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

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. 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.

   Passes by

2. 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.

   Passes by

3. 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? You don’t have to take his word for it though, you can decide for yourself on the included boat cruise down the lake. Here you join a 1 hour cruise on Ullswater to relax and see the stunning fells as the boat cruises the full length of the lake.

   1.2 hAdmission included

4. Shimmering and sparkling just south of the market town of Keswick, you will find Derwentwater. Studded with islands and craggy fells, this is undoubtably one of our prettiest lakes. Known as “the Queen” of the English Lakes, your drive along the shoreline you will glimpse the evocatively named Cat Bells and gaze towards the dramatic Jaws of Borrowdale. You will hear tales of hermits, hedgehogs, squirrels and mock sea battles, all part of the history and folklore of this enchanting lake.

   1 h

5. You can tell from the meaning of the name, “the lake by the dairy pastures” that Buttermere is something special. Even by the high standards of the Lake District, you will find the scenery around here breathtaking. Ringed by crags and peaks, Buttermere is surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the Lakes which is why this perfect little lake was known to the early tourists as “the quintessence of natural beauty”. When you see it, you will understand why - even in the rain!

   5 min

6. Way back in the ancient geological past, this lake was connected to Buttermere but since then, they have been separated by a narrow half mile strip of lush, green meadowland. Crummock Water is almost twice as long and half as deep again than her sibling body of water with fewer visitors and a more tranquil feel. The name of this quiet haven is derived from the Celtic language meaning crooked or bent lake, and you will be able to judge for yourself how accurate that description is when you stop here for a few moments to soak up the atmosphere, take in the splendid views and capture those unmissable photos.

   10 min

7. From the viewpoint of Surprise View, you will see Bassenthwaite sparkling in the distance. Later in the day, you will get closer for a photo stop looking down on impressive views of the lake and its surrounding scenery. This is the northernmost of the major stretches of water with its shoreline being the best protected in the National Park due to its rich variety of plants and animals. More than seventy species of bird and wildfowl winter and breed here, including magnificent ospreys. This is also one of the very few places in Britain where the vendace, a nine-inch fish related to other Arctic species, is found.

   5 min

8. As you will travel south, along the shores of the attractive, tree-fringed expanse of water at Thirlmere, you will hear the sad tale of the villages of Armboth and Wythburn, now lost, deep below these waters. The story is a fascinating one of wealth, industry and the might of the City of Manchester who crushed the rural lifestyle of these unfortunate villagers in the nineteenth century. Beautiful and tranquil, Thirlmere is backed by the mighty Helvellyn, once a favourite walking spot for Wordsworth and his friends. It is also a place of legend with tales of hauntings and big scary spectral black dogs. Good job you are safe in the van and we aren’t visiting after dark!

   Passes by

9. Cradled snugly in the Vale of Grasmere lies the lake of the same name, ringed almost completely by shapely fells and forever associated with the poet William Wordsworth. As we look out over the water, you will discover that it was here William, his sister Dorothy and brother John would spent lazy days swimming and fishing for pike. They would row out to the island for summer picknicks and walk its shores soaking up the sounds and sights, lying in the grass listening to the wind in the trees and marvelling at the echoes of a bird calling, its voice carrying on the wind. Today, you will still see people wild swimming and colourful row boats bobbing along. Things haven’t changed too much around here.

   Passes by

10. You will get great views from the road of this reedy little lake, one of the prettiest on a summer’s morning and even on a frosty winter’s day. Tinged in shades of gold and orange on a misty day in the fall, this is a lake to take your breath away. Smaller than its neighbour at just ¾ mile long, ¼ mile wide and 50ft deep, it was a great favourite of the Wordsworth family and for this reason it is usually mentioned in the same breath as Grasmere. Driving along the shore, you will need to pay attention as we pass the rocky knoll with its steps leading up to Wordsworth’s seat, reputedly his favourite place to sit and gaze upon the water, overlooking this often glass-like lake and its shores. Rydal water was originally called “Rothaymere” meaning “the lake in the valley where the rye is grown” and it has a flourishing population of wildfowl. Gulls roost along the shoreline and if you are really lucky, you may spot red squirrels in the larches or the native Herdwick sheep in the pastures.

