Scenic North Lakes & Cumbrian Coast

5 days, Monday 5^th – Friday 9^th October

Staying at the 4* Skiddaw Hotel- Keswick

The Lake District is England’s largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover spectacular landscapes, picturesque villages, a warm welcome and a rich cultural heritage.  Visiting the Lake District is one of the most popular holiday choices for people around the UK and further afield.  With 12 of the largest lakes in England and 3,105km of rights of way, this truly is one of Britain’s best breathing spaces.

Based in the heart of the picturesque market town of Keswick, the Skiddaw Hotel is an ideal hub for exploration and adventure, this stylish Keswick hotel is the perfect base to enjoy the area and all it has to offer. Expect relaxation and sophistication on the inside, then step out to stunning lakes and fells right on its doorstep. Experience the high standard of comfort in one of the 43 en-suite bedrooms, one of the finest hotels in Keswick.

Our Itinerary

Day 1- After your door-to-door service has brought you to the coach we have a country run via Settle to Hawes where we shall pause for you to purchase lunch.  With its long history of dairying, it’s no wonder this dale is home to the Wensleydale Creamery, a source of the world-famous Wensleydale Cheese – nibble on all its varieties in the unique tasting room.  Hawes has plenty of traditional shops and places to eat.  Also in the town is family-run local business Raydale Preserves, which offers the chance to tour their premises and try their range of jams, chutneys and sauces. A well-visited place is the Hawes chippie which serves the delicacy of deep-fried Wensleydale cheese.  We aim to arrive at our hotel in plenty of time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2- A full day today, we depart after breakfast and travel to Ravenglass for an included return journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a stunning seven-mile journey. This afternoon we make the short journey to Muncaster Castle.  The historic and reputedly haunted castle dating from the medieval age has been home to the Pennington family for over 800 years.

Day 3-   After a leisurely breakfast we drive east and down towards Pooley Bridge for time at leisure.  Pooley Bridge straddles the River Eamont at the head of Ullswater in the picturesque Eden Valley.  We later follow the shores of Ullswater and over the Kirkstone Pass to Ambleside.  Perfectly located in the heart of the national park. Later we have a short visit to Grasmere, home of the original ginger bread.  Victorian cook Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread in 1854.

Day 4- A free day today to relax and explore all that Keswick has to offer

Day 5- Sadly, we have to say farewell today and drive to Bowness-on-Windermere the largest in the Lake District National Park, situated on the shores of Lake Windermere. This dynamic town boasts hundreds of shops, eating and drinking establishments and many fine cultural and historical attractions. The views from Bowness out across the lake and up to the mountains are some of the finest in the Lake District.  We later continue to your home areas where your door-to-door service will meet us to take you back to your doorstep.

Facilities

En-suite accommodation

Luxury sustainable toiletries

Television

Sealy beds

Hospitality tray

Mineral water

Hair dryer

Holiday Includes

Door to door service

All luxury coach travel as listed

4 night’s accommodation at the 4* Skiddaw Hotel

4 x cooked breakfasts

4 x 3 course choice dinners

Return journey on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Entrance to Muncaster Castle

Services of our experienced crew