Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Explore the scenic beauty of the Lake District with the Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour from Windermere, offered by Mountain Goat Tours. Priced at $74.08 per person, this 8-hour journey delivers a comprehensive look at England’s most picturesque region. With a 4.8/5 rating from 669 reviews, it’s a well-loved option for visitors seeking a guided experience that combines stunning landscapes, charming villages, and notable landmarks.
Departing from outside the Windermere Tourist Information Centre, the tour features many scenic stops, including lakes, mountain passes, and historic sites. The tour’s strength lies in its knowledgeable guides, who share intriguing stories and insights, making the trip lively and informative. The tour’s pacing offers a good balance of sightseeing and leisure, though it involves minimal walking and is therefore suitable for most travelers.
While the tour does not include hotel pickups, food, or entrance fees, it provides transport in a small mini-coach with on-board commentary, ensuring a personal and engaging experience. If you’re after a full day of exploring the Lake District’s highlights with expert guidance, this tour fits the bill perfectly, especially for first-time visitors or those wanting to relax without driving.
Key Points
- Cost-effective full-day experience at $74.08 per person covering 10 lakes and major sights.
- 8 hours long, with multiple scenic stops, including lakes, villages, and mountain passes.
- Guided by knowledgeable drivers who provide insightful commentary in English.
- Highlights include Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick, Grasmere, and Buttermere.
- Many reviews praise the guides for their friendliness, deep local knowledge, and engaging storytelling.
- Tour involves minimal walking, making it accessible for most travelers, but not suitable for wheelchair users or travelers with large luggage.
The Departure and Structure of the Tour from Windermere
The tour begins at the Windermere Tourist Information Centre, where guests meet their guide and board the small mini-coach. From there, the journey covers many iconic spots over an 8-hour period, starting with a scenic drive that offers fantastic views of the mountains and lakes.
The itinerary includes stops at Ullswater, a beautiful lake where guests can take photos, enjoy a brief visit, or relax. The group then heads to Keswick for an hour-long break, allowing time for a quick meal, shopping, or exploring the charming town. The highlight at Castlerigg Stone Circle features a photo stop and sightseeing, with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
Next, the tour stops at Buttermere, renowned for its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, with additional sightseeing opportunities. Crossing Honister Pass, travelers enjoy spectacular mountain scenery during a 20-minute break. Afterward, the group visits the village of Grasmere, famous for its Gingerbread, with 30 minutes of free time for exploration.
The final stops include Rydal Water, offering a quick photo opportunity, and scenic drives through mountain passes, with a total of many picturesque views along the way. The tour concludes back at the Windermere Tourist Information Centre.
Planning more time in Windermere? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Discovering the Lakes and Villages on the Tour
This tour takes you past ten of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District, including Ullswater and Buttermere, two of the region’s most admired waterways. The lakes are known for their peaceful settings, dramatic reflections, and surrounding mountains, making for fantastic photography. Along the drive, you’ll get picturesque vistas from mountain passes like Kirkstone and Honister, which offer spectacular mountain scenery that enhances the experience.
Along With lakes, the tour highlights traditional Lakeland villages like Keswick and Grasmere. Keswick is a lively market town where visitors can enjoy a pub lunch or browse local shops, while Grasmere is famous for its Gingerbread and scenic setting. The stops allow plenty of time to appreciate the charm of these villages, with fascinating stories from guides about their history and local culture.
The scenic drives are complemented by stops at Castlerigg Stone Circle, a mysterious prehistoric site with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, and Rydal Water, known for its tranquil beauty. The tour’s design ensures a rundown of the Lake District’s natural beauty and cultural highlights.
Crossing Mountain Passes and Taking Scenic Drives
Traveling through Kirkstone and Honister passes, the tour features spectacular mountain scenery that showcases the rugged beauty of the Lake District. These mountain passes are famous for their winding roads and breathtaking views, making every drive memorable.
