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, check out the Official Tourism website
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.