Top Lake District Historical Tours

The Lake District serves up glassy lakes, mountains, and historical sites—all fairly widely dispersed. Cover many of its must-sees in a day without self-drive on this private tour. With a driver-guide, you’re free to admire and learn about the sights undistracted by driving or planning. Visit Derwentwater and Grasmere; and explore Castlerigg Stone Circle and more; all topped and tailed with pickup and drop-off at Lakes or north-west hotels.

You get to see: • Hawkshead Grammar School where Wordsworth went to school and carved his name on his desk (only on a friday) • Grasmere Gingerbread Shop where the Victorian cook Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread in 1854 • St Oswald's Church where the Wordsworth family worshiped and whose interior William was so fond of • Wordsworth Family Graves nestled beneath the yew tree that Wordsworth planted himself • Dove Cottage the first family home of Wordsworth and where he wrote some of his best poetry • The Wordsworth House where William Wordsworth was born (not on fridays) • Rydal Mount & Garden was Wordsworth's best loved family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 to his death in 1850 at the age of 80

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. • 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 • Beatrix Potter Gallery to see the original illustrations by Beatrix, including the famous copy she made of the Peter Rabbit letter. • Tarn Hows bought by Beatrix  and regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District. • Yewdale Valley where Beatrix owned farms and land including Yew Tree Farm used in the film Miss Potter. • Armitt Library & Museum to see Beatrix's stunningly detailed mycology illustrations and other artefacts

• 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

Discover Yorkshire’s wiley, windy moors and learn about their influence on the famous Brontë family on a winter tour of Haworth, the Brontë Parsonage, and beyond. Round-trip transfer from Windermere or Oxenholme allows seamless exploration of the dramatic landscape, while the small-group size ensures more personalized interaction with your knowledgeable guide.

Our Private Roman Britain & Hadrian's Wall Tour is the perfect opportunity for small groups of friends or family to enjoy their very own Private Tour. Our luxury, spacious 16 seater minibuses will allow you to travel the Wall in style. This tour journeys along segments of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hadrian’s Wall tour travels out of the Lake District for the day and up to the Scottish Borders. The main focus of the day is the ‘Wall’ which we travel along exploring its remains of towers and landmarks. During your day you will have time to enjoy the Roman Army Museum, exploring the history of the Romans and learning what it was like to work on the ‘Wall’. A new addition to the tour is Vindolanda, a Roman settlement, one of Europe's largest excavation sites and is still being worked on today. Please note that some or all of the attractions may not be open. Your driver guide will check on the day and discuss the alternative options open to you.

Explore the Lake District’s scenic highlights—and follow in the footsteps of former resident Beatrix Potter—on this immersive, full-day tour. Meet in the morning at the Oxenholme station, and hop aboard your comfortable mini-coach. See the medieval village of Hawkshead (where poet William Wordsworth once lived), visit pretty Tarn Hows, and even go for a cruise on Windermere: England’s largest lake. Please note Hill Top is an additional £11.80 per adult and £5.90 per child. This must be booked with Mountain Goat at least 24 hours before the tour departs.

Our Private Roman Britain & Hadrian's Wall Tour is the perfect opportunity for small groups of friends or family to enjoy their very own Private Tour. Our luxury, spacious 6 seater minibuses will allow you to travel the Wall in style. This tour journeys along segments of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hadrian’s Wall tour travels out of the Lake District for the day and up to the Scottish Borders. The main focus of the day is the ‘Wall’ which we travel along exploring its remains of towers and landmarks. During your day you will have time to enjoy the Roman Army Museum, exploring the history of the Romans and learning what it was like to work on the ‘Wall’. A new addition to the tour is Vindolanda, a Roman settlement, one of Europe's largest excavation sites and is still being worked on today.

Loved for its beguiling lakes and mist-shrouded fells, the English Lake District attracts fans from around the world. Yet knowing where to go and how to travel around the rugged region can be tricky for first-time visitors. This day trip from Keswick works to an itinerary that combines all the Lake District highlights with convenient transport through the day. You’ll cruise on Ullswater, visit the centuries-old Castlerigg Stone Circle, and discover the beauty of Borrowdale Valley, Buttermere, Grasmere, and more.

Discover the spectacular mountain landscapes of the Lake District without having to hike on a full-day minibus tour of the national park’s high mountain passes from Keswick. Absorb incredible views from the Wrynose and Hardknott Mountain Passes, ride through Eskdale Valley on the famous Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, and drink in panoramas from Wastwater, voted Britain’s best view. Entry to Muncaster Castle and a ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway are included.

Discover the dramatic limestone valleys and emerald countryside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on an 8-hour tour from Windermere. Travel with ease from the Lake District and visit the quaint towns of Hardraw and Wensleydale, famed for its cheese, and Bolton Castle, in which Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. See, too, Aysgarth Falls and the lovely English village of Dent.

Spend a day at Hadrian’s Wall, a site that was once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. With a guide, you’ll travel north from Windermere, through the Lake District towards the region known as the Debateable Lands. After a stop at Lanercost Priory, you’ll spend most of your day at Hadrian’s Wall, discovering the ruins and beauty spots that abound. A stop at the Roman Army Museum and a visit to the Vindolanda fort is also included.

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.

