From London: Lake District Tour with Cream Tea & Cruise

Discover the Lake District in a Single Day from London

This day trip from London offers an immersive experience into the scenic beauty and literary heritage of the Lake District, all for $437.77 per person. The tour is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 50 reviews, highlighting its popularity and the generally positive feedback from travelers.

Traveling with Evan Evans Tours, participants enjoy a round-trip train journey with reserved seats, making the trip comfortable and relaxing. The day is packed with stops at famous sites, including the medieval Hawkshead village, a scenic drive through Langdale Valley, a lake cruise on Windermere, and a cream tea at Lindeth Howe, once home to Beatrix Potter.

Despite the full schedule, the tour maintains a good pace, and the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. This trip suits those interested in literature, stunning landscapes, and heritage, but travelers should be aware that Hill Top may be closed outside of school holidays and winter months, with an alternative visit to the World of Beatrix Potter.

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Key Points

• All-inclusive day trip from London with reserved train tickets and a guided tour of the Lake District
• Visit Hawkshead village, Blea Tarn, and Yewdale, with scenic drives and photo stops
• Enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise on Windermere, England’s largest lake
• Experience cream tea at Lindeth Howe, once owned by Beatrix Potter
• Tour is rated 4.6/5 based on 50 reviews, with high praise for the guides and scenic views
• Not suitable for children under 5 years, and additional food and drinks are not included

How the Tour Begins and Ends at London Euston

The tour departs from London Euston station, where travelers receive their train tickets and vouchers about a week before departure. The round-trip train lasts approximately 2 hours 40 minutes each way, with a guided tour of the Lake District following the train journey.

The tour ends back at London Euston, making it convenient for travelers staying in the city. It’s important to note that the train journey is unescorted, so some independence is expected during travel.

Exploring the Lake District’s Literary and Natural Highlights

The trip offers a deep dive into Beatrix Potter’s world at Hill Top, although this property may be closed outside of school holidays and winter months. When Hill Top is closed, visitors head to the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness, which provides insights into the creator’s life and characters.

Hawkshead village is a key stop, with its charming streets and connections to William Wordsworth, who went to school nearby. The medieval architecture and quaint shops offer a glimpse into traditional Lakeland life. The scenic drive through Blea Tarn presents iconic views, while Yewdale and Yew Tree Tarn serve as film locations, notably in the movie Miss Potter.

The Scenic Beauty of Langdale Valley and Windermere

Travelers pass through Langdale Valley, known for its spectacular glacially carved u-shaped valleys and lush landscapes. The drive through this area showcases mountainous scenery and picturesque valleys, perfect for photography and appreciating nature.

The lake cruise on Windermere provides a relaxed hour on England’s largest lake, with views of the Lakeland Fells—the local term for mountains. The cruise allows plenty of time for taking in the panoramic vistas and appreciating the region’s natural beauty.

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Indulge in Cream Tea at Lindeth Howe

The cream tea at Lindeth Howe offers a well-appreciated highlight, especially for literature fans. Once owned by Beatrix Potter, the hotel provides a delicious and relaxing break with tea, scones, and jam. The atmosphere is described as beautiful, and this stop allows for a moment of leisure after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Practicalities of the Itinerary and Transport

The itinerary involves a meeting at London Euston, a train journey to Oxenholme, and a guided bus tour around key sites. The total tour duration is approximately 12 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and breaks.

The stops include Hawkshead, Blea Tarn, Yewdale, and Windermere, with the lake cruise providing a scenic highlight. The timing is paced to allow enough exploration of each location without feeling rushed, though travelers should be prepared for a full day.

Guides and Personal Touches

Various guides lead the tour, with reviewers praising their knowledge, friendliness, and local insights. Guides like Peter and Jane are highlighted for their enthusiasm and personal anecdotes, which enrich the experience.

The guides also take care to manage time effectively and ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy the stops. One reviewer mentions a guide named Mark, who was praised for his brilliant explanations.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is perfect for literature enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who want a quick but comprehensive introduction to the Lake District. The inclusion of Beatrix Potter sites and scenic cruises appeals to families and adult travelers alike.

While the full-day schedule is engaging, it’s not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a more leisurely pace. The hotel visit and scenic stops balance well with the train travel, making it accessible for most.

Top-Notch Value and Some Considerations

At $437.77, this tour offers a comprehensive experience with reservations included, a guided tour, and scenic activities. The reviews frequently highlight guides’ knowledge and the beautiful scenery as major strengths.

However, travelers should be aware that additional food or drinks are not included beyond the cream tea. Also, Hill Top may be closed outside of specific seasons, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts on the Lake District Day Trip

This full-day tour from London provides a rich taste of the Lake District’s landscapes and literary heritage. It balances guided exploration with free time in charming villages, making it suitable for those who want a structured yet engaging day.

The scenic drives, boat cruise, and cream tea are standouts, while the knowledgeable guides ensure a memorable visit. The full schedule means it’s best suited for active travelers ready for a busy day, but the comfort of reserved train seats and organized stops helps make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this trip suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 5 years. It involves a full day of travel and sightseeing, making it better suited for older children and adults.

What if Hill Top is closed?
When Hill Top is closed outside of school holidays and winter months, the tour visits the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness instead, offering an in-depth look into Beatrix Potter’s life and characters.

Are meals included?
The tour includes a cream tea at Lindeth Howe, but additional food and drinks are not included throughout the day.

How long is the train journey?
The round-trip train journey lasts approximately 2 hours 40 minutes each way, with the guided tour of the Lake District following the arrival at Oxenholme.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Highlights include the medieval Hawkshead village, scenic drive through Blea Tarn, lake cruise on Windermere, and cream tea at Lindeth Howe, once owned by Beatrix Potter.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby