The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Cumbria, England

Explores the very best of the Yorkshire Dales in one day! Discover the dramatic limestone valleys and emerald countryside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park tour from Windermere. Travel with ease from the Lake District and visit the quaint villages in Swaledale and Wensleydale (famed for its cheese) and Bolton Castle, in which Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. See too, Aysgarth Falls and the cobbled streets of Hawes.

Inclusions: Transport in a small mini-coach, On-board commentary in English

Exclusions: Food & drink, Additional Entrance fees, Drivers gratuity (Optional)

A guided wildlife walk in the Lake District to view the wild herds of red deer in Martindale. There's lots more to see including birds of prey and other mountain wildlife, a fascinating history and magnificent views. Led by former National Park Ranger, author and mountain guide John White. Variable start times depending on time of year - further details from guide after booking.

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Witness the grandeur of the Lake District’s central mountains and western fells on this full-day High Mountain Passes tour from Keswick. Traveling in small groups, follow a route first traced by the Romans over the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, two of Britain’s steepest. Ascend through breathtaking fells, visit Roman Hardknott Fort and ride the heritage Ravenglass and Eskdale railway. After a lunch break, admire spectacular views of Wastwater and stroll through the gardens of Muncaster Castle, home to the World Owls Trust before returning to Keswick.

Inclusions: Transport in a small mini-coach, On-board commentary in English, A ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge railway, Entrance to Muncaster Castle Gardens

Exclusions: Food & drink, Additional Entrance fees, Driver’s gratuity (Optional)

If you’re short on time in the Lake District then this morning tour is a fantastic way to see a lot in not much time. Not only will you see six different Lakes (also called Tarns, Meres and Waters) you go over Kirkstone pass, take in the views at Castlerigg Stone Circle and visit the Village of Grasmere.

Inclusions: Transport in a small mini-coach, On-board commentary in English

Exclusions: Food & drink, Additional Entrance fees, Drivers gratuity (Optional)

On this tour you get to see: • Wray Castle where Beatrix spent her 16th birthday and first discovered the Lake District where she was to later make her home. • Near Sawrey village which Beatrix visited often, used as inspiration for her illustrations and where she happily settled and married. • Hill Top, the house which Beatrix bought from the money she made from the publication of Peter Rabbit. • Esthwaite Water where Beatrix fished from her boat. • Hawkshead village • Tarn Hows bought by Beatrix  and regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District. • Coniston Water with spectacular views of the lake and Coniston Old Man • Yewdale Valley where Beatrix owned farms and land including Yew Tree Farm used in the film Miss Potter.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Knowledgeable guide available throughout the tour, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks

This tour is a beautiful tour day, full of beauty and natural wonder, out but is rough guide to your days travel, as customers may amend the tour to suite there needs or wish list. Please contact Simon to alter your tour. Thank you.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water and sort drinks will be a at any point on your tour!

Exclusions:

This tour takes you to: • Drive through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside • Visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum & Graveyard • Guided walk around Haworth, unchanged since the Brontes lived there • Visit romantic gothic ruins of Wycoller Hall, “Ferndean Manor” of Jane Eyre

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Knowledgeable guide available throughout the tour, Qualified driver in addition to guide for your safety, Small group size for a more intimate experience, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Food and drinks

This tour takes you to: • Grasmere Village where William Wordsworth lived. • Church Stile the former inn where William Wordsworth, his brother John and fellow poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge stayed for several days during their Lake District tour in 1797. • Grasmere Gingerbread Shop where Sarah Nelson invented the world famous "Grasmere Gingerbread" in 1854. • The Wordsworth family graves. • St Oswald's Church where the Wordsworth family worshipped. • Dove Cottage where William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy lived from 1799 to 1808. • Views of Grasmere, the beautiful lake the Wordsworths knew so well. • Rydal Mount William Wordsworth's best loved family home from 1813 to his death in 1850. • Rydal Hall Gardens where Wordsworth admired the waterfall from the "grot" viewing house. • Rydal Church built on the site chosen by William Wordsworth which also inspired two of his poems. • Dora's Field bought by William Wordsworth in 1826. • Views of Rydal Water, one of the smaller lakes.

Inclusions: Entry into Rydal Mount, Entry into Dove Cottage, Live commentary on board, Knowledgeable guide available throughout the tour, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Food and drinks

• Lake Windermere, views of the largest lake in the lake district. • Kirkstone Pass • Brothers Water • Patterdale • Glenridding • Ullswater • Glencoyne • Scenic drive along the shores of Ullswater. • Castlerigg Stone Circle • Ashness Bridge • Surprise View looking out over Derwent Water with spectacular views towards Bassenthwaite Lake • Thirlmere • Dunmail Raise the low-level mountain pass and legendary burial place of King Dunmail. • Grasmere one of the smaller lakes of the English Lake District. • Rydal Water

Inclusions: Knowledgeable guide available throughout the tour, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, WiFi on board, charging points for most mobile devices at all seats

Exclusions: Food and drinks

The English Lake District is one of the most recent additions to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Admire the rolling countryside and craggy fells whilst listening to your guide about the Lake District's history, geology and the people that have shaped this much-loved region. Along the way, you will pass some of the region’s most spectacular sights, such as the Borrowdale Valley, Buttermere, Honister pass, Ullswater, and Grasmere. There are many stops on route; a highlight is the Castlerigg Stone Circle with its panoramic views. Our friendly driver/guide will provide an on-board commentary on this full day spectacular tour of lakes and mountains.

Inclusions: Transport in a small mini-coach, On-board commentary in English, Lake cruise (weather dependent, an alternative attraction may be offered)

Exclusions: Food & drink, Additional Entrance fees, Drivers gratuity (optional)