Lake District and Durham

The Lake District must surely be one of the best-loved and most beautiful regions in the British Isles. Here the sight and sound of water is never far away. The glistening tranquil lakes, majestic mountains and picturesque villages add up to a magical experience. Combine this with Durham where the sheer scale of the city’s beautiful architecture makes it a pleasure to explore. History echoes with every step along the winding cobbled lanes, or vennels, crowned by the majestic Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site.

A range of local hotels, subject to availability, can be offered to suit individual requirements.

PLACES TO VISIT/THINGS TO DO

Windermere & Lake Cruise - Bowness-on-Windermere, situated at the very heart of the Lake District is a holiday town with every sort of shop imaginable and is home to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction. You could include a fantastic ‘non-landing’ cruise to Ambleside on England’s longest lake, and afterwards spend some free time to explore and soak up the wonderful attractions and breathtaking scenery … there’s plenty to enjoy.

Morecambe Bay & Holker Hall - Ulverston, birthplace of the comedian Stan Laurel, where the Laurel & Hardy Museum is devoted to their famous partnership. In one day you can also include a visit to Holker Hall, a superb Victorian house built on a grand scale, situated on the Cartmel Peninsula extending out into Morecambe Bay. The gardens cover twenty four acres of woodland and formal garden areas which are an intriguing mix of Italianate design with English tradition. Discover woodland walks, a sunken garden, rose gardens and a deer park. The third of Holker's main attractions is the Lakeland Motor Museum which houses over 20,000 articles ranging from advertising posters and petrol pumps to vintage motorcycles, cars, tractors, bicycles, and pedal cars. As an alternative to visiting Ulverston you might prefer to travel to the genteel resort of Grange-over-Sands.

Coniston, Brantwood & Hawkshead - Brantwood is the former home of John Ruskin, one of the greatest figures of the Victorian age – a famed poet, artist, critic and conservationist. Expect the unexpected as you sail from Coniston to Brantwood jetty to explore 250 acres of fascinating landscapes and spectacular floral displays. Return to Penrith via delightful Hawkshead with its patchwork of cottages and cobbles backed by woods and fells.

Muncaster Castle, Gardens & Owl Centre - Described by Ruskin as the “Gateway to Paradise”, Muncaster Gardens offer over 70 acres of wild beauty. The spectacular views of the Lakeland Fells act as a backdrop to the rare and unusual plants in the rugged Himalayan Garden, the Georgian Terrace Walk and the delightful charms of Church Wood. Wensleydale Travel through the scenic Lune Valley into the Pennines, passing Ribblehead viaduct, en route to Hawes. Take an opportunity to visit the Wensleydale Creamery, home of Yorkshire’s famous cheese before returning via lonely Moorcock Inn and Garsdale Head to Sedburgh and Kirkby Lonsdale.

‘Mountain Goat’ High Adventure - The ‘Mountain Goat’ minibuses take us where large coaches cannot go! This is a wonderful day, taking in the mountain passes of the Western Fells – Wrynose Pass, the desolate Duddon Valley, & awesome Hardknott Pass. See the lonely Roman Fort as you descend into Eskdale for a ride on L’al Ratty – the Ravenglass & Eskdale Miniature Railway, before seeing Wastwater. Your return will take you over Cold Fell, alongside Loweswater, through the Lorton Valley and over Whinlatter Pass pausing at the Visitors Centre, continuing past Thirlmere, Grasmere and Rydal Water to Bowness where we rejoin our coach.

Durham - The sheer scale of Durham city’s beautiful architecture makes it a pleasure to explore. History echoes with every step along the winding cobbled lanes, or vennels, crowned by the majestic Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. Durham has a wonderful timeless quality, with rowing on the Wear and relaxing riverside walks, yet buzzes with superb cafes, boutiques and galleries. Why not include a guided tour of Durham with a Blue Badge guide?

Beamish - At the Beamish Open Air Museum we can ride the trams, visit the shops and walk into the houses – all faithfully recreating life at the turn of the 20th century. One thing’s for sure…. it really takes you back

Insurance details on request. dates strictly subject to availability. All tours fully bonded by BCH - the Bonded Coach Holidays Section of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK.

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