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5 BEST Lake District Tours in 2024 (ranked!)

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Ready to book the best Lake District tours?

You’ve come to the right place because I’m covering the top 5 Lake District tours here.

How do I know?

I’ve lived in the UK since 2012 and have been to the Lake District almost every year since. It’s one of my favorite places in England, and I’ve been up and down the majority of the lakes and have taken a few tours myself to know which are the best ones and which ones you should skip.

Only quality tours are included in this list so you know that every tour you book is worth your money and time.

Want me to get to the point?

The best Lake District tour is this Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: ten lakes tour of the Lake District.

giles tours lake district

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Lake District tour is this Mountain Goat full day ten lakes tour .

Click here to check prices and availability.

It’s got over 1,000 reviews with 5 stars, so you can’t go wrong!

There are some other great tours of the Lake District to choose from as well, including Lake District walking tours, Lake District coach tours, Lake District day tours and more so let’s get started with 5 of the top-rated Lake District tours.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Lake District Tours

1. mountain goat full day tour: ten lakes tour of the lake district : tours in lake district.

giles tours lake district

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 1,000+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Transport in a small mini-coach
  • On-board commentary in English

Get ready for an amazing adventure with the full-day Ten Lakes Spectacular tour starting from Windermere.

This tour is all about exploring the incredible Lake District National Park in a comfortable minivan, led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful spots and charming villages that are nestled in the heart of the Lakes, while also learning about the fascinating history that makes this place special.

As you journey through the landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to climb up high into the mountains, where you can soak in breathtaking views and witness the awe-inspiring beauty that the Lake District is known for.

Along the way, you’ll encounter enchanting waterfalls that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale.

And of course, you won’t want to miss the chance to gaze upon the serene and picturesque lakes that dot the region, including well-known gems like Buttermere and Thirlmere.

Your adventure will also take you to places like Borrowdale, a place brimming with its own unique character, and the delightful village of Grasmere, which is like stepping into a storybook!

When it’s time for a break, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in Keswick, a lively market town that adds a touch of local flavor to your journey.

2. Lake District Rail Day Trip from London

giles tours lake district

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 67+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  13 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

  • Meet your Expert Guide in Oxenholme on this tour to Lake District
  • Return Rail Journey
  • Free Wi-Fi On Board (Train Only)

Discover the enchanting wonders of England’s Lake District with a guided day trip from London that includes train tickets.

Embark on a scenic journey by minivan, taking in the breathtaking sights of Lake Windermere, Hawkshead, and Tarn Hows.

During the summer months, delve into the world of Beatrix Potter as you explore Hill Top, her former farmhouse.

Cruise across a picturesque lake, and enjoy a delightful tea break at the renowned Lindeth Howe hotel.

For extra comfort, upgrade to first-class rail tickets.

From the charming village of Hawkshead, where William Wordsworth once studied, to the inspiration behind Beatrix Potter’s beloved tales, this trip is a perfect blend of natural beauty and literary history.

Whether you choose to visit Beatrix Potter’s home or the captivating World of Beatrix Potter, this journey promises an unforgettable experience in every season.

I’ve also got more Lake District tours from London here .

3. Beatrix Potter’s Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise : Lake District bus tours

lake-district-3

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 177+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

  • Lake Cruise

Embark on a delightful journey through the Lake District on this Afternoon Beatrix Potter Tour from Windermere.

First, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Windermere, surrounded by stunning views.

Then, they’ll take you to Hill Top, where Beatrix Potter lived.

Imagine how she saw her garden and rooms, just as she did a long time ago.

Learn about her life and why she loved this place.

You’ll also visit the village of Hawkshead, where a famous poet named William Wordsworth went to school.

Lastly, you’ll see Tarn Hows, a really beautiful spot in the Lake District.

During the tour, you’ll hear interesting stories about Beatrix Potter’s life and how nature inspired her stories.

4. Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Incl. Admission : Lake District guided tours

What to do in the Lake District when it Rains

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 70+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

  • Admission Fee – Includes 45 minutes cruise on Lake Windermere
  • Professional Driver Guide
  • Transport by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach

Escape the busy streets of Manchester and embark on a delightful journey to the stunning Lake District on this tour .

