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Anyone who has ever read Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit will have an image of the Lake District and its breathtaking landscapes in their heads – us included. But we’d never made it to this gorgeous corner of the UK… until recently, when we had two house sits (we explain how this works here) in North Yorkshire with a 2 1/2 week break in between and decided to use that break to finally experience the Lake District for ourselves. Having received a Tinggly gift voucher, we thought: What better way to start our adventure than by joining a guided tour of the Lake District? Here is our in-depth review of the tour, highlighting its key attractions and sharing our experience, so you can decide if the tour is right for you.
Article Disclosure
This tour was provided to us free of charge by Tinggly. Our intention to write this review was not disclosed to English Lakes Tours until it was published. All opinions expressed in this review are our own, and we were not compensated for a positive review.
What and where is the Lake District?
If you’re here, looking for recommendations for a tour in the Lake District, you’ll already know what and where it is. But if you’ve landed here out of curiosity (or by accident), you might be interested in the following facts:
- The Lake District is located in the north-west of England in the county of Cumbria. It’s named after the many (long and narrow) lakes created after the melting of the glaciers of the last Ice Age.
- With 2,362 square kilometres (or 912 square miles), the Lake District is the largest National Park in England (and after Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, the second-largest in the United Kingdom).
- The National Park is a paradise for nature lovers, with its picturesque lakes and dramatic peaks posing as magnificent backdrops for (multi)day hikes along over 3,200 kilometres of public rights of way.
- Recognising its beauty and significance for current and future generations, the Lake District National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.
Sounds like a worthy destination to visit? You’d be right.
Why join a guided tour of the Lake District?
The Lake District has a well-established public transportation network (which we’ll talk about later in this article), and most Mainland Brits travel in their own car, so why would you want to join a guided tour?
Having seen the roads in the National Park, I wouldn’t recommend driving yourself. You’d just be busy dodging a slate wall on your left and oncoming vehicles on your right, trying to squeeze through centuries-old lanes not made for today’s traffic. Even if there are no cars, you’d still need to be vigilant at all times as there might be a flock of sheep (or a bunch of hikers/cyclists) just around the corner. Oh, and don’t let me get started on the parking.
On a guided tour of the Lake District, you can enjoy the scenery rather than dodging the traffic on the narrow roads
So, the next best option would be taking one of the frequent public buses. You can enjoy the scenery (many buses are double-deckers, so you’ve got a pretty good view from up the top), while someone else chauffeurs you around (all for just GBP3 for a single ride). But apart from the occasional loudspeaker announcement of the next bus stop, you would have no clue where you are or what you see. Let alone someone telling you interesting stories that bring the place to life.
Joining a guided tour of the Lake District National Park does all that: a safe and enjoyable journey through stunning scenery in good company packed with historic facts and entertaining anecdotes of yesteryear.
While public transport is excellent around the Lake District (and cheap), your bus driver won't provide the narration a tour guide does
What to expect during the Eight Lakes in a Morning Tour by English Lakes Tours?
Our half-day tour through the northern Lake District packed an impressive array of sights into one morning, offering a(n almost) perfect introduction to the Lake District’s history and natural beauty.
Windermere and Ambleside
Together with a younger English couple, we were picked up by our driver/guide, Tim, from the Windermere Train Station at 9:00. Our journey began with a short drive along the north-eastern shores of Lake Windermere, the Lake District’s (and indeed, England’s largest lake). Passing the Low Wood Bay Marina and Waterhead Pier on the way to the quaint town of Ambleside, Tim introduced us to the (geological) history of the Lake District. In Ambleside, he pointed out a tiny stone house built in the 17th century – over the Stock Beck River no less, to avoid land taxes.
Passing the little Bridge House in Ambleside on our tour, we returned another day for a proper look
Rydal Water and Grasmere
From Ambleside, we continued to Rydal, passing Rydal Mount, the final home of the poet William Wordsworth, the Badger Bar and picturesque Rydal Water, before continuing along the shores of Grasmere.
Arriving in the village of the same name, Tim briefly stopped at Dove Cottage, the early home of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. Another stop brought us to the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, where gingerbread is being made the same way (and in the same cottage) it was first conceived by a remarkable local lady named Sarah Nelson in 1854. Right after opening, the queue at the store was short. So, I bought some of their famous gingerbread, while Sandra briefly explored the adjacent cemetery, with the graves of the Wordsworth and Nelson families.
