Lake District Winter Tour: 10 Lakes Photo Tour with Guide

Stop at Castlerigg Stone Circle and Honister Slate Mine, then photograph Derwentwater from Ashness Bridge

A 7-hour guided minivan tour of the Lake District from Windermere, Ambleside, Bowness or Oxenholme, visiting 10 lakes and landmarks including Castlerigg Stone Circle, Honister Slate Mine, Aira Force waterfall and Derwentwater, with all entry fees, a professional guide and unrushed photo stops included. Lunch is at a cafe by the lake. Food and drink cost extra. Groups stay under 7 people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake District Winter Scenic Tour

• Stop at Kirkstone Pass for photos
• Photo opportunity at Ullswater shore
• Short walk to Aira Force waterfall
• Explore Castlerigg Stone Circle
• Lunch at Theatre by the Lake cafe
• Walk along Derwentwater shore
• Visit Surprise View and Ashness Bridge
• Stop at Honister Slate Mine
• Photo stop at Buttermere Valley
• View Moss Force waterfall
• Overlook Bassenthwaite Lake (weather permitting)
• Pass through Grasmere and see Gingerbread Shop
• Stop outside Dove Cottage

The Experience

The tour runs as a small group, no more than seven passengers, in an air-conditioned minivan with WiFi and charging points. You'll be picked up from one of four departure points timed to connect with train arrivals: Oxenholme at 9:10am, Windermere at 9:35am, Bowness at 9:43am, or Ambleside at 9:54am. The route covers seven hours and takes in ten lakes across the region, moving through valleys and mountain passes with regular stops for photos and to stretch your legs.

The itinerary builds around specific landmarks. You'll walk to Aira Force waterfall through established forest paths, explore Castlerigg Stone Circle, a late Neolithic site, and stop at Honister Slate Mine, the last working slate mine in England, for views across the fells. Ashness Bridge and Surprise View give you vantage points over Derwentwater toward Catbells and Skiddaw. You'll also pass through Grasmere to see the famous Gingerbread Shop and stop outside Dove Cottage, where William Wordsworth lived. Lunch happens at a cafe attached to Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, right on the shore of Derwentwater, with time to walk along the water afterward. The route can shift if weather closes the normal passes, and the guide will explain the landscape, geology and local history as you travel.

Wear waterproof outerwear and comfortable walking shoes: some stretches involve uphill terrain and uneven ground. The Lake District weather changes fast, so layers help. Children under five can join but aren't recommended. All passengers need a seat, and children must have an adult with them. If you've booked a specific pickup point, stick to it. The driver won't automatically visit every stop.

What’s included

• Small-group minivan tour with no more than 7 passengers.
• air-conditioned transport with WiFi and mobile device charging.
• professional guide sharing facts and stories in English.
• all entrance fees to Castlerigg Stone Circle, Honister Slate Mine and other attractions.
• regular photo stops and comfort breaks.
• pickup and return from your chosen departure point in Oxenholme, Windermere, Bowness or Ambleside.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by English Lakes Tours

Is this one for you?Choose your departure point based on where you're arriving: Oxenholme connects to the London-Glasgow train, while Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside suit those staying in the central lakes. The small group size and unrushed photo stops mean you're not rushed between viewpoints, though some walking and uphill terrain means it suits people comfortable on their feet for stretches of the day.

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Top questions

What are the four pickup points and what time does each one leave?

Oxenholme departs at 9:10am, Windermere at 9:35am, Bowness at 9:43am, and Ambleside at 9:54am. The Oxenholme time is timed to meet the first train from London Euston heading toward Glasgow on weekdays.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch stops at a cafe by Theatre by the Lake in Keswick on the shore of Derwentwater, and you'll have time to explore the area. The cost of food and drink is not included in the tour price.

What is Castlerigg Stone Circle and how much time do you spend there?

Castlerigg Stone Circle is a late Neolithic stone circle that you'll explore during the tour. The itinerary includes time to walk around it, though the exact duration depends on the day's pace and group interests.

How much walking is involved, and what kind of terrain will I cover?

There's a short walk through forest to Aira Force waterfall on established paths, a walk along the shore of Derwentwater, and time to explore Castlerigg Stone Circle and other stops. Some sections involve uphill terrain and uneven or wet ground, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The Lake District weather can change quickly. Bring a waterproof coat with a hood. If weather conditions prevent using the normal route, the guide will adjust the itinerary, for example, the stop at Bassenthwaite Lake overlook is weather permitting.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, all entrance fees for locations on the itinerary (including Castlerigg Stone Circle and Honister Slate Mine) are included in the tour price.