The Lake District tour

Tour departs from Holiday Inn London, Kensington High Street. Check-in at 8.15am. (Depart by 8.30am)

Cambridge

Our tour begins by travelling north to Cambridge, home to one of the world's most famous universities with an alumni that includes Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton. There will be time to visit King's College Chapel, explore the historic college buildings and try punting, the local tradition of gliding along the city's canals in shallow boats.

Lincoln

After lunch we continue north to the historic city of Lincoln, dominated by its imposing medieval cathedral which sits atop a hill visible for miles around. It is one of the great cathedrals of Britain, and was actually the tallest building in the world for several hundred years. Opposite the cathedral is Lincoln Castle, constructed by the Normans and home to one of the only surviving copies of the Magna Carta.

York

We make our way to York, where we spend the first night of our tour.

Overnight: York

For those joining from York, your tour departs from No.1 York by GuestHouse. Check-in at 8.15am. (Depart by 8.30am)

Aysgarth Falls

This morning we leave York and travel into the beautiful green countryside of the Yorkshire Dales. We'll pass through the valleys, known locally as 'Dales', and meander along country lanes 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.

Askrigg

Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels as we travel to the quaint village of Askrigg, set in the picturesque Wensleydale area. You may recognise it as the fictional village of Darrowby from the TV series All Creatures Great & Small, based on the books of James Herriot.

Sizergh Castle

Our Lake District adventure begins at Sizergh Castle, a stately home at the gateway to the national park. The house dates back to the 14th century, and there will be time to explore the property, its grounds and have some lunch.

Hill Top

Next we visit Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. 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 for the next two nights.

Overnight: Windermere

Dove Cottage & Grasmere

We begin the day at Dove Cottage, the former home of William Wordsworth, one of England's greatest poets and a founder of the Romantic Age. This is where he wrote many of his most famous works. We'll also visit the adjacent village of Grasmere, famous for its gingerbread.

Honister Pass

Next, enjoy a leisurely drive along the Honister Pass, one of England's most scenic mountain roads. The views here are stirring.

Keswick & Castlerigg Stone Circle

For lunch we stop in Keswick, a pleasant market town on the shores of Derwentwater. Close by is 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 against such a beautiful backdrop, and here you can walk right up to the stones and touch them.

Ullswater & Windermere

This afternoon we loop around Ullswater, regarded by many as the most beautiful of all the Lakes and the place which inspired Wordsworth's iconic poem Daffodils. We then return to Windermere with the rest of the afternoon free. Relax by the water or take a boat trip on England's largest lake.

Overnight: Windermere

York

This morning we depart the Lake District and travel back to York, one of the greatest historic cities in Britain. Occupied in turn by the Romans, Vikings and Saxons, the story of York is rich and complex. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Visit the majestic York Minster, walk atop the ancient city walls, wander through the Shambles (York's famous medieval street), explore the National Railway Museum, or join one of the city's many ghost tours. We'll provide information and a self-guided walking tour with maps to help you make the most of your time.

Returning to York: For those who joined from York, the tour ends here by approximately 6.00pm. If you wish to travel on to London following the tour, please contact us to arrange this add-on.

Overnight: York

Hardwick Hall

Our final day begins with a visit to Hardwick Hall, one of Britain's finest Elizabethan houses. Built in the 1590s by Bess of Hardwick, a local woman who through progressive marriages and sharp business sense had risen to become the second wealthiest female in England after Queen Elizabeth I. The house was a statement of her power and influence, and is often regarded as one of Britain's best buildings. We'll have time to explore the house and its beautiful gardens.

Stratford-upon-Avon

This afternoon we continue south to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. This is where he was born and where he lived before becoming famous for works such as Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth. We'll have ample time to visit Shakespeare's birthplace, see the school where he studied, take in Holy Trinity Church where he was laid to rest, and explore the town's charming streets.

Heading home

The York & Lake District tour ends at The Holiday Inn Hotel, London by approximately 6:00pm.

Alternative end points: You can depart the tour at any of our scheduled destinations. Simply let your driver-guide know. If you would like to be dropped at London's Heathrow Airport (Bath Rd, Near Terminals 2-3), please contact us in advance to arrange.