Our tour included a stop at the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop - of course, we got some to try
Dunmail Raise and Thirlmere
We then passed the cairn at Dunmail Raise, said to be the burial site of Dunmail, the last King of Cumberland. Descending into the valley beyond, we then drove along Thirlmere, a reservoir for the City of Manchester created by damming two smaller lakes in the late 19th century. While Thirlmere today just seems to be another of the many lakes created during the last Ice Age, the area’s transformation when it was created (including the submerging of two villages) would have been devastating for the local community.
Ashness Bridge is an old packhorse bridge barely wide enough for modern-day cars
Derwentwater, Ashness Bridge and Bassenthwaite
From Thirlmere, it was only a short ride into Keswick, a busy tourist town at the northern end of the Lake District. From here we headed south, along the eastern shores of Derwentwater. As we ventured further, the road narrowed and climbed, leading us to the picturesque Ashness Bridge and a nearby viewpoint with sweeping vistas across Derwentwater, the Catbells and Bassenthwaite Lake further north.
Near Ashness Bridge, you can enjoy these panoramic views over Derwentwater, the Catbells and Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance
Blencathra and Castlerigg Stone Circle
Continuing northeast, our next stop was Castlerigg Stone Circle, a Neolithic site on a plateau with commanding 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains (including Blencathra, one of the region’s most dramatic peaks). The ancient rocks, not unlike Stonehenge, made us wonder what life was like for those who lived here 4,500 years ago.
Unlike Stonehenge, the most famous neolithic site in the UK, Castlerigg Stone Circle is located on a plateau with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains
Ullswater and Brothers Water
A short drive along the A66 brought us to our final two lakes on our tour.
First up: Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the National Park (and second largest lake in England). Arriving at the Ullswater Ferry Wharf just as a steamer departed, we stopped for a 20 minute break (and chance to have morning tea), watching other holidaymakers enjoy the lake’s waters on their SUPs and kayaks.
Continuing our journey south, we first passed Patterdale, another old mining village, before travelling along Brothers Water, one of the smaller lakes in the National Park (and our last one on this tour).
At Ullswater Pier, we enjoyed morning tea, watching other holidaymakers enjoy the water on their kayaks and SUPs
Kirkstone Pass and the Kirkstone Inn
Our final ascent took us up to Kirkstone Pass, the highest road pass in the Lake District open to motor traffic. Here, we briefly stopped at the historic Kirkstone Inn (unfortunately closed at the time of our visit). The views from this vantage point – stretching down either side of the valley, north towards Brothers Water and south towards Windermere – offered a perfect final stop before returning to Windermere Station around 13:00.
The views from Kirkstone Pass are magnificient, stretching along the valley all the way north to Brothers Water
Our experience joining the Eight Lakes in a Morning Tour by English Lakes Tours
Booking Process and Pre-Tour CommunicationRating 3 out of 5 stars
Receiving the Tinggly experience voucher and booking the tour through Tinggly was seamless. If you’d like to learn more about Tinggly and our experience using the platform, check out this article.
After booking, we communicated with the tour company directly via WhatsApp. The tone was somewhat curt and impersonal (the person didn’t even introduce themselves), lacking the warmth one might expect from an established hospitality service.
When the tour we had initially booked was cancelled due to staff illness 36 hours before the tour started, we were offered to join this one instead (without any other options being provided).
The process of cancelling and rebooking (again through Tinggly) proved to be more complicated than anticipated. As the change had to be completed at the latest 24 hours before the tour (in our case, overnight), we were wondering at one point whether we’d end up joining a tour at all. It is not something you’d want at the start of your holiday, and something the tour company and distribution platforms it uses need to work on.
ItineraryRating 4.8 out of 5 stars
The itinerary covered as much as you possibly could within a 4-hour timeframe. While a few decent stops were included, especially later in the tour (at the Gingerbread Shop, the Derwentwater Viewpoint, Ashness Bridge, the Castlerigg Stone Circle and Ullswater Pier), we would have liked a few more brief (photo) stops, especially between Windermere and Grasmere. It seemed we rushed that part more – maybe to arrive at the Gingerbread Shop early to avoid the long queues?
That said, a comfort break was offered during the drive where it was suitable. We didn’t need it at the time and ended up combining the comfort break with our (morning tea) stop at Ullswater Pier.
Group Size and EquipmentRating 4.5 out of 5 stars
Our tour was conducted in a Hyundai H-1 van with three rows of seats and sliding doors on either side – a suitable size given the narrow winding roads of the Lake District. Accommodating a total of 7 passengers, the van was modern, well-maintained and climate-controlled, making for a comfortable and pleasant journey. According to Tim, the company operates three diesel vans (and leases additional ones as needed). Tim also told us that the company had been looking at moving to electric vehicles, but thus far, the limited range of batteries available had been the preventative factor.