Say goodbye to waiting for buses and trains – this tour includes transportation for your convenience.

Travel smoothly in a cozy Mercedes mini-coach as you explore fantastic places like Bowness-on-Windermere, Coniston Water, Hawkshead, Grasmere, and the captivating Heritage City of Lancaster all in one day.

No need to search for details – your guide has planned a complete Lake District adventure for you.

Keep an eye out for Dove Cottage, once home to William Wordsworth, pointed out by your friendly guide.

5. Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District : Lake District UK tours

giles tours lake district

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 200+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

  • All equipment is provided
  • Free photos of the activity

Dive into the stunning nature of the Lake District and experience a one-of-a-kind adventure with this exciting tour .

Discover the thrill of ghyll scrambling, a special activity unique to this area.

Picture yourself in a wetsuit and helmet, ready to climb, slide, and jump through the mountain streams and pools of the Lake District’s ghylls.

You can choose to take this small-group escapade in the morning or the afternoon, and be prepared to have some splashy fun.

All the gear you need to stay safe and enjoy the adventure is provided, plus you’ll get complimentary souvenir photos to cherish.

For those who want even more memories, you can rent a GoPro for extra footage.

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

giles tours lake district

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giles tours lake district

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THE 10 BEST Lake District Tours & Excursions

Lake district tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Multi-day Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

giles tours lake district

1. Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

giles tours lake district

2. 8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery - Afternoon Half Day Tour

giles tours lake district

3. Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District

giles tours lake district

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

giles tours lake district

5. "All Creatures Great and Small" Tour from the Lake District

giles tours lake district

6. Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

giles tours lake district

7. Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise

giles tours lake district

8. 4-Hour Private Lake Tours by 4x4

giles tours lake district

9. Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere

giles tours lake district

10. Private Sail and Dine Experience on Lake Windermere

giles tours lake district

11. The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour

giles tours lake district

12. 5-Day York, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Tour from Edinburgh

giles tours lake district

13. Beatrix Potter Afternoon Half Day - includes Hill Top and Cruise

giles tours lake district

14. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

giles tours lake district

15. Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees

giles tours lake district

16. MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

giles tours lake district

17. CHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

giles tours lake district

18. Six Lakes Spectacular

giles tours lake district

19. The Lake District from Manchester

giles tours lake district

20. 6 hour Private tour of the Lake District.

giles tours lake district

21. Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Tour - Magnificent Views - Photo Stops - Expert Guide

giles tours lake district

22. Brilliant White Water Rafting in the Lake District UK

giles tours lake district

23. Tales of the Lake District: A Self-Guided Drive Around Windermere

giles tours lake district

24. Private 1 Hour Family Photoshoot in Lake District

giles tours lake district

25. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

giles tours lake district

26. Full day Private tour of the Lake District

giles tours lake district

27. Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District

giles tours lake district

28. Beatrix Potter's Tour from Oxenholme Including Lake Cruise

giles tours lake district

29. The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

giles tours lake district

30. Private Family Bird of Prey Experience in Carlisle

What travelers are saying.

Alyssa P

  • Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise
  • Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District
  • Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool
  • Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise
  • Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees
  • Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
  • Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway
  • Millerbeck Light Railway
  • Eden Valley Railway
  • Crags Adventures
  • Mobile Adventure - Day Adventures
  • Keswick Adventures
  • Path to Adventure
  • Mountain Memories
  • Mountain Journeys
  • Adventure 21
  • Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
  • Into The Outside
  • Ghyll Scrambling

Suggested companies

Heathrow gatwick cars, mountain goat tours.

giles tours lake district

Giles Tours   Reviews

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Reviews 3.8.

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Christmas at the kees

My husband and I have never been on a bus tour before and because my husband brian had a stroke with mobility issues we thought this would be an ideal hotel to stay in. I love swimming but,couldn’t find the pool asked at reception to be told it hadn’t been opened since before covid. My issue is that leisure facilities are on the brochure which is clearly wrong. We also had to sit at the table and not eat at any other until the end of the hotel stay the food really was awful and for me a vegeterian they had to give me the hotel menu as the tour menu had nothing on it on the last evening I had curry simply delicious so I would love to know from you’re long time in this business £1150 is way to high a price for this sort of hotel.Maureen Gillespie 15/1/2024

Date of experience : 23 December 2023

York Christmas markets..

