The 7 Best Lake District Tours

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,717 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $76Our pick

Spend about 8.5 hours touring the Lake District from Windermere in a small minicoach limited to 16 people. Local guides such as Peter, Graham, Tim, and Jane share stories as you travel through mountain valleys, past lakes, and into Keswick and Grasmere. Expect short walks, photo stops, lunch time, and a route that may change with road conditions.

“Fantastic Guide Tim - took us everywhere in the Lake District that every visitor should see + much more!! Very informative and a lot of fun along the way!”

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2.Beatrix Potter’s Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 334 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120

Travel by small minibus from Windermere, cruise Lake Windermere, visit Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top when open, and explore Hawkshead and Tarn Hows. English-speaking guides such as Tim, Mark, Peter, and Stef add local stories about Potter, farming, geology, and conservation. On Fridays, Hill Top is replaced by the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.

“Half day Windermere tour was excellent value for money and exhilarating, the shuttle driver cum guide Mr Peter (The Rabbit) was outstanding and human being par excellence. Starting with lake cruise , following all spots were interesting and were covered with efficiency. Thanks a lot.”

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3.High Adventure Mountain Passes & Muncaster Castle from Windermere

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 296 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $152

Travel from Windermere through Langdale, Wrynose Pass, and Hardknott Pass in a 16-seat Mercedes Sprinter. Your driver-guide shares local stories while you visit Hardknott Roman Fort, Muncaster Castle, its gardens and bird display, and Wastwater. Lunch and castle admission are included.

“Excellent trip, but it was very hot at the back of the car, wish the company allows to open all the air conditioning while it’s sunny day during summer.”

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4.Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 283 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $97

At Stonycroft Ghyll near Keswick, you will wear provided wetsuits and helmets, then walk to a natural gorge for three hours of sliding, jumping, climbing, and scrambling through water. Guides including Andy, Woody, Adam, J, and Justin lead small groups of up to 12, with free photos afterward and optional GoPro hire.

“Woody was such a great instructor! The whole experience was just incredible. I would highly recommend anybody do this!!!”

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5.Brilliant White Water Rafting in the Lake District UK

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 260 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $131

Meet your guide at National Trust Fell Foot near Newby Bridge for about four hours of guided rafting in and around the Lake District. James and the team provide the raft, wetsuit, dry jacket, buoyancy aid, helmet, paddle, and hands-on instruction. Bring swimwear, a towel, and old trainers with laces and good tread.

“Great guys running the experience - really went out of their way to make it a day to remember. Make sure to bring old trainers - they will get wet!”

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6.Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $104

Travel from Manchester in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a professional driver-guide such as Richie, Pete, Darren, or Rob. You’ll cruise Lake Windermere for 45 minutes, explore Grasmere and Hawkshead, see Wordsworth connections, and take in Lancaster’s medieval architecture. Expect a full 11-hour day with free time, scenic drives, and lunch at your own expense.

“Our driver/tour guide was simply the BEST! The Windermere and Lake District was a very special experience! It was stunning even in winter so we could imagine what it would be like in warmer months!... covered so much in just a day!... recommend to stay for more as we wished we had!”

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7.Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $81

Travel from central Liverpool to Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, Blea Tarn, and Grasmere in a small air-conditioned minibus. Guides such as Shelly, Gerry, Lee, and Frank add local stories and humor. You can add a Windermere cruise, walk at Blea Tarn, and sample famous Grasmere gingerbread.

“Beautiful part of the country. The coach was quite comfortable. And our guide, Jerry (Gerry?) was great.”

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