Lake District Explorer from Manchester

Farewell Manchester, we're off on an adventure to England's Lake District. You'll be surrounded by some of the country's finest scenery today as we make our way north towards the Lake District National Park. Its highest mountain is known as Scafell Pike, and its deepest lake the vast slumbering Wastwater. And all around you as we drive along are ancient woodlands hiding red deer and even redder squirrels. Osprey glide overhead as they hunt for their next meal. Lakes shimmer in the distance. And you'll quickly realise why it's known as a poets' paradise, inspiring the likes of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

On the northern end of the famous Lake Windermere lies the quiet town of Ambleside, hugged by some of the district's most postcard-perfect scenery. The town's roots lie in the medieval woolen trade, but today it's a paradise for nature and food lovers, which is ideal for you because this is our lunch stop for today. Take some time to wander and take in the sights before grabbing yourself a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

We continue deeper into the national park, taking a road known to be a challenging drive – but, luckily for you, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the views as we journey through Kirkstone Pass. We'll continue along the shores of Ullswater, often described as England's most beautiful lake, and it's here we give you the chance to take a forest walk and see the might Aira Force waterfall. The view at our final stop of the day gives the others a run for their money, as we take you to an amazing promontory that overlooks the Lake of Derwentwater known as Friar's Crag. You'll truly understand the meaning of peace and tranquility here.

We then take one final short journey to the lively market town of Keswick, our overnight accommodation for this tour. The beauty of this area has long since been admired, and while Keswick's recorded history only stems back to the Middle Ages, there's evidence to suggest that people have lived in the area since prehistoric times. Now it's your turn to explore.

Overnight - Keswick
 

Your first stop of the day really is one of wonder. The mysterious Castlerigg standing stones were thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and were once a lively hub of ancient pagan rituals. After exploring the past, you take the narrow country lanes towards the village of Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found'. There's free time to visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy.

Now it's time for a bite to eat and we head to the lovely town of Bowness-on-Windermere which sits snuggly along the sparkling Lake Windermere. This area is filled with charming villages and surrounded by beautiful scenery and one way to enjoy this is by jumping on board the optional boat cruise on the lake, which is a truly wonderful way to take in the sights. Or, if you'd prefer, you can simply wander and find somewhere to fill your bellies, perhaps in one of the cosy pubs for a traditional English meal.

In the afternoon, we'll continue to explore this wonderful region, including a stop at Langdale Boulders where you might spot some prehistoric rock art. We then carry on to the cosy village of Hawskhead. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this charming town is dotted with whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, courtyards and squares. And it's got as much interesting history as it does beauty, being once an important wool market in medieval times, and the place where William Wordsworth was educated.

We return to Keswick in the early evening, giving you more time to spend in this quaint town. The name of this town is said to mean the “farm where cheese is made” in Old English... dinner plans sorted?

Overnight - Keswick

Last day of the trip, but there's still plenty of adventure to be had today. Speaking of striking, our first stop is something that will stop you in your tracks. The enormous Bowder Stone fell 200 metres from the Bowder Crag more than 10,000 years ago. The stone is an estimated 2,000 tonnes, around 9 metres high and 15 metres in diameter. Imagine the sound it would have made upon impact. We then take the steep and winding route of Honister Mountain Pass, stopping for some photos of this striking region. Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to see old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.

We carry on along the winding lanes, passing the shores of Crummock Water and the tranquil Buttermere, as we make our way back to Keswick for lunch. But this is also a great time to explore some of the town's other features which may have been closed at night – such as the Keswick Mining Museum or the Derwent Pencil Museum.

Stomachs full, we head to the lovely shores of Ullswater. This glacial lake is the second largest lake in the region by both area and volume and is surrounded by both stunning mountain scenery and gentle rolling hills. Your last big stop of the day is in the market town of Kendal, nicknamed ‘Auld Grey Town' due to the distinctive limestone used in many of the buildings. Here you have time to explore and enjoy the cobbled streets and interweaving alleyways as you discover the heritage to be found, including at Kendal Castle, a medieval fortification built back in the 13th century.

We've left the Lake District behind now but you're taking memories with you. Stories to tell your friends, photos to share with family, all worth treasuring until your next adventure. And as we coast along the rolling beauty of the English countryside towards the vibrant urbanity of Manchester, you'll have those memories (and perhaps a few other souvenirs) to keep you in good company.

You return to Manchester at approximately 6.30pm.