3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester
Overview
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
The Lake District is where you see the top ten tallest mountains in England. It’s where you discover the deepest lake in the country. And it’s where you can visit 1,779 listed buildings and 16,510 archeological sites.
For place that’s famous for its poetry and quaint cottages, it certainly boasts some of England’s biggest and most brilliant destinations.
You learn about the poetry of Wordsworth at his Dove Cottage, admire the serene views over Lake Windermere and Derwent Water, and wander through market towns collecting stories and photos as you go.
Join this tour and experience the best of the lake district.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Lake Windemere Cruise - We reserve tickets for you. Cruise will be included in tour price.
We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately. To ensure that bookings for passengers traveling together are not separated, please inform us if you have multiple bookings.
When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
Family rooms are limited and may be available on request. Maximum of 2 Adults and 1 child in one room. Family rooms for 2 adults and 2 children are not available
B&Bs tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please mention it to us as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Hotels usually have a relatively central location but may be up to a 20-30 minute walk from local facilities. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 21 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
Admission fees - Tour price will include a cruise on Lake Windermere
2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini coach
Professional guide/driver
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Admission fees unless specified
What To Expect
Manchester - Lake District
Accommodations
You stay in the lively market town of Keswick.
Ambleside
Leaving Manchester, we drive north into Lake District National Park and head to one of the most popular towns in the Lake District, Ambleside, hugged by some of England’s finest scenery. Here you’ll have time to explore and grab a bite to eat.
Kirkstone Mountain Pass
We then drive to Kirkstone Pass for some photos. This is the Lake District’s highest pass that is open to motor traffic, and you’ll just love the views.
Ullswater
Next up we journey along the shores of Ullswater. This lake is often described as England’s most beautiful lake, and it’s here we give you the chance to take a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force waterfall.
Derwentwater
The final stop of the day is another incredible view as we take you to Friar’s Crag, an amazing promontory that overlooks the lake of Derwentwater.
Lake Windermere - Hawkshead - Wordsworth Memorial Daffodill Garden
Accommodations
You stay in the lively market town of Keswick.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Your first stop of the day really is one of wonder. The mysterious Castlerigg standing stones were thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and were once a lively hub of ancient pagan rituals.
Grasmere
After exploring the past, you take the narrow country lanes towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’. There’s free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Time for lunch in Bowness-on-Windermere, a town sitting snuggly alongside Lake Windermere. This area is filled with adorable villages and surrounded by beautiful scenery. Enjoy a boat cruise on the lake, a truly wonderful way to take in the sights.
Hawkshead
That afternoon you continue to explore this wonderful region, including a stop at Langdale Boulders where you might spot some prehistoric rock art. After a stop in the cosy village of Hawkshead, you return to Keswick in the early evening.
Whinlatter Pass - Honister Pass - Manchester
Buttermere
Last day of the trip, but don’t despair. There’s still plenty of adventure to be had today. You journey along winding lanes, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, and towards the Honister Mountain Pass. Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to see old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.
The Bowder Stone
Next up is something that will stop you in your tracks. The enormous Bowder Stone fell 200 metres from the Bowder Crag more than 10,000 years ago. The stone is an estimated 2,000 tonnes, around 9 metres high and 15 metres in diameter. Imagine the sound it would have made upon impact.
Kendal
Your last big stop of the day is in the market town of Kendal. Here you have time to explore and enjoy the cobbled streets and heritage to be found. From here you return to Manchester.
Options
Hotel Single Occupancy Room
Accommodates 1 person in a single en-suite room with breakfast in a 3-star Hotel (1 x single bed).
Hotel Twin Room
Twin en-suite room with breakfast in a 3-star Hotel (2 x separate single beds).
B&B Twin Room
Twin en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (2 x separate single beds).
B&B Single Occupancy Room
Accommodates 1 person in one single en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (1 x single bed).
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
5-star tour in the Lake District!
old3,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our August 2025 “Lake District Explorer” 3-day tour was OUTSTANDING in all respects. The itinerary was extensive, yet well-paced. Sufficient time was allotted for each stop including National Trust sites, incredible vistas, and charming towns. Our guide/driver Darren was a fount of knowledge ranging from historical information to current life in the Lake District (AND Darren is an entertainer). Each person on our tour agreed that this tour and Rabbie’s overall rate a 5-star review. Our van was always clean (including windows washed each day) and the large windows enhanced our views. The Rabbie’s website provides extensive information and the staff timely answered our questions before and after our booking. We look forward to future tours with Rabbie’s.
Exploring the Enchanting Lake District with Rabbie’s Tours
WilliamB2258,
Dec 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting the Lake District had been on travel bucket list for a while, and Rabbie’s three-day tour provided the perfect way to explore this charming and picturesque region. Despite November’s unpredictable weather, I was confident in Rabbie’s professional driver-guides, and our trip turned out to be blessed with great weather and a fantastic guide, Clive. We stayed in Keswick, which served as an excellent base for our daily adventures. I opted for the B&B accommodation and was delighted with Rabbie’s choice—a cozy local house with a delicious breakfast each morning. While I typically gravitate toward Premier Inns, staying in a traditional home added to the authenticity of the experience. The Lake District offered an incredible variety of sights, from breathtaking natural beauty to literary landmarks. Our days were filled with scenic hikes to waterfalls, serene lakeside strolls, and even a cruise on Windermere. Clive’s commentary was both insightful and engaging, offering a mix of historical context, natural highlights, and even local music that added to the atmosphere. In addition to the stunning landscapes, we visited cultural landmarks associated with William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and John Ruskin, which perfectly complemented the region’s quaint villages and idyllic charm. Clive truly made the trip exceptional. His expert driving through narrow, winding roads and over mountain passes instilled a sense of safety and ease. He also provided thoughtful recommendations for how to spend our free time, enhancing the overall experience. This was my first three-day tour with Rabbie’s, and based on my satisfaction and enjoyment, it certainly won’t be my last. The Lake District’s unparalleled beauty, combined with Rabbie’s excellent planning and Clive’s expertise, made this a trip to remember.
Great Tour
Dave E,
Nov 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Scenery was spectacular. Our guide - Chris - was excellent. He was extremely knowledgeable and was open to making adjustments to the tour in response to the wants of guests. Quite happy with the accomodations.
Wonderful
Connie C,
Jul 14, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was very knowledgeable and it was a great experience. It was a lovely way to see the Lake District
A personalised tour!
Q154KQkatew,
Aug 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful tour I had, made especially good by James (2) my knowledgeable and friendly driver/guide. We went to all sorts of out of the way magnificent viewing spots and James managed to almost always avoid crowds at each stop. The B and B for two nights was very comfortable with yummy breakfasts and convivial hosts. I really enjoyed my tour!
Great tour and great guides!
bestlondon,
Aug 27, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I needed a small group tour that bring my friend and I around in UK. with no worries about cars, tour and accomodations. I was suggested of Rabbies. Darren , our guide, drove us around the Lake District for 3 days, and they took care als about accomodation. Darres has been extremely kind and he explained us many many things about what we were seeing. Definitely worth the tour. In 3 days your days will be plenty of things to do. Be aware that you will not have time to stop for lunch cause timing is very strictly, but it's ok if you want to see many things.
From £428.31
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