Christmas markets in York with Giles Tours perfect Christmas break,stayed at the Yorkshire, beautiful hotel ,fantastic food and Harrogate (where we stayed )is an elegant town with great shopping .A complementary breakfast bap and drink of choice on Stena was a lovely surprise and subsidised meal on way home as usual ,driver Gary was great ,he waited the coach for one hour as two hearing impaired ladies got lost (a good Samaritan drove them to the coach) thank you Giles Tours

Date of experience : 19 November 2023

Lancashire and lakes tour

This was an excellent tour and was my 1st time travelling with Giles I have already booked another one for Sept.everything ran very smoothly and nothing was too much bother, Neil and Josh were fantastic 😀 and took great care to ensure the trip was enjoyable and relaxing,I would highly recommend Giles for anyone wishing to have an enjoyable,relaxing and hassle free bus tour. Thankyou

Date of experience : 08 May 2023

Big let down in the food We went to the Rhine trip to Boppard, which was a great experience until we got to the hotel. Dinner was an endurance test. First night we were asked to come to dinner at 7pm, all attend on time, then we waited for one and a half hours to be served pork belly. [no other options available] second night only one hour wait this time, food again was issue, four of the guests left without eating. Next night we decided to give it a miss and had a beautiful dinner in the town,but thought that perhaps on the last night we would try again, this was our mistake, it was over a hundred degrees out side and we were served consume soup no salads available unless you ordered in advance, but you never received the menu in advance.the menu was never shown until you attended for dinner. Breakfast was great, we were also told on the last day that you could get tea in the afternoon at 2pm, no kettle or cups in the rooms to make a drink..

Date of experience : 04 July 2023

Giles day tour to Londonderry

Giles day tour to Londonderry, driver Stacey was excellent but very disappointed on our trip to Maghera garden centre. We were refused a hot meal because we were with the coach tour. Giles should consider changing to another garden centre.

Date of experience : 23 November 2022

Travelled with Giles Tours for a week…

Travelled with Giles Tours for a week of "Glamorous Gardens". The Tour stayed in Bloomfield House Hotel nr Mullingar and visited 3 lovely gardens. Thanks to the other travellers, driver Dave, the hotel and Giles Tours for a fantastic week

Date of experience : 15 May 2023

My Wife and I went on the Giles Cumbrian Lake…

My Wife and I went on the Cumbrian Lake District and Lancashire coach tour 5 Sept - 9th Sept. The hotel was 4 Star, Food was Good and overall very comfortable. We would add that the driver - Stacey went out of his way to ensure a very professional service was achieved. He ensured that food was served promptly and communicated back to the hotel on any matters of customer complaint. We had travelled over from N.Ireland and he ensured that a private table was secured for us and a sister who was visiting one night. Other people had been on previous Coach tours and highly valued them. The Coach was very Modern and the driving was excellent. A thanks to Stacey the coach driver, a real asset to the company.

Date of experience : 05 September 2022

Overall experience was fantastic

Overall experience was fantastic, the bus driver Andrew was a complete gentleman and enjoyable weekend. Hopeing to travel with yous again in the near future

Date of experience : 06 October 2023

Everything was first class 5 stars well…

Everything was first class 5 stars well deserved Davy and Stacey were great just did 1st trip with them

