Discover More of the Northern Lake District

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142kg CO2 details

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The stunning landscapes of the Northern Lake District provide the perfect backdrop to this memorable sightseeing tour. History enthusiasts will appreciate a curator-led tour of Tullie House Museum, while lovers of literature can follow in the footsteps of William Wordsworth with a trip to his birthplace in Cockermouth. Enjoy a scenic steamer cruise on Ullswater, a voyage across Derwentwater aboard the Keswick Launch, and stop by the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle – Cumbria’s answer to Stonehenge. We’ll also explore the historic estates of Dalemain and Mirehouse, plus admire breathtaking natural wonders including the dramatic Aira Force waterfall and the picturesque Buttermere Valley.


Walking grades and options

This holiday is active and busy with visits throughout the day. You will need to be able to get on and off minibuses with ease, and be able to walk up to 2 miles, across uneven, grassy terrain where the ground can be slippery underfoot. It is important for your own and your fellow guests’ enjoyment that you can maintain the pace. We’ve provided a simple fitness test below, which will help you assess whether this holiday is for you:

You should be able to do the following:

  • Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace (2 miles per hour) without needing to take a break to rest
  • Climb two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
  • Stand unaided for an hour
  • Stand up and sit down ten times in one minute
  • Please ensure you able to fulfil these fitness requirements, to ensure you get the very best from your holiday.  

What You’ll Love

  • Admiring the most beautiful landscapes of the Lake District  

  • Visiting beautiful Buttermere with its dramatic mountain scenery  

  • Discovering the story of Cumbria at Tullie House Museum  

  • A cruise on a traditional Ullswater 'Steamer' and on the Keswick Launch 

  • Exploring the gardens and grounds of the historic Dalemain and Mirehouse estates 

  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 16 people) 


What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house 

  • Guided sightseeing with an experienced HF Holidays leader  

  • All transport throughout the itinerary 

  • Cream tea on arrival day 

  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 

  • Daily packed lunches 

  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee 

  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently.  

  • Entrance included to: Honister slate mine tour, Keswick Launch boat trip, Ullswater Steamer boat trip, Dalemain House & Gardens, Tullie House Museum & curator tour, Threlkeld Quarry & Museum, Mirehouse & Gardens  


Reviews


Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Accommodation

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - Discovery Tours

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.  

Essentials 

  • Suitable, sturdy footwear with a good grip. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof overtrousers 
  • Sunhat
  • Rucksack 
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity) 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Mobile phone
  • UV sunglasses 

Recommended 

  • First aid kit, including plasters
  • Sit mat  
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables 
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace) 
  • Wallet/purse 

Optional extras

  • Walking poles,
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box 
  • Waterproof rucksack liner 

Carbon Footprint - 142kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Jeff Appleyard – June & October departures

Passionate about Cumbria’s history, landscapes and hidden stories, Jeff is an HF Holidays Leader and accredited Cumbria Blue Badge Tour Guide who loves sharing his enthusiasm for the county with others. After an international career in healthcare, he changed tack to qualify as a Blue Badge guide and study Regional and Local History at Lancaster University. His interests span Cumbria’s landscapes, industrial heritage, historic buildings, and renowned food and drink. He has completed all 214 Wainwright fells and walked the Coast to Coast. Jeff lives in South Cumbria overlooking the vast expanse of Morecambe Bay. 

Code: DBK07-HCH05

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Discover More of the Northern Lake District

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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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