Witness the grandeur of the Lake District’s central mountains and western fells on this full-day small-group High Mountain Passes tour from Lake Windermere. Travelling in a Mercedes Sprinter minivan, follow a route first traced by the Romans over the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, two of Britain’s steepest. Ascend the breathtaking Lakeland fells without having to go hiking and visit Roman Hardknott Fort. After a lunch break, admire spectacular views of Wastwater before returning to Windermere via Coniston Water.

This tour provides you with the opportunity to enjoy the best of both the top and bottom of The Lakes and everything in between. We pride ourselves on customising all our tours to suit your personal requirements so if, for example, you'd prefer an alternative to visiting Hill Top just let us know. We can spend more time, or less, at places so please use the itinerary as a framework for us to create the perfect day for you. As this tour takes in some of the highest roads of the Lakes we know inclement weather may stop you from getting the full benefit of the wonderful views and stunning scenery. Although some guests actually want to see the Lakes at its wildest others may prefer an alternative date or a refund. "Pleasure first, Business second" is our mantra so, unlike most operators, if we think the weather may be an issue we will let you know in advance to allow you to make an informed decision as to continue with your trip, arrange an alternative date or a refund.

The Northern Sights Tour is very popular as it affords the opportunity to see the beauty of the Skiddaw range of mountains whilst passing through the stunning scenery of the Central Lakes. You will see Neolithic structures dating back over 2000 years and what are considered the most beautiful of the lakes all in one day. We pride ourselves on customising all our tours to suit your personal requirements so if, for example, you'd prefer an alternative to the experience included just let us know. We can spend more time, or less, at places so please use the itinerary as a framework for us to create the perfect day for you. Although some guests actually want to see the Lakes at its wildest it can spoil it for others so, as "Pleasure first, Business second" is our mantra we, unlike most operators, will let you know in advance if we think the weather may be an issue to allow you to make an informed decision as to continue with your trip, arrange an alternative date or request a refund.

This tour concentrates mainly on the delights of the Southern Lakes but we dip into the Western side too. Whilst not far distance-wise it packs a lot in to the day with highlights being the opportunity to experience the road over Hardknott Pass, the culinary capital of the Lakes, Cartmel, home to the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding, haunting Wastwater and the haunts of Beatrix Potter and the Romantic Poets. We pride ourselves on customising all our tours to suit your personal requirements. We can spend more time, or less, at places so please use the itinerary as a framework for us to create the perfect day for you. Although some guests actually want to see the Lakes at its wildest it can spoil it for others so, as "Pleasure first, Business second" is our mantra we, unlike most operators, will let you know in advance if we think the weather may be an issue to allow you to make an informed decision as to continue with your trip, arrange an alternative date or request a refund.

The Western Lakes are a bit more rugged and exposed to the elements than the rest of the district and as such has its own unique character. Much less explored than the more popular lakes and hills this area has a serene and ethereal feel not found elsewhere in this region. Even in peak summer you’ll feel like you’ve got it all to yourself which is why it’s our favourite part of the Lakes. We pride ourselves on customising all our tours to suit your personal requirements. We can spend more time, or less, at places so please use the itinerary as a framework for us to create the perfect day for you. Although some guests actually want to see the Lakes at its wildest it can spoil it for others so, as "Pleasure first, Business second" is our mantra we, unlike most operators, will let you know in advance if we think the weather may be an issue to allow you to make an informed decision as to continue with your trip, arrange an alternative date or request a refund.

Enjoy a day with one of the Lake District's most famous and beloved characters, Beatrix Potter. This memorable tour will allow you to walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, and see the places that inspired her children's books and work. On this tour you will get to see the beauty spots and delightful landscape that Beatrix Potter once treasured.

A delightful tour, with detailed commentary to the many places associated with Beatrix Potter’s life and characters. We stop at Castle Rigg Stone Circle, a testimony to mans presence in the area 4500 years ago. Older but smaller than Stonehenge this is the second most visited Stone Circle in the UK and in much more beautiful surroundings and some say the highlight of the tour. From here we make our way back along the shores of Thirlmere, a fresh water reservoir which is the fifth largest lake in the Lake District. We stop briefly at Dove Cottage the once home of poet William Wordsworth for a photo stop and if time a look in the gift shop if open. On completion we ride along the shores of Rydal Water through the market town of Ambleside and the famous Little Bridge House, arriving back in Windermere at around 1745. For those catching a train we will drop them at the train station and everyone else back at their hotel /B & B. All this completes one of the finest tours in England.

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.

This tour goes to places where regular service buses cannot reach. We allow plenty of time to take photos and to take in the areas of interest and impressive landscape. Lunch is taken in the beautiful village of Grasmere where you can buy yourself some of the world famous delicious Grasmere Gingerbread; the only place in the world where it is made and sold. See also Hill Top, home of children's writer Beatrix Potter and revered English poet William Wordsworth Grammar school at Hawkshead and his home Dove Cottage, and family graves at Grasmere.

On this in-depth, full-day tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter. Go behind the scenes to get a comprehensive overview of the acclaimed writer, illustrator, and scientist, best known for her “Peter Rabbit” series. Tours include stops where the author lived and worked, plus admission tickets to the Beatrix Potter Gallery and Armitt Museum.

Gain insight into the relationship between the English Romantics and their beloved landscape on a Lake poets tour, ideal for literature lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike. Discover landmarks including William Wordsworth’s former school, family home, and church, with insights provided by your guide, and benefit from round-trip transfer from a pickup location of your choice for a hassle-free excursion.