Date of experience : 04 May 2023

Top Tours in Lake District, England

Lake district tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Multi-day Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

giles tours lake district

1. Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

giles tours lake district

2. 8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery - Afternoon Half Day Tour

giles tours lake district

3. Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District

giles tours lake district

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

giles tours lake district

5. "All Creatures Great and Small" Tour from the Lake District

giles tours lake district

6. Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

giles tours lake district

7. Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise

giles tours lake district

8. 4-Hour Private Lake Tours by 4x4

giles tours lake district

9. Guided Canoeing Experience on Coniston Water - Half Day

giles tours lake district

10. Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere

giles tours lake district

11. The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour

giles tours lake district

12. 5-Day York, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Tour from Edinburgh

giles tours lake district

13. Beatrix Potter Afternoon Half Day - includes Hill Top and Cruise

giles tours lake district

14. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

giles tours lake district

15. Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees

giles tours lake district

16. MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

giles tours lake district

17. CHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

giles tours lake district

18. Six Lakes Spectacular

giles tours lake district

19. The Lake District from Manchester

giles tours lake district

20. 6 hour Private tour of the Lake District.

giles tours lake district

21. Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Tour - Magnificent Views - Photo Stops - Expert Guide

giles tours lake district

22. Brilliant White Water Rafting in the Lake District UK

giles tours lake district

23. Ancient Ambleside and Waterhead Self-Guided Lake District Tour

giles tours lake district

24. Tales of the Lake District: A Self-Guided Drive Around Windermere

giles tours lake district

25. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

giles tours lake district

26. Full day Private tour of the Lake District

giles tours lake district

27. Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District

giles tours lake district

28. Beatrix Potter's Tour from Oxenholme Including Lake Cruise

giles tours lake district

29. The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

giles tours lake district

30. Private Family Bird of Prey Experience in Carlisle

What travellers are saying.

Alyssa P

  • Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise
  • Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District
  • Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool
  • Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise
  • Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees
  • Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
  • Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway
  • Millerbeck Light Railway
  • Eden Valley Railway
  • Crags Adventures
  • Mobile Adventure - Day Adventures
  • Keswick Adventures
  • Path to Adventure
  • Mountain Memories
  • Mountain Journeys
  • Adventure 21
  • Lake District Activities with Lakeland Ascents
  • Into The Outside
  • Ghyll Scrambling

giles tours lake district

The Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Scenic Tour

Full Day 139.00 per person

Tour Rating:

You can join this tour:.

Step just outside of the Lake District and discover some of the most outstandingly beautiful scenery anywhere in Britain on this popular Yorkshire Dales tour.

You will see absolutely breathtaking scenery, spectacular waterfalls, vast, open moors and narrow roads which wind up to incredible views stretching down the Dales for miles and miles.

You can walk the cobbled streets of a tiny village packed with tales, legends and history; stroll through a bustling traditional Dales market town and even see the romantic ruined castle where a Queen was imprisoned.Dry stone walls, the traditional Dales cow byres and whitewashed farms dot the landscape where the native breed sheep and cattle wander.

Away from the crowds and the bustle you will fall in love with this remarkable, timeless place and the friendly people you will meet. Spectacular views everywhere you look and just a short drive from the Lake District.

What is included in this tour:

  • Full Day Tour
  • Experienced driver for your safety on the steep, narrow and twisty Lakeland roads and a knowledgeable guide to provide expert commentary throughout the tour
  • Small group of up to 7 people for a more flexible and personalised experience
  • Use of personal radio communication technology to keep you in-touch with your guide when you are off the minibus (where applicable)
  • Barbon - A drive over the moor and down the long, remote Barbondale valley full of spectacular scenery
  • Dent - A tiny traditional Dales village full of history & charm and a drive through Dentdale for a stop to take in the amazing view
  • Garsdale - Drive past the highest railway station in England as we head out across the moorland towards Garsdale Head
  • Buttertubs Pass - Drive down this famous, steep, high pass stopping to see for miles down both beautiful Wensleydale and Swaledale. Stop to see the famous limestone rock formations
  • Muker - Surrounded by characteristically picturesque cow byres, traditional dry-stone walls and spectacular hay meadows full of flowers in early summer and on through the gorgeous Swaledale
  • Gunnerside - A mine-workers traditional village and then on, over the spectacular high moors for incredible views
  • Arkengarthdale - Drive through part of the Dales that sounds like it comes from "Lord of the Rings"!
  • Reeth - This is your lunch stop in this sleepy Dales village with time to explore before heading over the wide open landscape of Grinton Moor for another stop and incredible views
  • Bolton Castle - We stop at Bolton Castle to learn about its history and see the amazing views across Wensleydale
  • Aysgarth Falls - See the stunning waterfalls that were used in a scene from "Robin Hodd, Prince of Thieves"
  • Hawes - A stop of in the village of Hawes is essential if visiting the Yorkshire Dales
  • Ribblehead Viaduct - Take a look at this amazing construction carrying the railway across the moorland

Check the availability for The Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Scenic Tour

To display the available dates for this tour please answer the questions below.

by minivan

We can accept bookings up to 30 minutes before the departure time from your chosen pickup point, provided that we have availability.

