8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery - Afternoon Half Day Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Best half-day tour for scenery. Your afternoon will be spent touring around some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of the Lake District. This is a stress free, easy way to see a lot of the Lake District in an afternoon without feeling rushed. You have time to soak up the views and even paddle in a lake if you are brave enough. It is a great way for getting an overview of the Lake District, its culture, history and of course, its amazing scenery.
You will get plenty of variety, see magnificent scenery, eat gingerbread and get all the facts, figures and fascinating stories from our friendly, knowledgeable guides and drivers who know the area well.
Travelling in a comfortable mini-van with air con, Wi-Fi & phone charging ports as one of only 6/7 passengers you will find it is easy to ask questions and join in the conversation (if you want to). There are lots of stops for photos and fresh air. It is a great afternoon out and we can't wait to share it with to you.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The English Lake District weather can change quickly, even in the summer months. Please bring a waterproof coat with a hood in case of rain or windy weather
As there is a little walking involved on the tour, some uphill and on uneven or wet terrain, please wear suitable, comfortable shoes
No Children under the age of 7
Children must be accompanied by an adult
All passengers, including children of any age, must have a seat purchased for them
We will collect you from the departure point linked to your chosen option. Please do not change to a different departure point without informing us in advance as we don't automatically go to every departure point. If we don't know you have changed your departure point we may not pick you up for the tour!
What To Expect
Kirkstone Pass
Here, as you twist and climb upwards, you will be on the highest road in the Lake District, as well as one of the most spectacular. On the way, you will drive through some magnificent mountain scenery stopping at the top near the old Kirkstone Pass Inn to admire the panoramic views. Its breezy up here but worth getting out in the fresh air just to be looking down the long valley where Windermere Lake sparkles in the distance and on a clear day, you may see out as far as the sea at Morecambe Bay. Look to the left and the right to catch sight of the native Herdwick sheep roaming among the impressive dry-stone walls and watch dedicated walkers looking like tiny colourful dots weaving about on ancient pack horse trails high up on the surrounding fell sides. On the way down the other side of the pass, you will be able to stop for another opportunity to take fabulous photos down the wide valley with the road winding away towards Brothers Water.
Ullswater Lake
At almost eight miles, this is the second longest of the lakes, with a dramatic serpentine shape overlooked by soaring fells, none higher than the challenging reaches of Helvellyn. The leafy shores are stippled with woods of oak, birch and hazel – one of the best examples of pre-plantation Lakeland scenery. As you will see, this is a special place to be. William Wordsworth declared Ullswater “the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur, which any of the Lakes affords” and who are we to argue with that?
Options
Ambleside Departure 2:19pm
Starting point: 2 Kelsick Rd, Ambleside LA22 0BP, UK
Bowness Departure 2:08pm
Starting point: Bowness Pier, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3HQ, UK
Windermere Departure 2:00pm
Starting point: Windermere LA23 1AH, UK
What‘s Included
Relaxed and friendly small-group tour of no more than 7 guests
Comfortable minivans with air-conditioning, WiFi and charging points for most mobile devices
Regular photo / comfort stops
Professional Guides share their expertise of all the fascinating facts and stories in English
Departure and return to convenient, centrally located meeting points
All entrance fees for locations on the itinerary are included
Food & drink
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
210 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour
maureenwI531TM,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our tour around the lakes. Tim our guide and driver gave a very informative history of the lakes and surrounding area. Would thoroughly recommend this tour very scenic.
Highly Recommend
carolynn f,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an excellent overall introduction to the Lake District. Tim, our guide and driver, did an outstanding job. His narrative on the Lake District was interesting and informative with a sense of humour thrown in. He was a very good driver and was polite and considerate to all his passengers.
Perfect day out
V6239NBcathye,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day with English Lakes Tours and saw some amazing scenery. The two ladies were so friendly and full of information about everything we saw and everywhere we went. It was a really intimate, friendly experience. The van was comfortable with air-con and only takes a max of 6 people which is perfect to get to know fellow travellers and, of course Gillian our guide and Sandra our fearless driver who was so impressive on the narrow scary roads. Great humour, lots of info and a feeling of cameraderie made the day fly past. Oh, and the scenery was absolutely beautiful. The highlight was the stone circle which we really enjoyed as it was a sunny day. Thanks English Lakes Tours for a lovely, memorable day.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Fantastic Afternoon on the 8 Lakes Tour
mrpaul56,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Fantastic Afternoon on the 8 Lakes Tour I joined the 8 Lakes Tour last Sunday afternoon, and it turned out to be an absolutely brilliant experience. Even though it was only a half‑day trip, it felt full, well‑paced, and packed with memorable stops. One of the highlights was visiting Castlerigg Stone Circle. Standing among the stones with the mountains surrounding us was genuinely special — peaceful, atmospheric, and a perfect place to take in the history of the area. Later on, we stopped at Ashness Bridge, which was just as beautiful as the photos suggest. The views across the valley were stunning, and it was a great spot to enjoy the scenery. Throughout the tour, the guide kept things light, informative, and engaging, sharing local stories without overwhelming us. The route itself was gorgeous, with plenty of chances to admire the lakes, fells, and winding country roads that make the Lake District so unique. For anyone looking for a relaxed but rewarding way to see some of the area’s best viewpoints in a single afternoon, I’d highly recommend this tour. It’s a perfect blend of scenery, history, and easygoing exploration.
Great detailed commentary
Zebardee,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience being driven around the 8 lakes by Tim and his co-pilot Gillian. With backgrounds in academia, both were knowledgeable on the geological formation of the region and the history of individual lakes that followed. Influential individuals were highlighted in the shaping and development of this extraordinary and spectacular landscape. Along with incidental stories that came out of the lived experiences of local people, including the famous personalities one would expect and other lesser known inhabitants. By the end of the tour I felt Tim had brought to life the history and biographies I had read years earlier. Many thanks.
excellent photo...
David C,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00excellent photo opportunities, comfortable seating, small group size, and adequate clean restroom breaks
Excellent trip.
Global03612575205,Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Been in the Lake District many times before, learnt more on this trip than ever before. Spectacular views we would never have seen on our own.
Beautiful Lake District
Go63865209922,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended. Some of the places we visited are unforgettable, the rest magnificent, awesome. The prehistoric stone circle included in the tour felt like an unexpected present, and expectacular. We were very fortunate with the weather, sunny all day. Thank you Tim for the informative commentary.
Half Day Lake Tour was delightful.
Caz06,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Half day afternoon tour that was advertised as 8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery. The scenery was phenomenal, and tho' charming we were very glad we weren't the drivers on those very narrow country lanes to reach to exceptionally beautiful sights. Sadly, we weren't able to visit all the sights and waters as advertised due to road problems, but the guide Tim made up for it as best he could. One minor point, for those of us no longer nimble, a warning about the high step up/down on the vehicle would have been helpful.
Great afternoon tour
Samantha C,Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We travelled by train from Penrith to pick up the tour at Windermere. Tim was there to greet us and was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. We learnt a lot about the history of the lakes and surrounding area. Tim drove us up some very narrow roads to reach some real picturesque places for photos which we definitely would not have attempted! - not knowing the area. Our teen boys enjoyed the tour just as much as we did! A really great afternoon spent and would definitely recommend
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Operated by English Lakes Tours