Our tour group comprised 4 participants – us and an English couple – with me sitting next to the driver and Sandra plus the English couple in the row behind. While all of us were able to get an okay view of the landscapes around us, including the person sitting in the middle, the view from the middle seat in the third row would be quite a bit more obstructed.
Small loudspeakers in the two back rows allowed participants in the back of the vehicle to hear Tim (who used a headset while driving). Even though I sat next to Tim, I had trouble hearing him (at times), as there was no loudspeaker in the front of the vehicle.
Communication and Interaction during the TourRating 5 out of 5 stars
Tim, our driver/guide, was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing interesting insights into the geological history of the Lake District, as well as the lives of important historical figures associated with the Lake District, like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Beatrix Potter, Hardwicke Rawnsley and Alfred Wainwright.
Tim was personable and engaging, always open and happy to answer questions. Unfortunately, our two tour companions were people of few words. While Tim tried to engage them at the beginning of the tour, most of the interaction during the tour was between Tim and us (and no, he didn’t know that we’d be writing about the experience).
While there is room for improvement, we enjoyed the Eight Lakes In A Morning Tour with our driver/guide Tim
SafetyRating 4.7 out of 5 stars
Tim appeared to be an experienced driver, well acquainted with the road conditions in the Lake District. With that experience though, his driving style was at times on the more aggressive side. While it never made us feel unsafe, a slightly gentler approach on those winding roads would have made for more comfortable journey, especially for the people in the back (Sandra ended up taking a precautionary travel sickness tablet at our second stop).
And speaking of our second stop. Before we approached the viewpoint, Tim made us aware of potential dangers (there was a sheer drop without safety barriers) to ensure that we were vigilant and would be able to continue our journey uninjured.
SustainabilityRating 4 out of 5 stars
Our driver/guide Tim, while not born in the Lake District, had lived in the area for decades. During the tour, he talked about the ongoing conservation efforts in the Lake District, such as protecting the red squirrel population and managing the impact of the local water company on the environment. With public bins noticeably absent in the National Park, Tim emphasised the importance of taking our rubbish with us (supported by anecdotes of domestic tourists behaving badly during the COVID-19 pandemic).
As mentioned, we also talked to Tim about the use of diesel vs electric vehicles, and the company seems to be aware of and willing to swap to more environmentally friendly vehicles as soon as there are valid options available.
Tim also highlighted that most guesthouses, shops and eateries were (still) locally owned and operated (contributing to the quaint character of the Lake District and reducing tourism leakage). Stops at the Grasmere Gingerbread Store and the Ullswater Ferry Wharf with its small shop also allowed us participants to support local businesses.
Would we recommend the tour/do it again?
The Eight Lakes In A Morning Tour offered a solid introduction to the Lake District, hitting all the key sites in a condensed timeframe. While not perfect (there is room for improvement, especially when it comes to customer communication, booking changes and sustainability), we enjoyed the tour. We would do it again (covering yet more areas of the Lake District).
Who would enjoy this tour (and how to book it)?
The Eight Lakes in a Morning tour is a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore the Lake District in a short amount of time. The tour is most suitable for:
- First-Time Visitors: Couples and individuals new to the Lake District will appreciate this concise yet informative introduction, especially at the beginning of their holiday in the area.
- Nature Lovers: With scenic views and beautiful landscapes at every corner, those who love the outdoors will find the tour helpful in getting their bearings and making plans for further explorations over the following days.
- Literary Enthusiasts: Fans of William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and/or Beatrix Potter will also find this tour interesting (though for the keenest fans, the company offers dedicated tours).
Here are some examples of the latter:
Not only great for nature lovers, the Eight Lakes In A Morning Tour also stops at historic sights, literary enthusiasts will appreciate
If you’re interested in the Eight Lakes in a Morning Tour powered by Tinggly, you can book it here. If you’re buying the experience for a special someone but aren’t quite sure whether they’d enjoy it, don’t worry: The gift voucher allows the recipient to choose a different tour if they wish.
BTW, you can also book the same tour (in reverse) in the afternoon – perfect for those who have limited time and want to hit the ground running on arrival day.
Where to stay in the Lake District?
