Private Tour: Ultimate Full Day Scenic Tour visiting 10 Lakes

The Private Tour: Ultimate Full Day Scenic Tour visiting 10 Lakes offers a comprehensive, expertly guided exploration of England’s Lake District. Priced at $609.99 per person, this 8-hour journey is ideal for those who want to see the region’s most iconic lakes and landscapes without the hassle of planning or navigating themselves. The tour departs from Windermere, with pickup included, and features private transportation, WiFi onboard, and charging points for convenience. With an impressive 5.0 rating from 25 reviews and 96% recommending this experience, it clearly ranks among the top options for scenic tours in the area.

This tour stands out with its detailed itinerary, covering 10 lakes, historic sites, mountain passes, and remarkable viewpoints. It’s particularly suited for nature lovers and photographers, offering many stops for photos and leisurely exploration. The tour’s small size ensures a personal touch, and knowledgeable guides share insightful commentary along the way. Though the tour is busy and involves some walking and uneven terrain, it is well-suited for most travelers who are comfortable with moderate activity and weather variations common in the Lake District.

Key Points

• Full-day private experience visiting 10 lakes and scenic highlights in approximately 8 hours
• All-inclusive with private transportation, WiFi, and knowledgeable guides providing live commentary
• Stops at key locations like Lake Windermere, Ullswater, Castlerigg Stone Circle, Buttermere, and Grasmere
• Fabulous photo opportunities at viewpoints such as Kirkstone Pass and Surprise View
• Includes a cruise on Ullswater and visits to historic sites, making it a diverse and engaging day
• Suitable for most travelers, but involves some walking on uneven terrain and variable weather conditions

An Efficient Way to See 10 Lakes in One Day

This private tour packs an incredible amount of scenery and points of interest into just 8 hours. It is designed for those who want a rundown of the Lake District, without the stress of driving or planning logistics. The private transportation means you travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and charging points, allowing you to stay connected and take photos easily. The pickup from most hotels in the area ensures convenience from your accommodation.

The small group size and live commentary combine to create a more personal experience, allowing for questions and interaction. It’s a flexible way to experience the Lake District’s highlights with minimal effort, making it perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time but eager to see as much as possible.

Exploring Windermere and Kirkstone Pass

The tour begins at Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, with a gentle climb from its shores. From here, the drive ascends to Kirkstone Pass, the highest inhabited building in the Lake District at the Kirkstone Inn. This spot provides spectacular views back down into the valley, with photo stops at two viewpoints along the pass.

Descending from Kirkstone Pass, the route offers stunning vistas of the valley walls and Brothers Water, one of the earliest lakes acquired by the National Trust. These scenic drives showcase the region’s rugged beauty while allowing ample time for photo opportunities and taking in the landscape.

Ullswater and the Cruise Experience

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Ullswater Lake, famous for its tranquil beauty and hill walks like the Striding Edge. The 1-hour cruise on Ullswater is included, offering a relaxing way to admire the fells that surround the lake. The village of Patterdale and Glenridding serve as picturesque stops, emphasizing the region’s charm.

Travelers can expect to see the lake from the water, with clear views of the fells, adding a special dimension to the day. The cruise provides a comfortable and scenic break from driving, making it a treasured part of the itinerary.

Discovering Castlerigg Stone Circle and Blencathra

The tour visits the Castlerigg Stone Circle, a Neolithic site with 38 standing stones arranged on a plateau offering 360-degree views over the surrounding fells. Known for its spectacular setting, this site offers both historical intrigue and stunning scenery.

Next, the route takes in the majestic Blencathra mountain, notable for its slender rock fingers and the famous Sharp Edge ridge. The impressive scale of Blencathra makes it a memorable sight, especially as the guide points out its six fell tops and 868-meter summit. The location provides great photo opportunities and a sense of the region’s rugged terrain.

