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

The Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour offers an extensive exploration of England’s most iconic lakes and landscapes, all within approximately 8 hours. Priced at $218.24 per person, this small-group experience is limited to no more than 7 guests, ensuring a friendly, personalized atmosphere. The tour covers 10 of the Lake District’s most famous lakes, includes a 1-hour boat cruise on Ullswater, and features scenic drives through valleys and dales. The professional guides share engaging stories about the area’s geological past, cultural significance, and local folklore, making it an educational as well as visual feast.

The tour departs from Windermere and offers convenient pick-up points like Oxenholme train station and Bowness. It’s ideal for visitors who want a comprehensive, hassle-free overview of the Lake District’s highlights in just one day. The tour includes all entrance fees and regular stops for photos, refreshments, and sightseeing, although lunch is not included.

While the tour is praised for its expert guides, breathtaking scenery, and well-planned itinerary, participants should be prepared for up to 2 hours of walking, often on uneven terrain, and the possibility of variable weather. It suits those who enjoy comfortable transportation, scenic views, and storytelling, but less so those seeking a purely active or leisurely experience with extended hiking or dining.

Key Points

• Small-group experience limited to 7 guests for a personalized tour
• Includes a 1-hour boat cruise on Ullswater and visits to 10 lakes in one day
• Expert guides share detailed stories about geology, history, and folklore
• Comprehensive itinerary covers iconic lakes, viewpoints, waterfalls, and landmarks
• All entrance fees are included, but lunch is not; bring snacks or plan accordingly
• Comfortable mini-van transport with WiFi, air conditioning, and charging points

Starting Point and Transport Logistics in the Lake District

This tour begins at Windermere, a key hub in the Lake District, with options for pickup at Windermere railway station, Oxenholme station, Bowness, or Pier 1 on Windermere Lake shore. The mini-van used for transportation is noted for its air-conditioning, WiFi, and mobile device charging, making the long day more comfortable.

Participants are picked up early in the morning to maximize sightseeing time, with the tour ending back in Windermere or the designated pickup point. The small group size helps ensure quick, easy transfers between stops and a more intimate experience. The guided commentary is delivered in English by knowledgeable guides, with reviews praising the friendly and humorous style of guides like Gillian, Sandra, and Tim.

Visiting Windermere, England’s Most Famous Lake

Windermere is the first major stop on the tour, and it is impossible not to be captivated by its rocky inlets, secluded bays, and lush banks. This largest and most visited lake in England has been attracting visitors for over 300 years. Guides explain its volcanic origins, its Roman history, and the local folklore about boats and ferry operations. The northern skyline features volcanic peaks, while the southern shore boasts broadleaf forests.

This stop sets the tone for the day, giving a vivid picture of why the Lake District’s landscape has inspired poets, artists, and writers. The storytelling adds depth to the scenic views, making Windermere a must-see highlight.

Exploring Ullswater and William Wordsworth’s Favorite Lake

Ullswater is the second-longest lake at nearly eight miles long, known for its serpentine shape and dramatic scenery. Overlooked by the peaks of Helvellyn, the lake’s leafy shores of oak, birch, and hazel are excellent examples of pre-plantation Lakeland scenery. The William Wordsworth famously called Ullswater the “happiest combination of beauty and grandeur”; this sentiment remains true today.

The 1-hour boat cruise along Ullswater offers spectacular views of the surrounding fells and is a highlight of the tour. The calm waters and scenic backdrop create perfect photo opportunities and relaxing moments amid nature’s beauty.

Discovering Derwentwater and Its Craggy Fells

Derwentwater, located just south of Keswick, earns the title “Queen of the English Lakes” for its stunning islands, craggy fells, and shimmering waters. The shoreline drive offers views of Cat Bells—a popular hiking peak—and the Borrowdale Jaws, a striking valley with dense woodland and towering crags.

Tales of hermits, hedgehogs, and mock sea battles embellish the story of this lake as guides highlight its literary connections and folklore. The islands dotting Derwentwater provide excellent vantage points for photos and further exploration.

Visiting Buttermere, Crummock Water, and Their Mountain Backdrop

Buttermere is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, especially surrounded by prominent peaks like Red Pike and Haystacks. Its name hints at its dairy pastures, and the lake’s crystal-clear waters mirror the craggy mountains that encircle it.

Nearby, Crummock Water offers a more tranquil experience. Larger and deeper than Buttermere, this “crooked lake” is less visited, providing peaceful views and fewer crowds. Both lakes are ideal for photography, especially after rain when waterfalls and torrents surge with energy.

Scenic Stops at Surprise View and Ashness Bridge

Surprise View is perched on an oak-lined cliff, delivering panoramic vistas of Derwentwater, Skiddaw, and Keswick. With views that extend towards Scotland on clear days, this spot offers excellent photo opportunities and a sense of the vastness of the landscape.

