Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

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!

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Windermere Departure 9:35am

Starting point:
Windermere LA23 1AH, UK

Bowness Departure 9:43am

Starting point:
Bowness Pier, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3HQ, UK

Keswick Departure 9:10am

Tour return: Returns to Keswick around 4:38pm
Starting point:
Bell Close Car Park, 16 Main St, Keswick CA12 5JD, UK

Ambleside Departure 9:54am

Starting point:
2 Kelsick Rd, Ambleside LA22 0BP, UK

Oxenholme Departure 9:10am

Starting point:
Station Yd, Oxenholme, Kendal LA9 7HF, UK

Reviews

4.96

166 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

159

Very enlightening trip...
MOHIT H,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Very 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
5.00
Beautiful 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
5.00
One 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.
Fascinating scenery
Salimeh P,
Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fascinating scenery and a great guy who was our great guide, with historical stories to tell ! I truly enjoyed the time I spent touring around.
Loved it
Sunshine11121406599,
Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had such a good time :) Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and friendly and showed us the best spots:) Would recommend 100%
Perfect and Inspiring Tour
ellibetk,
Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a flawlessly organized experience that showcased the region, all made possible by a stellar team. I absolutely would recommend this to anybody who wants a well rounded introduction to the area in a single day. It really leaves you with a better sense of history and appreciation for the Lake District, along with inspiration for future plans. *Itinerary & Timing* The tour was impressively efficient without ever feeling rushed. In a little under seven hours, we covered an extensive selection of iconic sites. Each stop was thoughtfully timed, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy the views, take photos, and absorb the atmosphere. For first-time visitors like myself, it struck the perfect balance: enough depth to feel satisfied, and enough variety to spark ideas for future visits. *Driving* Sandra, our driver, was an absolute rockstar. Navigating the narrow, winding roads of the Lake District, especially during peak summer traffic with changeable weather, requires a high level of skill and composure, both of which she demonstrated throughout the day. Her driving was impeccable, and she maintained total equanimity no matter what the conditions were. Given her immense skill, I like to think she probably was a reincarnate past F1 winner because she is a real pro. *Tour Guide* Gillian is an exceptional guide. Warm and approachable, incredibly well-prepared and organized from the very start. From the moment the tour began, she created a welcoming atmosphere, taking the time to learn everyone's names, preferences, and needs. Her commentary throughout the tour was deeply informative and engaging. She is a passionate academic with deep expertise and a great love for her home. She also made sure the group stayed on track without making us feel rushed, which is no small task. What really sets this tour apart for me was the professionalism and hospitality that Gillian and Sandra so graciously extended to all of us. They truly went above and beyond to ensure every guest felt comfortable, informed, and included. Their teamwork was seamless, and their enthusiasm for the Lake District was truly infectious. You really get the sense that they absolutely love what they do, so a huge thank you to them and shoutout to the entire ELT team. You guys are the best!
Highly recommended
David W,
Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent and informative tour around the Lake District. Gillian and Sandra generously shared their knowledge of the area, and their commitment to preserving the Lake District and it's heritage was inspiring. They were quick and kind in meeting my wife's access needs, and made the day fun.
Wonderful tour!!
Marilyn L,
Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A full day, worth every minute to see the beautiful Lakes District. Our driver and guide, Tim, was friendly, informative, humorous, and a great driver! We saw so many fantastic views of lakes, lots of sheep, waterfalls, woods, and had exactly the right amount of time to spend at each site. The amount of walking was minimal, but advise wearing good hiking shoes! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of the Lakes District and much more.
The must tour of Cumbria
Alan D,
Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The must tour in Cumbria! Tim, the driver and tour guide, makes the day special. We get to much more views and scenery of the Great Lakes from great advantage points you would not normally find by yourself. The intimate minibus keeps the group small and this makes it so special, allowing the group to openly ask questions. I highly recommend taking the tour.
You won’t be disappointed with the Ten Lake Day Tour; it’s a fantastic way to experience the area.
waynej2013,
Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A delightful full-day tour through the breathtaking Lakes District, packed with stunning scenery and fascinating history. Our driver and guide, Stephen, was outstanding—he expertly shared local insights and historical facts throughout the journey. The stops were perfectly chosen, and exploring the charming villages and serene lakes was an absolute pleasure. Highly recommended! If you’re lucky enough to have Stephen as your guide, it’s even better.