Derwentwater, Keswick, and the Lakeside Lunch

The journey continues to Derwentwater‘s shores near Keswick, with a chance to lunch at the Lakeside Café, renowned for its spectacular views and friendly atmosphere. The café’s large windows overlook the lake and Cat Bells, creating a charming setting for a meal.

Post-lunch, the tour stops at Surprise View, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of Derwentwater and its islands. This spot invites awe at the lake’s natural beauty and the surrounding mountains.

Iconic Bridges and the Slate Mine Adventure

Ashness Bridge, one of the most photographed packhorse bridges, provides a classic Lake District scene with its stone arch over the beck. Its charming appearance makes for excellent photos.

The Honister Slate Mine at the head of Borrowdale offers a glimpse into the region’s industrial heritage. The view down the valley from the mine is worth capturing, and the company of guides ensures you learn about the area’s historic slate quarrying.

Traversing Buttermere and the Lorton Valley

Descending into the Buttermere Valley, the tour follows the Honister Pass, one of Cumbria’s highest at 1,167 feet. The scenery features curved rock faces and green slate, with photo stops at the pass and the Gatesgarthdale Beck.

The lush Lorton Valley showcases lakes like Loweswater and Crummock Water, with butterfly-like reflections seen at Rydal Water, the final lake stop. The shimmering water and surrounding fell scenery create a peaceful end to the lake visits.

Waterfalls and Forest Views

The tour includes a visit to Moss Force Waterfall, a steep cascade with stunning views over the surrounding valleys. Following that, a stop at Whinlatter Forest offers vistas of Bassenthwaite Lake from the viewpoint, highlighting the region’s diverse landscapes.

These stops add variety, combining water features and woodland scenery with the lakes and mountains, enriching the overall experience.

Returning via Grasmere and Rydal Water

On the way back, the tour passes Grasmere, home to William Wordsworth, and continues along the lakeshore of Nab Cottage. The last stop, Rydal Water, offers a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding fell scenery.

Passing through Ambleside gives a final glimpse of the Bridge House, the smallest house in Cumbria, rounding out the scenic journey with a touch of local charm.

Practical Details and Recommendations

The tour departs at 9:00 am with hotel pickup offered in most Windermere accommodations. The private nature of the experience ensures exclusive access and flexible stops, tailored to your interests.

Weather in the Lake District can change suddenly, so travelers should bring waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes suitable for some uphill walking and uneven terrain. The tour does not include food or drinks, but stops at cafes like Lakeside provide opportunities for meals and refreshments.

Why Choose This Lake District Private Tour?

This all-inclusive private experience delivers a comprehensive and personalized way to explore the Lake District’s most iconic lakes and landscapes. The expert guides and private transport make it a convenient, relaxed alternative to self-driving or group tours.

The stunning scenery, historical sites like Castlerigg, and scenic drives through mountain passes make it a rich and varied day. It suits those who enjoy nature, photography, and cultural sites, and prefer a personalized, flexible itinerary.

While the day involves some walking and exposure to weather, most travelers find the value and quality well worth the price of $609.99. It’s a top pick for experiencing the Lake District without the logistical hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour involves some walking on uneven terrain, so suitable footwear is recommended.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, a guided commentary, WiFi onboard, charging points, and admission tickets for the Ullswater cruise.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, allowing ample time at each stop and for photo breaks.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are stops for lunch, such as at the Lakeside Café near Keswick.

Where does the tour start?
Most hotel pickups in the Windermere area are available, with the departure time at 9:00 am.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking and a waterproof coat with a hood, as weather can change quickly in the Lakes.

Is WiFi available during the tour?
Yes, WiFi is provided onboard, along with charging points for most mobile devices.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Some walking on uneven or wet terrain is involved, so it may not be suitable for everyone with limited mobility.

What makes this tour stand out?
It offers a private, personalized experience with expert guides, covering 10 lakes and numerous scenic and cultural highlights in just one day.

This carefully curated full-day private tour provides a balanced mix of scenic drives, historic sites, and lakeside relaxation, making it an excellent choice for a comprehensive Lake District adventure.