Revel in the sublime beauty of the Lake District landscape. Travel the paths of the most influential literacy icons, William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Hear tales of their links to the Lake District and visit sites that inspired the wordsmiths of the Romantic period to create their emblematic works.
The day begins with a visit to Wordsworth Grasmere to visit the “loveliest spot man hath ever found” Dove Cottage. The little white cottage was once an inn called “The Dove and Olive Branch” before becoming the home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth in December of 1799. Explore the house and beautiful gardens while discovering the history of one of the most iconic writers of all time. Enjoy the scenic village of Grasmere to visit the Wordsworth’s family Graves at St Oswald's Church located next to the historic Grasmere Gingerbread Shop where you can enjoy a sweet treat before departing north towards Keswick. Here you will be met by the reflective waters of Rydal Water for your visit to St Mary’s Church which overlooks Dora’s Field.
You will then depart for the expansive vistas of Thirlmere to enjoy the view and hear the story of the hamlets of Whythburn and Armboth. Upon arrival in the market town of Keswick you will have time to enjoy the panoramic scenery from the Neolithic site Castlerigg Stone Circle. From this point you will enjoy views of the famous Wainwright's: Skiddaw, Blencathra, and Helvellyn. You will then make your way down into the valley for expansive views of Derwentwater and Catbells travelling towards Ashness Bridge, a local beauty spot offering views of Skiddaw and the landscape below and piece of history. The bridge was constructed in the eighteenth century from locally sourced stone, an iconic architectural feature of the Lake District. It was used as a crossing for pack horses transporting goods across the beck that from Watendlath Tarn down towards Derwentwater.
After enjoying lunch, you will get back onto the winding roads along Derwentwater towards Ullswater for Glencoyne Bay which inspired Wordsworth’s most famous poem “Daffodils”. From here you will travel the rugged path towards the summit of Kirkstone Pass where you will be met with the far-reaching scope of the beautiful terrain of the Lake District. You will then descend the twisting roads that have been carved into the landscape to end your tour.
Other authors who were also inspired by landscapes within the Romantic movement (not necessarily the Lakes) include Mary Shelley, William Blake, Jane Austen, Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron.