3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

4.9
(41 reviews)

3 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover the beauty of England’s Lake District on this unforgettable 3-day small-group tour from Edinburgh. Journey through rolling hills, dramatic mountains, and sparkling lakes as you explore charming villages, historic stone circles, and the landscapes that inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Travel in comfort with a friendly driver-guide who brings the region’s stories to life.
Enjoy free time to wander picturesque towns, cruise on Ullswater, and take in breathtaking views from Honister Pass. With intimate group sizes and carefully crafted itineraries, this tour offers a unique, personal experience of one of Britain’s most enchanting destinations.

What's Included

Cruise on Lake Windermere (45 minutes) included
Professional Driver Guide
2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
Transport by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Admission fees: unless specified

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Edinburgh Bus Station

Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes before departure)

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Edinburgh - Moffat - Aira Force Waterfall - Castlerigg Stone Circle - Keswick

    4 stops
  • 1

    Enjoy the stunning rolling landscapes of the Galloway Hills and Southern Uplands as we make our way to our first stop of the day: the Victorian spa town of Moffat. Though the area feels serene today, it has a rich history marked by conflicts and border skirmishes over the centuries.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Leaving Moffat, we continue south across the border into England, making our way to the historic market town of Penrith in Cumbria. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and explore the impressive ruins of Penrith Castle. This uniquely colored castle once played a vital role in defending the border against invading Scots during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3

    After lunch, we enter the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has captivated poets and visitors for centuries. Traveling along the northern shores of Ullswater - often described as England's most beautiful lake - you'll have the chance to take a forest walk and witness the majestic Aira Force waterfall.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Next, we head toward Keswick, stopping just outside the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg stone circle. Believed to be over 5,000 years old, this ancient site was once a lively hub of pagan rituals.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Ullswater Lake - Lake Windermere - Hawkshead - Grasmere

    4 stops
  • 5

    The second largest lake in the English Lake District is famous for its sublime, tranquil beauty.

    Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Lake Windermere

    Next, we journey to the stunning Lake Windermere and the charming village of Bowness-on-Windermere. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch before boarding a relaxing 45-minute cruise across England’s largest lake, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and timeless beauty.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 7

    Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    We'll then take narrow country lanes north to Grasmere, which Wordsworth called “the loveliest spot that man hath found.” Enjoy free time to visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, taste the famous gingerbread, or unwind in the peaceful Wordsworth Daffodil Garden.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Honister Pass - Scottish Border - Edinburgh

    4 stops
  • 9

    We pick you up from your accommodation and begin our journey through Whinlatter Forest Park, crossing the stunning Whinlatter Pass into some of the most breathtaking landscapes the Lake District has to offer.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10

    We travel along scenic, winding lanes, passing through the charming village of High Lorton and along the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, en route to the dramatic Honister Mountain Pass. We'll pause among the towering mountains, offering you the chance to capture photos and reflect on the historic slate workings, where a small number of locals still earn their livelihood.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Lake District

    After a refreshment break, we'll continue through the lush forests of Borrowdale, passing by Derwent Water, where you'll have free time for lunch and some shopping.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12

    Following lunch, we'll bid farewell to the Lake District and start our return journey, heading towards Penrith and further north as we cross the border back into Scotland. Our route then takes us through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, where we'll stop in the historic town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From there, it's a leisurely drive through the countryside, arriving back in Edinburgh.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding.
  • Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately. To ensure that bookings for passengers traveling together are not separated, please inform us if you have multiple bookings.
  • When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
  • Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
Supplied by Rabbies Trail Burners

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Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Viator Plus

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 21 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 41 41 reviews
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