Lake District: 10 Lakes Small Group Tour & Ullswater Cruise

Summary

Lake District lakes, fells, gingerbread and stories in a day

You’ll ride through valleys and over passes in a comfy minivan (with Wi-Fi!), cruise Ullswater’s length by boat, taste real Grasmere gingerbread fresh from the shop, and stand among ancient stones at Castlerigg—all with a local guide who brings every stop alive. You’ll get time for photos and fresh air at every lake. It’s not just sightseeing—it feels like joining someone who knows these roads by heart.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely set off from Bowness-on-Windermere when our driver-guide, Alan, started pointing out sheep—Herdwicks, he said, with that Cumbrian pride you can’t fake. He teased us about the weather (“If you don’t like it now, wait five minutes”), and honestly, he was right. By the time we reached our first lake, Windermere, the clouds had already shifted and the light on the water was something else. I caught a whiff of wet grass when we stepped out for photos—reminded me of childhood walks after rain. Alan handed round a map but mostly just told stories. The minivan only held six of us so it felt easy to ask questions or just listen in.

I didn’t expect to be so taken with Grasmere village. There’s this tiny shop where they make gingerbread (the real stuff—spicy and chewy), and as soon as you walk in, it hits you: warm sugar and ginger. We all bought some for later but half of mine disappeared before we got back to the van. The tour covers a lot—Buttermere Valley with its crags looming over still water, Castlerigg Stone Circle perched in wind that made my ears sting (worth it for those views). The guide knew everyone; at one photo stop he waved at an old farmer driving past and they exchanged a joke I didn’t catch but made me laugh anyway.

The Ullswater lake cruise was quieter than I expected—just the slap of water against the boat and distant sheep bells somewhere up on the hills. It’s an hour drifting past green slopes and woods that look unchanged since Wordsworth’s time (Alan recited a line or two but didn’t push it). At one point I leaned over the rail just to feel how cold the air was off the water—colder than I thought it’d be in June. After that we wound through Borrowdale Valley and up Surprise View where even Alan seemed to pause longer than usual.

I’m still thinking about that moment at Castlerigg Stone Circle—standing inside those ancient stones with wind whipping around us while Keswick lay quiet below. Something about seeing so much of the Lake District in one day makes you realize how each valley has its own mood; some wild, some gentle. It wasn’t rushed though—I never felt hurried off from any spot (except maybe when someone left their phone behind at Crummock Water… but we got it back).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Lake District tour and cruise

• Meet at pick-up location
• Drive past Windermere Lake viewpoints
• Pass by Rydal Water and Grasmere
• Stop for Grasmere Gingerbread tasting
• View Dove Cottage from the van
• Drive through Ambleside and Bridge House
• Climb Kirkstone Pass and stop for views
• Stop at Brothers Water viewpoint
• Pass by Ullswater village
• Take 1-hour boat cruise on Ullswater
• Drive through Patterdale and Glenridding
• Pass by Helvellyn and Blencathra mountains
• Stop at Castlerigg Stone Circle
• Stop at Surprise View for panoramic photos
• Stop at Ashness Bridge photo opportunity
• Stop at Moss Force waterfall
• Drive through Borrowdale Valley and Rosthwaite
• Pass through Braithwaite village
• Stop at Thornthwaite Forest viewpoint
• Stop at Bassenthwaite Lake photo point
• Drive along Thirlmere lake shore
• Pass by Buttermere and Crummock Water lakes
• Return to Windermere or drop-off location

Top questions

How many people are on this Lake District tour?

The tour is limited to small groups of no more than 7 guests per minivan.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup, but there are convenient meeting points including Windermere station and Bowness-on-Windermere pier.

Does this Lake District day trip include a lake cruise?

Yes, there is a 1-hour cruise included on Ullswater during the tour.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees for locations on the itinerary are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided, but there is a stop for Grasmere gingerbread and other snacks can be purchased along the way.

What should I wear for this Lake District tour?

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven or wet terrain and bring a waterproof coat as weather changes quickly.

Can children join this Lake District small group tour?

No children under age 7 can travel; all passengers must have their own seat purchased.

How long does this Lake District day trip last?

This is a full-day tour covering multiple lakes and valleys with regular stops throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central meeting points like Windermere station or Bowness pier, all entry fees for places visited along the route, comfortable travel in an air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi and charging ports, plenty of stops for photos or fresh air (and yes—a proper Grasmere gingerbread break), plus an hour-long Ullswater lake cruise guided by someone who really knows these hills before returning you to your starting point in the evening.