Sailing, Steaming & Dreaming in the Lake District
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Lake District on this scenic holiday combining spectacular landscapes, tranquil lake cruises, heritage railways, and unforgettable mountain scenery.
Overview
Based at the peaceful Shap Wells Hotel, you’ll explore charming Lakeland towns and villages, sail across two of the region’s most beautiful lakes, enjoy a nostalgic steam train journey, and discover hidden corners of the National Park on a guided Mountain Goat adventure. This is the perfect holiday for anyone who loves stunning scenery, heritage transport, and the great outdoors.
Single Room supplement – Nil (Limited availability)
Highlights
- ✦Executive coach travel
- ✦4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast
- ✦Lake Ullswater cruise
- ✦Lake Windermere cruise
- ✦Guided Mountain Goat Adventure tour
- ✦Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
Day by day
- Day 1
Monday
Depart from your local pick-up point and travel north to Cumbria. Arriving at the Shap Wells Hotel in the afternoon, settle into your room and enjoy dinner before the adventures ahead.
- Day 2
Tuesday
Today’s excursion begins in the market town of Kendal, known as the gateway to the Lake District. Enjoy time to browse the shops before continuing to Windermere for free time and lunch. This afternoon we travel over the dramatic Kirkstone Pass, one of the highest and most scenic mountain passes in England, with magnificent views across the surrounding fells. We continue to Glenridding, where we board an historic Ullswater steamer for a relaxing cruise across Ullswater to Pooley Bridge.
- Day 3
Wednesday
Today we travel through the heart of the Lake District, passing through St John’s in the Vale and alongside beautiful Thirlmere before arriving in the picturesque village of Grasmere. Famous as the home of the poet William Wordsworth, Grasmere offers a wonderful atmosphere and the opportunity to sample the village’s renowned gingerbread. Later, we visit Ambleside before enjoying a scenic cruise along Lake Windermere to Lakeside. From here, we board the heritage Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway for a nostalgic steam train journey through the beautiful Leven Valley.
- Day 4
Thursday
This morning we travel to the bustling market town of Keswick, where you’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we join a specialist Mountain Goat Tours excursion. Travelling in smaller vehicles allows us to reach some of the Lake District’s most spectacular and less accessible locations. Highlights include the shores of Derwentwater, the famous Ashness Bridge, the beautiful Borrowdale Valley, and the dramatic Honister Pass. We continue to the charming village of Buttermere before passing the stunning lakes of Crummock Water and Loweswater. A stop is also included at the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre before returning to Keswick and rejoining the coach.
- Day 5
Friday
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Lake District and begin our journey home, taking with us unforgettable memories of England’s most celebrated national park.
Where you'll stay
Shap Wells Hotel
Nestled amongst the rolling Lakeland fells, the Shap Wells Hotel offers a tranquil setting in the heart of Cumbria. Surrounded by 30 acres of grounds, the hotel provides an excellent base from which to explore the Lake District National Park. Facilities include a well-stocked bar, comfortable lounges, and a spacious restaurant. All bedrooms are en-suite and feature a television, radio, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Pickup points
Choose your preferred pickup at checkout. Specific times are confirmed after booking.
| Pickup point | Pickup time |
|---|---|
| Norwich, Harford P&R | After booking |
| Long Stratton, The Plain Bus Stop | After booking |
| Harleston, Broad Street Bus Shelter | After booking |
| Diss Depot, Simonds Depot, Oak Drive | After booking |
| Diss, Park Road, Bus Station | After booking |
| Botesdale, Simonds Court Bus Stop | After booking |
| Stanton, Shepherds Grove Park Main Gate | After booking |
| Stanton, The Memorial | After booking |
| Ixworth, Greyhound bus stop | After booking |
| Ixworth, Pykkerell | After booking |
| Bury St Edmunds, Bus Station Bay 9 | After booking |
| Newmarket, A14/A142 Fordham Road Tesco Bus Stop | After booking |
| Dereham - Boots, The Market Place | After booking |
| Watton - The Crown, High Street | After booking |
| Thetford - The Chase | After booking |
Alternative pick-ups may be available on request. Please call 01379 647 300.