    Passes by

11. You won’t get many views better than this. Perched high on an oak-lined cliff edge you will enjoy one of the best views in the Lake District. Surprise View is an absolute gem and offers stunning panoramic views across Derwent Water to the Skiddaw mountain range, Borrowdale Valley, the town of Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake, the Solway and even the distant shores of Scotland (on a good day). The photo opportunities are fabulous!

    15 min

12. Taking a well-hidden single-track road, you will climb steeply for half a mile up to an old dry-stone packhorse bridge. One of the most photographed locations in the Lake District, Ashness Bridge with its fast flowing, tumbling stream looks out across Derwentwater to the towering peaks of Skiddaw rising above the town of Keswick is a “must do” photo stop.

    10 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 184 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Amazing! Book it!

  The experience was amazing! Our hosts were absolutely lovely and full of knowledge, they had character and kept us laughing through out. Both me and partner went to the lake district for our first time and done this tour so we could see the amazing views. We havent stopped talking about it since. It was our holidays main event. If anyone is thinking about it, just book it! You won't be disappointed. I believe our hosts were Gillian and Sandra (sorry if I got it wrong) the photos I have added are only very little of what we saw. We couldn't of been happier and are so pleased we booked this amazing opportunity. Thank you 😊

  S6393WQkellywSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Enjoyable day in the Lakes District

  We enjoyed an amazing journey through the Lakes District. The peaceful drive through dense green forests, bleak (but breathtakingly beautiful) mountains, blue lakes, and quaint small towns and villages was just what we needed after the busyness of London. Our gracious guide Gillian was very knowledgeable and informative of the natural and cultural history of this region. Our driver Sandra expertly managed the steep, narrow, and winding roads, deftly maneuvering around less experienced drivers. Both ladies’ love of the region was clearly evident. It all made for an experience we will not forget.

  208nickSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Best tour!

  Booking was straightforward and customer support was on point (I asked how the tour will be with a forecast of rain). Pickup was on time (early even) and at a convenient spot. The van is also very clean and spacious. Photo stops and breaks are well spaced. Gillian is very knowledgeable and readily adapts to our interests (namely sheep, cattle, and gingerbread). She'll make sure you don't leave without fun and useful tidbits (my favorite would be word origins). You're also in very good hands with Sandra on the wheel. She manuevers the roads effortlessly. Be prepared to go on tour, rain or/and shine. The valleys and lakes are to be appreciated in person-the photos just don't do them justice, and this is the best way to see most of them in a day wihout the hassle and with a personal touch.

  992tinnpSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5We had a wonderful time...

  We had a wonderful time with Gillian and Sandra. They were very friendly and knowledgable, and clearly experts of their field. The tour was amazing and we would recommend it to everyone coming to Lake District.

  aidaismeAugust 2026via Viator

• 5An excellent highly informative memorable trip

  I took this tour on the 15th August with my wife and daughter. The tour was excellent with full value of money as it’s was a very comprehensive and absorbing trip which very well enriched by the information provided by Gillian as a guide. Sandra is a very skilled driver who could negotiate through the narrow mountain roads without giving us any moment of anxiety and keeping us very comfortable all along. Gillian’s knowledge and description of almost every space of the Lake District is amazing. Will cherish its memories. Ravi Saxena

  ravis233August 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Good value for money

  Thoroughly enjoyable trip. Tim, the friendly and funny driver/guide, kept the mood congenial and relaxed during the 8+ hour trip in a slightly cramped 8-seater van. Having an experienced driver who knew the different routes in the area was very helpful as we got stuck in traffic due to an accident near Ambleside, forcing us to take an alternate route. The lakes and the views from the hills and the boat ride were superb. We got a lot of time to wander around and take photos. Would definitely recommend the trip, which although looks a bit pricey compared to other trips is full value for money.

  sridhars966August 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Windermere

• Its from-price is close to the median of the 23 day trips we list in Windermere.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 3 of 23.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Windermere

Windermere is England's largest natural lake and the Lake District town beside it, with lake steamers, high fells and literary homes close by.

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, about seventeen kilometres long, its shores wooded and dotted with islands. The town of Windermere stands a little inland, and Bowness-on-Windermere on the water is the hub of boat life, with steamers and launches sailing to Ambleside at the head of the lake. A museum on the shore shows the lake's historic steam launches.

See all 58 experiences in Windermere