Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Best full-day tour for scenery. This is a stress free, easy way to see a lot of the Lake District in a day without feeling rushed. You have time during the day 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.
If you come to the lakes, you should see it from a boat so you also have an included lake cruise, unique to this tour only.
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 comfy 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 day 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 time of pickup from Oxenholme train station is timed to meet the first train heading towards Glasgow from London Euston on Mondays to Saturdays
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 can travel on this tour
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
Lake Windermere
You won’t be able to miss this one, England’s largest and most visited lake, it rarely fails to impress. Named after a Norse hero, Windermere is the most famous of them all and has had an almost magnetic pull for nearly all visitors to the area for the past 300 years or so. From its rocky inlets, secluded bays, grassy banks and wooded heights, to the northern skyline, indented with volcanic peaks, the southern shore heavily wooded with broadleaf trees, Windermere is what most people imagine the Lake District to look like. Keep listening to your guide and you will hear how it was created, what the Romans did here, the arctic fish who made the lake its home, things about boats and why the local “boggle” stopped the ferry running at night time.
This small body of water may once have been connected to the bigger Ullswater lake situated further down this valley which is filled with dramatic scenery. Around the western shore the path dips under the canopy of some of the oldest oak woodland in the Lake District but, as you will find out, it is the tragic tale of two brothers which gives this little scoop of water its romantic name.
Options
Ambleside Departure 9:54am
Starting point: 2 Kelsick Rd, Ambleside LA22 0BP, UK
Windermere Departure 9:35am
Starting point: Windermere LA23 1AH, UK
Oxenholme Departure 9:10am
Starting point: Station Yd, Oxenholme, Kendal LA9 7HF, UK
Bowness Departure 9:43am
Starting point: Bowness Pier, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3HQ, 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 / refreshment / comfort stops
Professional Guides share their expertise of all the fascinating facts and stories in English
1 hour cruise on Ullswater Lake included
Departure and return to convenient, centrally located meeting points
All entrance fees for locations on the itinerary are included
We do stop for lunch but the cost of the food and drink is not included
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
173 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly Recommended
Zakira B,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did this tour the day after arriving in Keswick which was very helpful in getting oriented. Our guide, Tim, was friendly, efficient without being in a hurry, and amazingly knowledgeable. He has a varied background and was a font of fascinating stories about everything from geology to culture to language to sheep and beyond. We saw places and learned many things we were otherwise unlikely to encounter. Would definitely recommend this tour.
A wonderful way to experience the Lakes District
craigsH6693LJ,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I were picked up promptly at the Windermere Train station. We were surprised to learn that we were the sole participants on the tour. Sandra (a former health care worker and administrator) was our driver and Jillian ( a former librarian and archivist) was the primary guide. The weather was spectacular and we made many stops--Lake Windermere, a cruise on the Ullswater, Castlerigg stone ring, Keswick, and Grasmere were only a few; We learned about the varieties of sheep in the Lakes district, the origin of the word "spinster", Wordsworth, Vikings and Romans, and even Goldilocks. Both Sandra and Jillian couldn't have been more accommodating in allowing stops for photos and giving us practical information about the area.Sandra was a skilled driver--encountering a massive tractor on a one-lane road and negotiating past an oncoming car when there was barely 3 inches between our vehicle and theirs!! While a small company, the guides and owners are all highly educated and experts on the area. This tour, while more expensive than others we took in the UK, was very worth both the money and the time. We would recommend it highly.
An Outstanding Lake District Experience
Aure a,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience with English Lake Tours. The ladies leading the tour were incredibly knowledgeable, not only about the Lake District’s history, landmarks and local culture, but also about hidden gems and lesser-known areas that made the day feel truly special. They created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging plenty of conversation throughout the tour and making everyone feel included. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and local insight brought the Lake District to life. We learned so much while enjoying great company and stunning scenery. I would highly recommend English Lake Tours to anyone visiting the area.
Fantastic Tour of the Lake District!
Happiness37722429924,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a full day tour of the Lake District in a six passenger mini man with a driver & guide. Gillian, our guide, was very personable & knowledgeable and Sandra, our driver, was great, taking us up & down some very narrow lanes. Being in a smaller vehicle allowed us to easily get in & out at the many stops to see the beautiful countryside. It was one of the best tours we’ve taken with a wonderful guide & driver giving us the local history & showing us the gorgeous scenery. Highly recommended!
Excellent Day in the Lake District
304judithr,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Our guide, Tim, was fantastic. The tour was as described and perfectly met our expectations for a fun day out exploring the Lake District.
Great way to see the Lake District in a day
DavidV6234,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour—we only had a day to see the Lake District, and this was the way to do it. Our guide, Tim, was knowledgeable and personable, and he had great stories. We learned quite a bit about the area, its history, and its people. Recommended without reservation.
Guides make the experience
Donald G,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was well organized but the most impressive part was our driver and guide. Both are historians and gave depth to eplanations about the region. This was a group of 5 so we were in a smaller van that was able to navigate the very narrow roads to some of the most scenic parts. Our driver and guide were just brilliant.
Very enlightening trip...
MOHIT H,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Very enlightening trip with lots of history explained. The downside was a very cramped vehicle from which the frequent exit and entry was painful. Even though the total group size was just 6, a slightly larger and more comfortable vehicle would’ve been better.
Welcoming group with great knowledge
Madeline S,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful sights, small tour group which allowed for a more personalized experience. Great tour guides with a wealth of knowledge!
Educational & fun!
sallyb002,Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best experiences of my life! Our tour guides were so knowledgeable & fun to be with. I highly recommend this tour! We went in May 2024.
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Operated by English Lakes Tours