You will not need to print anything out. Just book, read the confirmation email and wait at the pickup point!

Dates that are available for your group size are highlighted below in Orange . To book, simply click on one of these dates and complete the next page with your details.

The Lake District

England's premier national park.

Picture this. You're children's author Beatrix Potter . Well... maybe not quite yet. For now, you're just Beatrix. A little girl on holiday with her family in the Lake District . Tucked up at the base a bramley apple tree, toes wiggling in the cool blades of grass, you see a dusty rabbit dash a cross the field before you.

Overhead, a Red Kite circles. Your heart spikes. Will that cute little bunny be its next meal?

Now, we're not saying this was the moment that inspired Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit , but it's certainly possible, isn't it? The beauty of the Lake District has inspired many famous writers over the years. We just love Wordsworth's poems, don't you? 

But what we care about is your experience. How will the Lake District move you? To words? To tears? Perhaps you're a photographer. Or maybe you love nothing more than staring at trees. Whatever draws you in, the Lake District is one of England's greatest destinations.  

Explore the Lake District tours

Why you'll love the Lake District

giles tours lake district

Rolling Hills

Lush green hills and valleys tumble across this gorgeous landscape. It’s no wonder the likes of Wordsworth and Tennyson were inspired by its boundless beauty.

giles tours lake district

Charming Villages

Cosy pubs, welcoming teahouses and Grasmere’s famous home-made gingerbread await you in the villages of the Lake District. Bask in the warm hospitality of the locals.

giles tours lake district

Mysterious Stone Circles

Castlerigg Stone Circle is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and engulfed in mystery. Secret Pagan rituals took place here five thousand years ago. Will you feel the shadows lurking around you?

giles tours lake district

Tranquil Lakes

Whether the sun is shining, or mist is gathering on the shores, the lakes in this part of England are enchanting. On a still day you can view entire vistas in the glassy reflection of the water.

Lake District Tours

Lake District Drives - Explore our Drives

Welcome To Lake District Drives

Explore lakes and tarns, explore towns and villages, explore fabulous scenery, explore lake district attractions, welcome to lake district drives.

Lake District Drives describes a series of 16 wonderful driving routes and itineraries which between them visit all the main lakes, towns, villages and attractions within the Lake District and also many just outside the National Park but still within Cumbria. The area has some of the best scenery and visitor attractions in the country and the routes are designed to take these in and provide great days out for all the family.

There are 15 local drives which are generally 30-50 miles in length and include the best attractions along the way. These drives can normally be done in a couple of hours without any significant stops, or extended with visits to any of the attractions on route. Additionally, the Ultimate Lake District Drive has been designed to take in the best scenery and attractions that the National Park has to offer in a single 126 mile circular route, ideal for those wanting to sample the whole area.

Each drive contains descriptions of attractions visited on route with links to attraction websites, descriptions of the route between attractions, facilities on route, an interactive map of each route, GPX files plus attraction sat nav coordinates and files for download. The drives are also available as individual PDF files which can be saved and viewed even without internet connection, a common situation in the Lake District.

Derwent Water, Friar's Crag

Lake District Drives

Explore all 16 drives

Ambleside, Bridge House

Lake District Attractions

Map and listings of all attractions visited

giles tours lake district

Route Navigation & Sat Nav

Navigation notes and sat nav files

Drives Centres Map

Detailed route maps can be found under The Drives

Lake District Drives the video

See the sights in cumbria.

Ashness Bridge

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  • Yorkshire Dales o...

