This year we tour the Lake District National Park from the water, with four included cruises taking in some of the most splendid and dramatic scenery of this well-loved region. We are based in Bowness, close to Lake Windermere and the bustling village centre.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Leaving the local area this morning we travel northwards, stopping en route for lunch and refreshments, reaching our hotel late afternoon.

Day 2 We drive out to Kendal with time to explore this pretty town before we head over the rugged Shap Fells to Pooley Bridge. Here we board our boat for a cruise on Lake Ullswater disembarking in Glenridding. We then cross the Kirkstone Pass and descend into Bowness.

Day 3 A pleasant drive to Ambleside and around the lake to Coniston Water and the village of Coniston. Here we board ‘Gondola’, the National Trust restored steam yacht for a cruise enjoying the views from the opulently upholstered saloons. In the afternoon, after a stop at Hawkeshead, we reach the southern tip of Windermere and board a steamer for a relaxing sailing back to Bowness.

Day 4 After breakfast we again climb up and over the Kirkstone Pass and descend into Patterdale. We then head west to Keswick, with free time to explore and have lunch. Our final cruise is on Derwentwater, ‘Queen of the Lakes’, and our return coach journey takes us via Lake Thirlmere and Grasmere.

Day 5 Departing after breakfast, we take a scenic route home, stopping in Cheltenham for refreshments. We arrive in the local area late afternoon.