Ashness Bridge is one of the most photographed stone bridges in the Lake District. Overlooking Derwentwater, it crosses a tumbling stream and provides a picture-perfect scene against a backdrop of Skiddaw and the surrounding hills. Both stops are brief but highly rewarding.

Waterfalls and Historic Landmarks: Moss Force & Castlerigg Stone Circle

Moss Force Waterfall is among the most accessible waterfalls in the Lakes, just 200 meters from the roadside. Its powerful torrents are especially impressive after rain, with spray and roaring water creating a dramatic atmosphere.

Castlerigg Stone Circle dates back over 5000 years and features 48 stones on a hill with spectacular mountain views. The purpose of the circle remains a mystery, but its dramatic setting makes it a favorite photo stop and a culturally significant site.

Passing through Kirkstone Pass and viewing Blencathra

Kirkstone Pass is the highest paved road in the Lake District, offering panoramic views from near the Kirkstone Pass Inn. The drive showcases mountain scenery, with chances to see Herdwick sheep and the long valley leading back towards Windermere.

Blencathra—also known as Saddleback—is a striking mountain with six peaks and a distinctive ridge called Sharp Edge. It’s famous for scrambling routes and legends, and the tour provides glimpses from afar without requiring any strenuous hikes.

Honister Slate Mine and the Via Ferrata Adventure

The Honister Slate Mine is a dramatic stop, perched at Honister Pass. Visitors can admire the stunning mountain scenery and observe adventurers on the Via Ferrata, a stunning high-wire route. If lucky, participants might see the Infinity Bridge, Europe’s longest high-wire bridge at 1000 feet above sea level.

This site also offers insight into local industry history, with stories about the family cottage and the iconic Bridge House in Ambleside nearby, a quirky 300-year-old house sitting over a stream.

Visiting Whinlatter Forest and Wildlife Sightings

Whinlatter Forest is England’s only mountain forest, covering 4.6 square miles and rising to 490 meters. The forest hosts native broadleaves and conifers, including pine, larch, and spruce. It is a designated red squirrel reserve and a habitat for ospreys, badgers, foxes, and buzzards.

The short stop allows visitors to enjoy views of Bassenthwaite Lake from the summit and possibly spot some of the local wildlife while exploring the well-maintained trails.

Discovering William Wordsworth’s Cottage in Grasmere

Dove Cottage in Grasmere is a key literary landmark, where William Wordsworth lived for many years. The whitewashed house remains much as it did during his time, with the surrounding fells and river Rothay still inspiring visitors today.

A quick photo opportunity is offered, along with stories about Wordsworth’s life, his sister Dorothy, and the famous poets’ gatherings in the area.

Sampling Grasmere Gingerbread and Local Delights

A visit to the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is a must, where the secret recipe dates back to 1854. The shop’s aromatic, spicy-sweet gingerbread is a hallmark treat of the Lake District, and visitors can also buy rum butter, ginger-themed gifts, and other local confections.

This stop provides a chance to enjoy a delicious snack and pick up souvenirs, making it a sweet end to the day.

The Final Stops: Borrowdale Valley and Keswick

The tour concludes with stops at Jaws of Borrowdale, a dramatic valley with high crags and lush greenery, and at Keswick, a historic market town with Victorian architecture and literary ties to Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Passing through Rosthwaite, a typical Lakeland village, travelers see traditional stone buildings and famous sites associated with Beatrix Potter. The Old Town of Keswick is filled with shops, cafes, and spectacular views of Skiddaw, rounding out the tour’s comprehensive experience of the Lake District.

The Sum Up: An Impressive One-Day Lake District Journey

This full-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, history, and culture across the Lake District’s most iconic lakes and landscapes. The inclusion of a boat cruise on Ullswater and numerous photo stops makes it a visually rewarding experience. Expert guides enhance the journey with engaging stories, making even the most panoramic stops informative and lively.

While the tour’s pace suits those comfortable with short walks on uneven terrain and several sightseeing stops, it provides a thorough overview for visitors with limited time. The small-group size and comfortable transport ensure a relaxed atmosphere, but travelers should be prepared for variable weather and no included lunch.

Perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a comprehensive taste of the Lake District in a single day, this tour combines scenic beauty, cultural anecdotes, and convenient logistics into a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from start to finish.

What is included in the price?
All entrance fees, a 1-hour boat cruise on Ullswater, comfortable transport, and guided commentary are included. Lunch is not included.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Windermere, with optional pick-up at Oxenholme railway station, Bowness, or Pier 1 on Windermere Lake.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 7 years are not permitted. All participants must have a seat, and some walking on uneven terrain is involved.

What should I bring?
Bring waterproof clothing, comfortable shoes for walking, and camera gear for photos.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Are dietary options available?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its comprehensive coverage of 10 lakes, expert guides, boat cruise, and small-group intimacy make it a popular choice for those seeking an all-in-one Lake District experience.