Lake District: Ten Lakes Day Tour with Scenic Stops

Summary

Borrowdale valleys, Grasmere’s quiet churchyard, Castlerigg stones and lakes all day

You’ll feel the Lake District come alive on this small-group day trip: breathe in Borrowdale’s fresh air, wander ancient Castlerigg stones, explore Keswick’s cozy streets, and taste Grasmere gingerbread. With a local guide sharing stories along winding roads and plenty of time for photos or just standing still — you’ll remember more than just the scenery.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping off at Windermere was the air — it’s got this damp, green smell, like moss after rain. Our mini-coach was already waiting, engine humming soft. There were just a handful of us, and our driver Mark (he grew up in Keswick) greeted everyone by name. He pointed out the fells as we wound through Borrowdale Valley — honestly, I lost track of how many sheep we passed. There’s something about those rolling hills that makes you want to breathe deeper.

We stopped by Ullswater for photos. The water looked silver under the clouds, and a couple of ducks paddled right up to us (probably hoping for snacks). Mark told us about the old steamer boats that still cross the lake — he said his gran used to ride them to school. It’s weirdly quiet out there except for wind in the grass and someone’s phone camera clicking. Later in Keswick, I grabbed a coffee from a bakery where the woman behind the counter called me “love” without thinking twice.

The highlight for me was Castlerigg Stone Circle. I didn’t expect it to feel so… ancient? The stones are rough under your hand and you can see mountains all around — like they’re guarding it or something. Mark explained nobody really knows why it was built, but people have stood there for 4,000 years. A little drizzle started while we were there; nobody seemed to mind. We wandered through Grasmere too (I bought gingerbread that stuck to my teeth), then Buttermere — which is as quiet as everyone says but somehow feels bigger in person.

I still think about that moment at Honister Pass when clouds rolled over the peaks and everything went silent except for wind against rock. It’s not dramatic or anything — just real. If you want a day trip from Windermere that shows you what makes the Lake District tick, this Ten Lakes tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Lake District

• Meet passengers at main pickup point
• Travel over steep mountain pass
• Stop for photos at Ullswater
• Enjoy scenery of Lake Derwent
• Explore Keswick town
• Enjoy scenery of Borrowdale Valley
• Stop at Honister for views
• Pass man-made reservoir near Helvellyn
• Visit Grasmere and St Oswald's Church
• Visit ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle
• Pass by Buttermere Lake

Top questions

How long does the Ten Lakes Tour take?

The tour is a full-day trip starting at 9:40am from Windermere Information Centre.

Is lunch included on this Lake District day trip?

No lunch is included but there is a designated stop where you can buy lunch.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

No hotel pickup is offered; you must meet at Windermere Information Centre.

Can children join the Ten Lakes Tour?

Children over age 5 can join; each passenger needs their own seat.

Is there much walking involved?

Minimal walking is required; most stops are short and accessible.

Are there toilet breaks during the tour?

Yes, toilet stops are scheduled along the route.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, vehicles are not currently wheelchair accessible.

Where does the Ten Lakes Tour start?

The tour departs from Windermere Information Centre at 9:40am.

What’s included

Your day includes transport in a small mini-coach with onboard English commentary from a local guide who knows these valleys inside out. There are plenty of photo stops at places like Ullswater and Buttermere, time to wander in Keswick and Grasmere (with chances to buy lunch or gingerbread), plus visits to Castlerigg Stone Circle and other scenic spots before returning to Windermere in the evening.