York & the Lake District Tour

Our York & the Lake District tour from London begins by departing London and travelling north to the city of Cambridge, home to one of the world’s best universities with an alumni that includes Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, CS Lewis and Sir Isaac Newton. Whilst here there will be time to visit King’s College Chapel; Cambridge’s most iconic building, explore the many other historic college buildings and partake in a local tradition; punting. ‘Punts’ are shallow boats that negotiate the city’s canals and and are the best way to really absorb the beauty and tradition of Cambridge. After lunch we’ll continue north again towards the historic city of Lincoln. The main landmark of Lincoln is its imposing medieval Cathedral which sits atop a hill and is visible for many miles around. It is one of the great cathedrals of Britain, and was actually the tallest building in the world for several hundred years. This city’s Roman quarter is fascinating, and opposite the cathedral is Lincoln Castle, which was constructed by the Normans and is home to one of the only surviving copies of the world’s oldest constitution; the Magna Carta. Next we will make our way to York, where we will spend the first night of our tour.

NIGHT ONE: York

This morning we leave York but it won’t be long before we’re travelling into the beautiful green countryside of the Yorkshire Dales. We’ll pass through the valleys, known locally as ‘Dales’ and meander along the country lanes as we make our way to our first stop: Aysgarth Falls; a beautiful triple-flight waterfall that featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Take a walk along the river and embrace the power of the water here. Next, look closely for Red Squirrels as we travel to the quaint town of Askrigg, a charming example of a Yorkshire village set in the picturesque Wensleydale area. Stroll around this traditional place; recognisable as the fictional village of Darrowby from the TV series All Creatures Great & Small, based on the books of James Herriott. Now it’s time to start our Lake District adventure, and we’ll begin at Sizergh Castle; a stately home at the gateway of Lake District National Park. The house dates back to the fourteenth century and whilst here, there will be time to explore the property & grounds and have some lunch. Next we’ll travel to Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Beatrix Potter loved animals and was inspired by the unspoilt landscape of the Lake District where she lived for much of her life. By late-afternoon we’ll travel to Windermere; our base in the Lake District where we will spend the next two-nights of our tour.

NIGHT TWO: Windermere

Today our journey take us around some of the highlights of the Lake District. We’ll begin seeing by an iconic destination; Dove Cottage, former home of the Lakes most famous son: William Wordsworth. One of England’s greatest poets, Wordsworth was one of the founders of the Romantic Age, and we’ll pass the house where he wrote many of his most famous works and visit the adjacent village of Grasmere, famous for its gingerbread. Next, enjoy a leisurely drive along the Honister Pass, one of England’s most scenic roads and absorb the stirring landscape views. For lunch we’ll stop in Keswick, a pleasant market town where we can relax by the lake, or wander through the town centre. Close by is our next stop, the dramatic Castlerigg Stone Circle; one of England’s most atmospheric neolithic sites and thought to be at least 4,000 years old. Few other stone circles are set amongst such a beautiful backdrop, and here we can get up close to the circle, and even touch the stones. This afternoon we will loop around Ullswater Lake, regarded by many as the most beautiful of all Lakes, and the place which inspired Wordsworth’s iconic poem Daffodils. Now it’s time to travel back towards Windermere, where we’ll have the rest of the afternoon free. Enjoy time to relax by the water and/or perhaps take a boat trip on Windermere itself; England’s largest lake.

NIGHT THREE: Windermere

This morning it’s time to depart the Lake District and continue our Yorkshire adventure by travelling back to York. Upon our return the afternoon will be free to explore this city, which is truly one of the greatest in Britain with its fascinating history. Occupied by the Romans, Vikings and Saxons, the story of York is extremely complex, and it’s said that York is the most haunted city in England. There’s so much to do here including: visiting the majestic York Minster, exploring the renowned National Railway Museum, taking a walk atop the ancient city wall, wandering through the historic central streets known as ‘The Shambles’, visiting the home of York’s most infamous resident; Guy Fawkes, trying a traditional Yorkshire pudding or joining one of the many fantastic ghost tours. Information will be provided to help explore the city, including a self-guided walking tour with maps. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore York and take in as much of the history as possible.

NIGHT FOUR: York

The final day of our tour begins by departing York and beginning the journey south. Our first stop will take us to visit one of Britain’s great Elizabethan houses; Hardwick Hall. This stunning country estate was created in the 1590’s by Bess of Hardwick; a local lady who through progressive marriages and business acumen had risen to become the second wealthiest female in Britain after Queen Elizabeth I. Hardwick Hall was a statement of Bess’ affluence and power, which is reflected in the size and architecture of this house; often regarded as ‘one of Britain’s Best Buildings’. Whilst at Hardwick Hall we’ll have time to fully explore this incredible house and its beautiful gardens. This afternoon, we continue southbound as we travel to Stratford-upon-Avon; the final stop of our tour. The historic town of Stratford is the home of the world’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. This is where Shakespeare was born and where he lived before becoming famous for works such as Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth. We’ll have ample time to explore the town. Visit Shakespeare’s former home and birthplace, see the school where he studied, take in Trinity Church; the place where he married Anne Hathaway and was laid to rest, and also wander the town’s charming streets. Then it will be time to make our way back to London where our York & the Lake District tour concludes.

Return to London

After 5-days our tour to the Lake District from London returns to Kensington. The York & Lake District tour ends at The Holiday Inn Hotel, by approximately 6:00pm.