The Lake District of Cumbria is England’s largest national park and includes England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and deepest lake, Wastwater. There are charming market towns and picturesque villages to discover, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. No wonder this area was beloved of 19th century poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge, who found inspiration in the dramatic landscape of peaks, fells and tranquil waters.
DEPARTURE DATES
12 APRIL, 28 JUNE, 23 AUGUST
TOUR INCLUDES
- Return ferry crossings Dublin-Holyhead
- Luxury coach throughout with experienced Driver/Escort
- 4 nights hotel accommodation with dinner, bed and breakfast
- Excursions to the north and south lakes
- Excursion to Gretna Green
HOTEL
Shap Wells Hotel, Shap
COST
€475 per person sharing
€79 single supplement
Group Rate Special Available On This Tour
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ITINERARY
DAY 1 (MONDAY)
After a pick up from your local area we head for Dublin and the ferry to Holyhead. We then make our way north to our historic, family-run hotel in the village of Shap. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 2 (TUESDAY)
Enjoy a full English breakfast then we set off to tour the southern lakes. We stop at Bowness-on-Windermere where you may like to take an optional boat trip on Lake Windermere, or visit the World of Beatrix Potter. This little town is full of Victorian and Edwardian buildings and is a delight to explore. We then head south along the eastern lake shore and make our way past Coniston Water where Donald Campbell broke the water speed record in 1955, and was killed attempting to regain it in Bluebird in 1967. A memorial to him stands on Coniston village green. Next we drive to Hawkshead, where Beatrix Potter lived at Hill Top and wrote many of her famous childrens’ books, then we return to the hotel in time for dinner. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 3 (WEDNESDAY)
Today’s excursion takes in the north lakes as we drive past Penrith, then along the shore of Ullswater and on to Keswick, situated between the huge bulk of Skiddaw and peaceful Derwentwater. This pretty market town offers a wide range of attractions for visitors, from shops and restaurants to museums with a difference, and boat trips around Lake Derwentwater. Our journey continues past Thirlmere, beneath the towering peak of Helvellyn, to Grasmere where the poet William Wordsworth lived at Dove Cottage. After a short stop here we return to the hotel. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 4 (THURSDAY)
North today and across the border into Scotland to Gretna Green, infamous for runaway marriages and nowadays one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations. Perhaps visit the world famous Old Blacksmith’s Shop, where marriages were performed over the anvil. Now a privately owned visitor attraction, its features include the original Marriage Room and Anvil, a fascinating exhibition, an Art & Crafts Centre and a Coach Museum. We also make a stop at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village for designer shopping at discount prices. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 5 (FRIDAY)
We leave Shap this morning and return south to Holyhead for the ferry to Dublin. After disembarking we will transfer you to your original pick up point. |