The best option is to base yourself in a central location in the National Park. Many people choose Windermere or Keswick, the two larger towns within the Park (with the largest amount of accommodation options). As we visited in Summer and had left our accommodation bookings quite late, we ended up staying in Kendal and Cockermouth. Both of these towns are outside the National Park boundaries but have good public transport connections into (and around) the Park.
Here are a few options – both inside and outside the National Park:
| Name | Property Features | Location | Price Indicator | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Grey Goat Bakehouse | Renovated cottage originally built ~1770, self-contained and very quiet | Cockermouth | $$ | Book Now |
| Hillside Bed and Breakfast | B&B with modern amenities and superb breakfast Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property | Kendal | $$$ | Book Now |
| Luxury Riverside Apartment | Modern self-contained two-bedroom apartment with terrace and river views | Kendal | $$$ | Book Now |
| Dunsford Guest House | B&B with modern amenities, superb breakfast and parking | Keswick | $$ | Book Now |
| Strathmore Guest House | Victorian B&B with period features, cooked breakfast and parking | Keswick | $$ | Book Now |
| Briscoe Lodge | Respectfully restored Victorian guesthouse, originally built in 1891 Superb breakfast | Windermere | $$ | Book Now |
| Ellerhow | Renovated guesthouse with modern amenities in small self-contained units Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property | Windermere | $$ | Book Now |
When visiting the Lake District, Kendal and Cockermouth are good options to stay if accommodation inside the National Park is booked out (or too expensive)
When is the best time to visit the Lake District (and how many days should you spend here)?
The Lake District is an all-year-round destination, and every season offers something special:
- Spring (March-May): A great time to enjoy the spring bloom and attend events like the Brathay Windermere Marathon.
- Summer (June-August): The warmest and driest time of the year, with lots of wildflowers in bloom. However, it gets very busy during the Summer School Holidays (end of July to end of August/early September). If you’re flexible, avoid this super-busy period.
- Autumn (September–November): The crowds thin out, while the weather is still great for hikes among the changing foliage colours.
- Winter (December–February): A picturesque time of year, especially on clear days, with snow on the hills and frosty forest walks (though less nice when it’s wet and windy).
To learn more about the weather in the Lake District throughout the year, check out Weatherspark.
As for how many days to set aside for your visit: Well, how long have you got? With its quaint towns and villages, myriads of hiking trails and stunning scenery everywhere you turn, you could keep yourself busy for years. For first-time visitors, we recommend (at least) three nights. That way, you could do a half-day tour (on arrival day) and have another two full days to enjoy some hikes, explore a few of the historic sights or just wander around the villages and towns.
On clear sunny days, winter can be a great time to visit the Lake District - but be prepared for wet and gloomy days too | Photo by Fabian Jones on Unsplash
What to bring to the Lake District/on the tour?
Speaking of the weather… A rain jacket and layers are key when visiting the National Park, as the weather can be unpredictable (even in the height of Summer). We were here in August, and over 2 1/2 weeks, we only had about 5 days without rain. Even our Eight Lakes in a Morning tour started in the rain. But we also had sunny spells in between (as you can see from the pictures).
With all the hiking trails (and bearing the chance of rain in mind), good sturdy footwear (that is ideally waterproof) is essential too.
For the tour itself, packing some snacks and water is advisable, though there are opportunities to buy refreshments along the way. And speaking of water… Bring your reusable water bottle (to reduce plastic waste) – the water is fine to drink straight from the tap (unless there are signs stating the water is non-potable).
The Lake District is one of the wettest regions in the UK (that's why it's so juicy green) - a rain jacket and warm layers are essentials (even in summer)
How do you travel to and around Lake District National Park (responsibly)?
With the western mainline service between England and Scotland passing through Oxenholme and Penrith, it’s easy to travel to the Lake District by rail from anywhere in Mainland Britain:
- From Oxenholme, visitors can take the train to Windermere (the town above the lake of the same name), which offers regular bus services around the Central and Northern Lakes.
- Penrith has regular bus connections to Windermere and Keswick in the northern Lake District.
If travelling to/from the Lake District by car, leave your vehicle at your accommodation and opt for public transportation within the National Park (including to/from the pick-up/drop-off location of the tour). You avoid adding to frequent road congestion (especially during the busier periods of the year), AND you can enjoy the scenery while letting someone else do the driving.
We only used public transport to get to and around the Lake District and found these resources super helpful:
- Bus Route Map
- Bus Timetables
- Live Bus Tracker (with at times heavy traffic on the narrow roads, buses are not always on time).
We recommend travelling to/from and around the Lake District by train and bus - it's easy, affordable and more sustainable
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