Six Lakes Splendour (4 Hours, Public)

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4 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Six Lakes Splendour is a relaxed half day journey linking six of the Lake District’s most distinctive waters, combining elevated viewpoints, historic landmarks, and peaceful village stops along the way. Departing from Windermere Railway Station, the route climbs into the high fells via Kirkstone Pass before descending towards Brothers Water and continuing north to the shores of Ullswater, where there is time to pause and enjoy the lakeside surroundings.

This is an unaccompanied sightseeing tour designed for independent exploration at each stop. A clear recorded commentary highlights the landscapes, viewpoints, and local history along the route, ensuring information is easy to hear and consistently presented throughout the journey. While the tour is not guided, your driver is always happy to offer practical help or local direction where needed.

What's Included

Bottled water

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Windermere Railway Station

Windermere Railway Station: You'll be picked up at the clearly marked PICK UP ONLY zone, immediately outside Windermere Railway Station ticket office.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Kirkstone Mountain Pass

    Shortly after departure, we ascend Kirkstone Pass, the highest road pass in the Lake District at 1,489 feet. This dramatic mountain route cuts through open fells, offering sweeping panoramic views across valleys and ridgelines. At the summit stands the historic Kirkstone Inn, one of England’s highest pubs, set in striking isolation amid the rugged landscape. This elevated beginning sets the tone for the journey ahead.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Shortly after departure, we ascend Kirkstone Pass, the highest road pass in the Lake District at 1,489 feet. This dramatic mountain route cuts through open fells, offering sweeping panoramic views across valleys and ridgelines. At the summit stands the historic Kirkstone Inn, one of England’s highest pubs, set in striking isolation amid the rugged landscape. This elevated beginning sets the tone for the journey ahead.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Glenridding

    Following the valley north, we reach Glenridding on the southern shore of Ullswater. Here we pause for around thirty minutes, allowing time to stroll beside the lake, visit the village cafés, browse small local shops, or simply relax by the water’s edge.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Ullswater (Pass by)

    Leaving Glenridding, we follow Ullswater’s shoreline. Stretching nine miles through a glacial valley, it is often regarded as the most picturesque lake in England. As we travel along its western edge, the slopes of Helvellyn and Place Fell rise steeply above the water, framing ever-changing reflections that shift with light and weather.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Castlerigg Stone Circle

    From Ullswater, the route carries us west to Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of Britain’s most striking Neolithic monuments, estimated to be over 5,000 years old. The circle’s 38 standing stones sit on a high plateau surrounded by uninterrupted mountain views, including Blencathra, Skiddaw, and Helvellyn. Its dramatic setting makes it one of the most photogenic prehistoric sites in the country. We pause here to take in both the history and the landscape.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Thirlmere (Pass by)

    Continuing south, we travel alongside Thirlmere, a long and narrow reservoir set within a deep valley. Originally two separate lakes before being dammed in the 19th century, Thirlmere now blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Dense forest lines the water, while Helvellyn rises prominently above, offering a striking contrast between water, woodland, and mountain.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Grasmere

    Our next stop is Grasmere, one of the Lake District’s most beloved villages. With around thirty minutes to explore, visitors may stroll through independent shops, enjoy a café stop, or visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, home to a unique sweet recipe dating back to 1854. Nearby, St. Oswald’s Church and Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden reflect the village’s literary heritage and enduring charm.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Rydal Water (Pass by)

    Our next stop is Grasmere, one of the Lake District’s most beloved villages. With around thirty minutes to explore, visitors may stroll through independent shops, enjoy a café stop, or visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, home to a unique sweet recipe dating back to 1854. Nearby, St. Oswald’s Church and Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden reflect the village’s literary heritage and enduring charm.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Ambleside

    Leaving Grasmere, we pass Rydal Water, one of the region’s smaller but most picturesque lakes. Nestled between wooded slopes and rocky outcrops, it was a favourite retreat of William Wordsworth. The water’s surface often mirrors the surrounding fells, offering a quiet and reflective interlude as we continue south.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Windermere (Pass by)

    As the journey concludes, we follow the eastern shoreline of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. Victorian boathouses, wooded islands, and distant mountain silhouettes provide a fitting final view before returning to Windermere Railway Station, completing the circular route.As the journey concludes, we follow the eastern shoreline of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. Victorian boathouses, wooded islands, and distant mountain silhouettes provide a fitting final view before returning to Windermere Railway Station, completing the circular route.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Tour The Lakes

Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Seasonal
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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