South Lakes Winter Special

Our South Lakes Winter Special tour is the perfect way to see the most beautiful parts of the Lake District at a leisurely pace over the festive period, travelling through some of the most breathtaking winter landscapes our national park has to offer.

This special tour starts in Windermere and heads towards the Langdale Valley, an area of the Lakes reknowned for its heritage and farmlands. On route to the Langdale valley you will drive along the famous Lake Windermere and our Driver/Guide will tell you many stories about our wonderful National Park.

Driving through the Langdales you will experience some spectacular views, including views of the Langdale Pikes. The Langdale Pikes are an iconic part of the Lake District landscape made up of the most easily recognisable peaks in the Lake District. Here you will see flocks of Herdwick sheep covering the fellside, it really makes a fantastic photo opportunity.

You will pay a special visit to Blea Tarn, a stunning body of water that sits between Little Langdale and the larger Greater Langdale, to enjoy mince pies and mulled wine. It is situated in the heart of the wild Lake District and we certainly think it is a hidden gem!

The tour then takes a scenic route to visit Coniston by going through the Yewdale Valley. The Yewdale Valley is bounded by steep, craggy fells and it offers visitors some magnificent scenery. Along the way you will see Yew Tree Farm, once owned by children's author Beatrix Potter who left it to the National Trust when she died. You might also recognise Yew Tree Farm from the 2006 movie, Miss Potter.

You will stop in the village of Coniston, situated on the shores of the famous Coniston Water. Famous for Donald Campbell CBE and his world water speed record of 276mph. You might also catch a glimpse of a Steam Yacht Gondala, a rebuilt Victorian steam powered yacht that offers cruises on Coniston Water.  You will have time to take in the stunning scenery at Coniston before heading to Tarn Hows. 

Tarn Hows is another one of the Lake District's hidden gems. Providing stunning winter vistas the location has inspired many Lakeland artists and writers and it's easy to see why. After admiring the views, the tour will then take you to the final stop, Hawkshead.  

This charming medieval village is full of narrow alleys and characterful squares, especially during the winter months, where traditional pubs line the streets and the smell of woodsmoke fills the air the log fires crackle inside the charming buildings.

Hawkshead is home to a grammar school which was established back in 1585 where the famous English poet, William Wordsworth was taught.

The village is also famous for the Hawkshead Relish Company, well known for their delicious chutneys, jams and pickles the shop is definitely worth a visit!

Hawkshead is a village where you get a real sense of history and it’s a great place to explore, which is why we include it in so many of our tours.

This winter special tour, filled with the magical delights of a Christmas time Lake District, will then come to an end by departing Hawkshead and heading back to Windermere. Explore the national park at the most wondeful time of the year with Mountain Goat.