Tours of the Lake District, Cumbria, England
Tours of the Lake District in Cumbria are among the most popular activities in the UK.
With over 16 million visitors each year, the Lake District is England’s most visited National Park.
A favourite activity is a boat ride from Bowness, which heads down to the Lake’s southern end at Lakeside where you can visit the Aquarium of the Lakes. North of Ambleside you will come to Rydal then Grasmere where Dove Cottage – once the home of William Wordsworth is still open to the public.
Another popular Lake District Tour is from Keswick is to visit Castlerigg Stone Circle – an ancient monument that graces the walls of just about every Lakeland art gallery! In real life it is in a truly wonderful setting overlooking the hidden valley of St Johns in the Vale. As with any popular spot though – if you can go when everyone else is somewhere else, you will better experience the atmosphere of the place!
The other main town within the National Park, is Coniston, situated somewhat out on its own, more or less due West of Windermere by Coniston Water. Coniston Water was the scene of Donald Campbell’s tragic water speed record attempts and his memory is honoured by the town’s beer Bluebird – as good a pint as you will find anywhere. Coniston or Ambleside are good bases for those wishing to visit Langdale, the popular hiking destination dominated by the jagged outline of the Langdale Pikes. Equally, the literary tourist can easily visit the nearby Brantwood – John Ruskin’s former home – and Hill Top Farm, the home of Beatrix Potter.
Mountain Tours
The western Lake District tours include wild and mountainous biking trails, hiking and walking tours of the Lake District.
Another spectacular mountain scene is to be found in the Buttermere Valley with the half mile high wall of High Stile falling to the still waters of Buttermere. Between these two valleys lies Ennerdale where in the upper reaches of the valley – you will find a sense of real remoteness as you will in the upper part of Eskdale further to the South.
Ullswater is one of the most stunning lakes, extending for 10 miles from Pooley Bridge to Patterdale at the base of Helvellyn. Only a few small villages, including Glenridding line the lake shore with much of its length being woodland and open fellside.
From a remote beach amongst the trees the view up towards the head of the lake is wonderful in any weather and when the rain sweeps the fells and the cloud curtains the high tops, it doesn’t dull the scene.
If you are planning to tour the Lake District at any time of the year, why not book into a luxurious Lake District spa hotel and make the most of your stay?