Lakes spot for marriage proposal….just ask former President of the USA, Bill Clinton….and yes it was to Hillary!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Wast Water, Seascale, UK
This haunting and atmospheric lake is the deepest in England with some foreboding tales to tell. The majestic peaks of Great Gable and Scafell, the tallest mountain in England, sit at its head and accentuate the dramatic view even more. No matter what the weather Wast Water always impresses.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Ravenglass, Ravenglass, Lake District, Cumbria, England
The coastal village of Ravenglass is home to “La’al Ratty”, meaning “Little Railway”. A seven mile small gauge track described as the most beautiful heritage railway journey in England. Historically used to move iron ore from the quarries to the main line at Ravenglass in the late 19th century, it is now used to transport tourists into the heart of Eskdale. Each tour includes one fee incurring experience* so you can choose to ride the train as your inclusive experience or, if you would prefer, enjoy the cruise on Derwenwater instead.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Hardknott Pass, Lake District National Park, Broughton-in-Furness England
The steepest pass in the Lakes linking the Duddon Valley with Eskdale whilst quite hair raising affords stunning views. The skills of your highly trained driver ensures your safety at all times allowing you to enjoy the thrill of the 1 in 3 climb.
Stop At: Hardknott Roman Fort, Hardknott Pass, Eskdale CA19 1TH England
Unlike many historic sites that are nearly 2000 years old the Hardknott Fort impresses by how much of it remains. Built around AD120, abandoned during the advance on Scotland in AD140 and reoccupied in AD200 before they withdrew completely in AD410, the fort housed 500 soldiers and covered 10,000 sq metres
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Wrynose Pass Road England
The fourth pass you’ll have the pleasure of journeying over today it’s Hardknott’s little sister, less severe but just as stunning. Waterfalls and streams pop up everywhere if we have a sudden deluge of rain.
Pass By: Blea Tarn, Little Langdale England
En route to the Langdales we pass this small water. It’s beautiful setting ha attracted numerous film makers over the years and has a very “Game Of Thrones” feel to it.
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!
