Language: English
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.
Showcasing hills, mountains, moors and generally the most heart-stopping scenery in England, it's hardly surprising that coach holidays to the Lake District are popular year after year. William Wordsworth called it 'the loveliest spot man hath ever found' and even lived here between 1799 to 1808 in Dove Cottage, Grasmere. You can still visit it as the Wordsworth Museum today and see its author-related selection of manuscripts, books and paintings.
With the highest mountain (Scafell Pike) and deepest lake in England (Wastwater) and 885 square miles of uninterrupted fells, walking trails and picturesque lakes from Derwentwater to Windermere, it's easy to see how the landscape inspired and attracted the literary likes. Beatrix Potter also wrote her much-loved stories in this peaceful haven, more of which can be discovered at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Most Lake District coach holidays will include return coach travel, bed and breakfast or half board accommodation at a good 3 or 4* hotel in or around the national park, and included excursions to popular spots on the main lakes, like Lake Coniston, Keswick, Kendal, Windermere, Ullswater, Grasmere and picturesque Ambleside with its pubs and restaurants. Some include tours of famous landmarks such as Kirkstone Pass, and boat cruises on steamers across the lakes (most depart from Bowness or Ambleside) offering fantastic perspectives on already spectacular scenery.
The Lake District is also a walker's favourite destination. For those wanting to explore on foot but aren't confident on planning a route, there are also walking tours available with guided walks of Ambleside.
Tourist office
For further information about visiting the Lake District you can visit the Official Tourism website at golakes.co.uk
The Lake District covers a vast area and therefore there is lots to see and do whilst staying here. Some things to think about may include:
Kendal: This historic market town is largely famous for its mint cake, found nestled among the rolling hills of the Lake District. It has in more recent years become a great shopping location with an eclectic mix of high street stores, speciality stores and factory outlets.
Lake Windermere: Possibly the most famous stretch of water in the Lake District, and certainly the largest, Lake Windermere attracts tourists from across the world. Take a cruise which runs the length of the lake and links some of the attractions such as the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway on the south, Ambleside on the North and Bowness-on-Windermere in the East.
The Lake District Visitor Centre – Brockhole: The visitor centre overlooking Lake Windermere is definitely worth a visit when in the Lake District. At the Visitor Centre you will find a museum which is free to enter in addition to discovering more about the Lake District. Why not take a walk through the stunning landscaped garden for a picture perfect view of Lake Windermere.
Grasmere: Famous for its association with poet William Wordsworth who grew up in the town, Grasmere set alongside the lake which has the same name, is shrouded by a panorama of fells and mountains to provide the atmosphere described in Wordsworth's work. Whilst in Grasmere you can also visit his childhood home to discover what life was like for the family and their staff.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in the Lake District, take a look at these additional useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.
Mobile Phone Reception
Beware if holidaying in the Lake District as mobile reception, especially when climbing screes or fells, isn't great. If you're exploring on your own, always make sure the rest of your group or accommodation staff know where you are going, and don't attempt any screes unless there are other people around or you are a seasoned walker.
The Lake District covers a vast area and therefore there is lots to see and do whilst staying here. Some things to think about may include:
Kendal: This historic market town is largely famous for its mint cake, found nestled among the rolling hills of the Lake District. It has in more recent years become a great shopping location with an eclectic mix of high street stores, speciality stores and factory outlets.
Lake Windermere: Possibly the most famous stretch of water in the Lake District, and certainly the largest, Lake Windermere attracts tourists from across the world. Take a cruise which runs the length of the lake and links some of the attractions such as the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway on the south, Ambleside on the North and Bowness-on-Windermere in the East.
The Lake District Visitor Centre – Brockhole: The visitor centre overlooking Lake Windermere is definitely worth a visit when in the Lake District. At the Visitor Centre you will find a museum which is free to enter in addition to discovering more about the Lake District. Why not take a walk through the stunning landscaped garden for a picture perfect view of Lake Windermere.
Grasmere: Famous for its association with poet William Wordsworth who grew up in the town, Grasmere set alongside the lake which has the same name, is shrouded by a panorama of fells and mountains to provide the atmosphere described in Wordsworth's work. Whilst in Grasmere you can also visit his childhood home to discover what life was like for the family and their staff.