Yorkshire Dales or Lake District

If time was limited to 2 weeks, which would you suggest. We would go back to London for 1 week and then home to the U.S.

Thanks! Judy

Well, a lot depends on what you like to do. Both are beautiful areas, with the Lake District probably having the edge for beautiful scenery. But I actually prefer Yorkshire. I've been to both areas, and loved Yorkshire so much that when I head to England next month, I will be spending a week there. The towns are charming and the scenery is very diverse, with lots of hiking available. And of course, there is so much history there.

But really you can't go wrong with either. One thing to keep in mind is that the Lake District will probably be more crowded than the Dales, depending on when you go. But obviously many people think it's worth it.

An impossible question to answer without knowing more about you, even the time of year you are travelling.

Do you mean 2 weeks in the North, then one week in London, or 1 week in the North, then one week in London?

If the former there is no reason at all why you can't do one week in each of the Dales and the Lakes.

Yorkshire ,naturally. Suited that fine Mr Bryson who said his favourite view in the world was on the back road from Settle to Malham. Locals are friendly..

@Judy, isn31c has a point. If you have two weeks, you could easily spend that time visiting both the Lake District and the Dales, and spending a week in each place. That would really be ideal.

@Richard, I love Bill Bryson--in fact, I just quoted about 3 paragraphs of his from his book about England on another thread about the Royal family. I'd forgotten that he lived in Malham. I read the book quite a few years ago, but just started rereading it again.

He said about Malhamdale, I won’t know for sure if Malhamdale is the finest place there is until I have died and seen heaven (assuming they let me at least have a glance), but until that day comes, it will certainly do.

A clip from the tv series. https://youtu.be/8mOQxi7b76U?si=9FSHYy7MJo_KQC95

Can skip to 5 mins

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COMMENTS

  1. Giles Tours

    Coach Tours throughout the United Kingdom & Ireland. With customer comfort and safety foremost in mind we continue to upgrade our vehicles on a regular basis to ensure we provide comfortable, safe and up-to-date coaching in addition to the high level of service that our customers have come to expect. We believe your holiday starts from the ...

  2. Lancashire & The Lakes

    Whether you love exploring the countryside, delving into history, listening to tales of witches or simply taking a relaxing lake cruise, Lancashire has something for everyone. It's a terrific base from where we can visit both the beautiful Lake District National Park and enjoy the experience of the Ribble Valley and Pendle Hills.

  3. 5 BEST Lake District Tours in 2024 (ranked!)

    Easy Guide: Best Lake District Tours. #1 PICK. Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District. 5 out of 5 Stars, 1,000+ reviews. Book Here! #2 PICK. Lake District Rail Day Trip from London. 4.5 out of 5 stars, 67+ reviews. Book Here!

  4. THE 10 BEST Lake District Tours & Excursions

    Multi-day Tours. 5.0 of 5 bubbles. 4.0 of 5 bubbles. & up. 3.0 of 5 bubbles. & up. 2.0 of 5 bubbles. & up. Top Lake District Tours: See reviews and photos of tours in Lake District, United Kingdom on Tripadvisor.

  5. Guided Tours

    Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and fascinating Lake District stories. Daily guided tours for scenery, Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and out to Haworth and the Brontë sisters. Tripadvisor Traveller Rating. 488 reviews.

  6. Giles Tours Reviews

    Lancashire and lakes tour. This was an excellent tour and was my 1st time travelling with Giles I have already booked another one for Sept.everything ran very smoothly and nothing was too much bother, Neil and Josh were fantastic 😀 and took great care to ensure the trip was enjoyable and relaxing,I would highly recommend Giles for anyone wishing to have an enjoyable,relaxing and hassle free ...

  7. Tours & Tour Guides

    Discover Ambleside on a walking tour with a Cumbria Blue Badge Guide weaving history, literary and artistic connections through its narrow backstreets. Choose from our range of local expert tour guides to experience the Lake District and Cumbria, and find the perfect tour to fit your itinerary. Book now on Visit Lake District, the official ...