The scenic drives are a highlight, offering panoramic vistas of lakes, mountains, and valleys. The guide provides commentary on the region’s geology and history, enriching the visual experience. These drives are well-paced, with frequent stops for photos and brief rests, giving travelers a chance to fully enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
The mountain passes serve as key viewpoints and photo opportunities, and travelers often mention how these drives enhance their appreciation of the Lake District’s landscape.
Castlerigg Stone Circle: A Historic Landmark with Views
The Castlerigg Stone Circle is a fascinating prehistoric site that the tour emphasizes as a major highlight. The site features standing stones arranged in a circular pattern, believed to be over 4,000 years old.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the circle and take photo stops while soaking in spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Guides share insights into the site’s history and significance, adding depth to the visit. The location’s scenic setting makes it a favorite for both photography and understanding the ancient history of the region.
This stop offers a blend of cultural interest and natural beauty, making it a notable part of the full-day experience.
More Great Tours NearbyVisiting Keswick and Grasmere for Local Flavors
The tour includes extended stops in Keswick and Grasmere—two of the most recognizable villages in the Lake District. In Keswick, guests have an hour for leisure, enabling them to enjoy a pub lunch, browse shops, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere. The town’s charm lies in its marketplace, local eateries, and scenic waterfront.
In Grasmere, the focus shifts to famous gingerbread and scenic walks. With 30 minutes of free time, visitors can visit the Gingerbread Shop or explore the village’s tranquil streets. The stop allows for personal exploration and taking in the peaceful lakeside scenery.
Both villages are praised for their authentic charm and beautiful settings, providing a taste of local life amid the stunning landscapes.
The Role of Guides and Commentary
Multiple reviews highlight the importance of knowledgeable guides in making this tour special. Guides such as Tim, Andy, Peter, Derek, and Graham are praised for their friendly manner, deep regional knowledge, and engaging storytelling.
Guides not only point out interesting facts and history but also share fun anecdotes and tips, which elevate the experience. Many reviews mention guides going the extra mile, whether by dropping guests at stations or taking photos for them.
The on-board commentary in English is clear and informative, keeping guests entertained and well-informed throughout the day. The guides’ calm demeanor and enthusiasm are frequently noted as key strengths.
Accessibility, Timing, and Practical Tips
This tour involves minimal walking, making it suitable for most travelers who can manage comfortably with limited mobility. However, wheelchair accessibility is not currently available, and large luggage is not permitted on the mini-coach.
The departure point is outside the Windermere Tourist Information Centre, with live English commentary throughout the day. The 8-hour duration includes many scenic stops, so travelers should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.
Timing is flexible, with start times available based on availability. The tour includes toilet stops and ample photo opportunities. Guests interested in local cuisine can seek out restaurants or pubs at Keswick or Grasmere during break times.
Final Thoughts on the Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour
This guided tour offers a comprehensive look at the Lake District’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks. The many positive reviews reflect the strong reputation of guides like Tim, Andy, and Peter, who bring the region’s stories to life.
The scenic drives and stops at iconic sites such as Castlerigg Stone Circle and Ullswater make this tour a memorable choice. The value for money is clear, given the full-day itinerary, expert commentary, and scenic variety.
While the tour does not include entrance fees or food, the flexibility of stops and the quality of guides make it a highly recommended way to experience the Lake District without the stress of driving. It is especially suited for first-time visitors or those who prefer a relaxed, guided exploration of this stunning part of England.
✨ Book This Experience
From Windermere: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour of Lake District
“Very enlightening and entertaining trip. Tim (the main guide) and Steve (trainee guide) gave information titbits on the various sites we were taken…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
No, the tour starts outside the Windermere Tourist Information Centre.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with many scenic stops and breaks included.
Are there any accessibility restrictions?
Yes, vehicles are not currently wheelchair accessible, and large luggage is not permitted onboard.
Does the tour include food and entrance fees?
No, food and drinks are not included, and entrance fees to sites are at your own expense.
What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable clothing, a camera for photos, and any personal essentials. Toilets stops are scheduled along the route.
This Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour from Windermere offers a rich, guided experience of one of England’s most beautiful regions, perfect for those seeking stunning scenery, expert storytelling, and a relaxed day on the road.
You can check availability for your dates here:
