Lake District

Day 1 – South Yorkshire to the Lake District

We depart South Yorkshire between 8am and 9am and begin our journey north with a pleasant stop in the popular market town of Skipton, known as the “Gateway to the Dales”. Enjoy time to explore the canal side, browse the shops or relax in one of the many cafés.

We continue into Cumbria for a further stop at the impressive Rheged Centre near Penrith, where you can enjoy refreshments, local shopping and excellent facilities before we make our way into the Lake District National Park.

Arriving at the Ullswater Inn around tea-time, there will be time to settle in before dinner and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Ullswater.

Day 2 – Ullswater Cruise, Pooley Bridge & Keswick

Today we enjoy a full day excursion through some of the Lake District’s most spectacular scenery.

Our day begins with a relaxing one-hour cruise on Ullswater from Glenridding to the charming village of Pooley Bridge. Sit back and admire the stunning mountain and lakeside views as we sail along one of England’s most beautiful lakes.

There will be free time in Pooley Bridge to explore the village, browse the shops or enjoy morning refreshments before we continue by coach to the bustling market town of Keswick, where we stop for lunch and free time.

In the afternoon we travel through the breathtaking Borrowdale Valley, stopping at a selection of scenic viewpoints for photographs and to take in the magnificent Lakeland scenery. We then return to the hotel via the peaceful Matterdale Valley.

Day 3 – Windermere & Lakeland Scenery

After breakfast we enjoy another wonderful day exploring the heart of the Lake District.

Our scenic drive takes us over the dramatic Kirkstone Pass (weather permitting), with magnificent mountain views as we make our way toward the shores of Lake Windermere.

We spend time in the popular lakeside resort of Bowness-on-Windermere, where you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade, browse the shops or simply relax beside England’s largest lake. There will also be the opportunity to join an optional lake cruise (extra charge) for a different view of the spectacular scenery.

We continue to Brockhole on Windermere, an excellent visitor centre set in beautiful gardens with stunning lake views, cafés and gift shops.

In the afternoon we visit the charming town of Ambleside, where you will have free time to explore the independent shops, cafés and traditional Lakeland streets.

Later we enjoy a leisurely scenic drive past the beautiful waters of Rydal Water and Thirlmere as we make our way back to Ullswater.

Day 4 – Yorkshire Dales, Hawes & Richmond (Return to South Yorkshire)

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin our journey back towards South Yorkshire, travelling through some of the finest scenery in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Our first stop is in the charming market town of Hawes, where we pause for a mid-morning comfort break and coffee. Set in the heart of Wensleydale, Hawes offers a peaceful start to the day, with time to stretch your legs, enjoy a hot drink, and take in the surrounding hill and valley views.

We then continue our scenic drive east across the Dales, descending through picturesque countryside towards Richmond, one of Yorkshire’s most historic and attractive market towns. Here we pause for our main lunch stop. With its elegant Georgian streets, cobbled market square, and riverside setting beneath the impressive castle ruins, Richmond provides an ideal location to relax, explore, and enjoy lunch at leisure.

After time in Richmond, we rejoin the coach and begin the final leg of our journey home, travelling back across the region towards South Yorkshire. We aim to arrive back at our original departure points at approximately tea-time, subject to traffic and local conditions.

A fitting end to a varied and scenic short break, combining the dramatic beauty of the Yorkshire Dales with two of its most appealing towns.