This fantastic Lake District tour from Manchester introduces you to the culture and history of The Lake District, which created the landscapes you see today. Learn the significant of farming on the Lake District and how it helped the National Park achieve UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2017.
The tour starts in with a heritage steam railway ride on Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway (1st April - 29th October only) along the 3.2-mile-long track. Travel back in time when you climb aboard the steam train, established in 1973 The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway is a family run business with steam engines and traditional 1950’s carriages you'll be transported through the countryside scenery of the Leven Valley, leisurely transporting passengers to Lakeside Station, where connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises. After Lakeside Station you will transfer from the train, across the station (2-minute walk) to enjoy a lake cruise on England's largest lake, Windermere, following the yellow line from Lakeside to Bowness enjoying the spectacular scenery. Please note it is the passenger’s responsibility to transfer from Lakeside Station to the Windermere Lake Cruise vessel, as the driver-guide will not be present.
From here, you will enjoy lunch in the popular village of Bowness on Windermere before heading towards the Langdale Valley, which is filled with heritage and farmland. On route to the Western side of Windermere you will drive along the famous Lake Windermere and our Driver/Guide will tell you many stories about our wonderful National Park.
This is where you will usually find many native Herdwick Sheep, as they stroll across road and lay out in the fields, it really is a fantastic photo opportunity. You will sit back and enjoy the take 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. Nearby you can also find Yew Tree Farm, which was once owned by children's author Beatrix Potter, she purchased the farm back in 1929 and left it to the National Trust when she died. You might also recognise Yew Tree Farm from the 2006 movie, Miss Potter. After admiring the views, the tour will then take you to the final stop which is a trip to Hawkshead.
Hawkshead is a charming medieval village full of narrow alleys and characterful squares. It is home to a grammar school which was established back in 1585 and where the famous English poet, William Wordsworth went to school. Overlooking the village on a hill, you can also find St Michael and All Angels Church, that has been there since 16th century. Whilst we're talking about Hawkshead we also must mention the delicious Hawkshead Relish Company, which is worth a visit! Hawkshead is a village where you get a real sense of history and it is a great place to explore, which is why we include it in so many of our tours.
The Lake District afternoon tour will then come to an end by departing Hawkshead and heading back to your start location. Afterwards you will be dropped back to your starting location with a camera full of fantastic memories.