From

£57/ adult

Windermere and the Lake District, England’s most beloved national park

Summary

Itinerary

Highlights

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Windermere & the Lake District

From Manchester

4.8/5

Duration:

1 day

Led by:

Expert local guide

Group size:

Max 16 people

Travel by:

Mini Coach

Your story begins...

Embark on a breathtaking day trip from Manchester into the heart of the Lake District. Located in northwest England, this national park is often hailed as the nation’s favourite, known for its shimmering lakes, soaring mountains, and outstanding natural beauty. Visit Windermere — its largest and most popular lake — stretching 18 km through the region. In just a day, enjoy serene waters, traditional villages, and the landscapes that have drawn visitors since the railway first opened the area to travellers and inspired poets for centuries.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "There wasn’t one moment in the whole day that wasn’t enjoyable. We were very lucky to have the most knowledgeable tour guide, Pete, who conducted the tour with such warmth and welcome." - Ava, GB

Windermere Lake Cruise

You have the option to take a serene cruise on Lake Windermere and soak in stunning views of its peaceful landscape.

Take in the Beauty of Coniston Water

This scenic lake inspired poets and writers throughout the ages and now it's your turn to feel inspired.

Kirkstone Pass

This picturesque mountain pass will leave you in awe as you journey onwards.

Hawkshead

Wander the charming streets of this traditional English village and imagine what it was like to live here centuries ago.

Wordsworth Daffodil Garden

In the heart of Grasmere Village, beside the River Rothay, lies a serene garden honouring Wordsworth’s famous poem The Daffodils.

Dove Cottage

When you enter the home of William Wordsworth you begin to understand why this place inspired the most famous poem in the English language.

What you'll experience

Windermere Lake Cruise

You have the option to take a serene cruise on Lake Windermere and soak in stunning views of its peaceful landscape.

Take in the Beauty of Coniston Water

This scenic lake inspired poets and writers throughout the ages and now it's your turn to feel inspired.

Kirkstone Pass

This picturesque mountain pass will leave you in awe as you journey onwards.

Hawkshead

Wander the charming streets of this traditional English village and imagine what it was like to live here centuries ago.

Wordsworth Daffodil Garden

In the heart of Grasmere Village, beside the River Rothay, lies a serene garden honouring Wordsworth’s famous poem The Daffodils.

Dove Cottage

When you enter the home of William Wordsworth you begin to understand why this place inspired the most famous poem in the English language.

Includes

English Speaking Expert Local Guide
Travel in Luxury 16 Seat Mini Coach
44lbs (20kg) Luggage Allowance
Off the Beaten Track Locations

Optional Extras

Tickets to Windermere Lake Cruise
Entry to Dove Cottage

Excludes

Flights, Transfers and Accommodation
Food & Drink

Lake Windermere and Dove Cottage

Pick up time: 8.30am

Location: Coach Parking Bays, Store Street, , Manchester, M1 2WD

Morning

Manchester to Bowness-on-Windermere

We say farewell to the city of Manchester for now and head north for the lovely Lake District. We enter the beauty of the Lake District National Park in northwest England. Shimmering lakes, rugged mountains, ancient woodlands... there's a reason why it's known as a poets' paradise, inspiring the likes of William Wordsworth and writers like Beatrix Potter.

Mid Morning

Cruise on Lake Windermere

Your first stop of the day is at Bowness that sits on the shores of Lake Windermere. You have time here to take a leisurely 45-minute cruise upon the lake or wander around the town and admire the sublime views of the landscapes.

Afternoon

Kirkstone Pass, lunch in Grasmere, Coniston Water

The epic landscapes just keep coming as your journey continues as we head through the incredible Kirkstone Pass, so keep your camera handy. We then arrive in Grasmere, a place Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There's free time to visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. We then travel around the southern tip of Windermere towards another one of the district's most beautiful lakes, Coniston Water. Enjoy the views and fresh air here before jumping back on the bus.

Early Evening

Hawkshead Village and back to Manchester

Our final stop of the day is in the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, the place where the famous poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, this picture-perfect village is brimming with charm, history, and narrow, cobbled streets winding among whitewashed cottages. After exploring the cosy village, you return to Manchester in the early evening.
You return to Manchester at approximately 7.30pm.

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Why visit Lake District?

The Lake District reveals England’s most iconic landscapes, with shimmering lakes, rugged mountains, and timeless villages steeped in literary heritage. Its narrow lanes and winding passes can be challenging to navigate, but our expert local drivers handle every twist — taking you to peaceful viewpoints and hidden corners many visitors miss. And with tours departing from Manchester, it’s easy to join us thanks to quick, direct bus and train connections from major UK cities.