  8. Lake District Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Tour in Lake District National Park, United Kingdom: "This tour was fantastic! Anna is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, resourceful, curious, and was very flexible to updating t,..." Mary Panetta - Aug, 2023 About ToursByLocals. 5,155 Guides in 170 Countries! 2,404,787 Travelers Served!

  9. THE 10 BEST Lake District Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    Lake District Tours. Lake District. Tours. Mar 24, 2024 - Find & Book the top-rated and best-reviewed tours in Lake District for 2024. From prices and availability to reviews and photos, Tripadvisor has everything you need to create that perfect itinerary for your trip to Lake District.

  10. Cumbria Tourist Guides

    Keswick Walking Tour by Cumbria Tourist Guides. 12-14 Main St, Keswick. A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down alleyways and along country footpaths to explore Keswick and uncover its secrets. Book Now.

  11. The Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Scenic Tour

    Check the availability for The Ultimate Yorkshire Dales Scenic Tour. To display the available dates for this tour please answer the questions below. Number of people in your party: Please select where you will join the tour: Kirkby Lonsdale at approx. 09:50 returning around 16:32, travel by £139.00 per person.

  12. GT05 BUS departed today on our 6 day tour to Scarborough ...

    GT04 BUS is now ready for 5 days in the Lake District. GT05 BUS departed today on our 6 day tour to Scarborough. GT04 BUS is now ready for 5 days in the Lake District. Video. Home. Live. Reels. Shows. Explore. More. Home. Live. Reels. Shows. Explore. GT05 BUS departed today on our 6 day tour to Scarborough. ... Giles Tours · July 21, 2019 ...

  13. Lake District Tours 2024

    Lake District Explorer - 3 day tour. Take in the fresh air, beautiful views, and quintessential architecture of the Lake District. Departing from: MANCHESTER. Prices from. £195.00. Learn More. Discover the best untainted beauty spots in the Lake District on a small-group tour this winter. Secure your last-minute booking today with Rabbie's.

  14. The best Lake District drives and tours with attractions

    The Drives. There are 15 local drives which are generally 30-50 miles in length and include the best attractions along the way. These drives can normally be done in a couple of hours without any significant stops, or extended with visits to any of the attractions on route. Additionally, the Ultimate Lake District Drive has been designed to take ...

  15. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

    Experience the rugged beauty of England's Lake District on 3-day small-group trip from Edinburgh. Aboard a comfortable coach, wind through the picturesque borderlands into England, visiting the Victorian Spa town of Moffat en route. Then cozy up in the town of Keswick, and spend three days relaxing and visiting idyllic lakes like Lake Windermere, Grasmere, and Ullswater.

  16. PDF Quality Coach Holidays

    Giles Tours comply with package tour regulations for the protection of customer payments. All such monies will be deposited in a secure "Trustee Account" controlled by ... The Lake District, Cumbria Mon 3rd Apr 5 Days £610 9 Easter in Blackpool Mon 10th Apr 5 Days £449 21 Warner's Nidd Hall, Elvis Tribute Fri 28th Apr 4 Days £499 27 ...

  17. Yorkshire Dales or Lake District

    But really you can't go wrong with either. One thing to keep in mind is that the Lake District will probably be more crowded than the Dales, depending on when you go. But obviously many people think it's worth it. Posted by isn31c. Lake District, England. 02/04/24 07:32 AM. 5337 posts.

  18. The Yorkshire dales and Lake district from York, 5 days

    Highlights of two fabulous Northern English national parks | 2 nights in the Yorkshire dales, and 2 nights in the Lake district, with routes taking in the history and landscape including Abbeys, Castles, waterfalls, lakes, moorland, dry stone walls and all the culture of Northern England. - tour #1210008

  19. St Giles

    This property offers the following short breaks: Winter. Off-season. Last minute. St Giles - A charming, stone-fronted cottage nestled in the picturesque village of Elterwater, near Chapel Stile, Cumbria. In National Park. Family-friendly. Rural. Grasmere 2.9 miles; Ambleside 4.2 miles; Bowness-on-Windermere 9 miles.

  20. 2023 Coach Tours

    Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5.30pm Outside office hours: Answer Phone Closed Bank & Public Holidays