The Real Lake District By Coach, Boat, Train & 'Mountain Goat'
- Duration: 5 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCRU9576
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
5 days
5-day tour
With postcard panoramas of craggy hilltops, mountain tarns and glittering lakes, it's easy to see why the Lake District is by far the UK's most popular national park and inspiration for many writers and poets. Soak in the atmosphere of the spectacular fells, the rolling hills, deep blue lakes and timeless villages that continue to attract visitors from all over the world. Head off the beaten track in a 'Mountain Goat' minibus to explore areas not accessible by a large coach. This tour has a host of included extras from steam train rides to a lake cruise, a visit to the Lakeland Motor Museum and, of course, the highlight of the tour - The Mountain Goat!
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Holiday Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner
- Porterage & welcome drink on arrival
- Full day - Lake District Mountain Goat Mini Bus Tour
- Heritage Train Ride (Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway)
- Visit grounds of Muncaster Castle
- Visit to Bowness
- Bowness to Lakeside Cruise
- One way ride on Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway
- Entrance to Lakeside Motor Museum
By Coach, Boat, Train & Mountain Goat
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, sit back and relax as your journey takes you northwards. A suitable lunch-time stop before arriving at 3* Cumbria Grand in Grange-over-Sands for the next 4 nights with breakfast and dinner included. Welcome drink & porterage on arrival DBB
Day 2 - 4 - At leisure in Grange-over-Sands with 2 included excursions and one optional excursion
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
EXPLORE THE REAL LAKE DISTRICT BY MOUNTAIN GOAT & A HERITAGE TRAIN RIDE
This classic adventure tour of the Western Lakes uses a route pioneered by the Romans! Join the Mountain Goat minibus from your hotel, driven and guided by an expert guide, this tour focuses around the Western Lake District travelling over the Lake District's famous mountain passes; Hardknott and Wrynose, which are some of the steepest in Great Britain. Pass the remote 2nd century Hardknott Roman Fort which includes remains of the headquarters building, commandants house and bath house. During your day you will have time to enjoy a ride on the narrow-gauge heritage Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, see Wastwater, England's deepest lake and visit the grounds of the 14th Century Muncaster Castle gardens. The castle stands in 77 acres of gardens, a half mile long Georgian Terrace as well as a hawk and owl centre. This tour is a chance to explore the hidden gems and quieter areas of the real Lake District! All fares/admissions included.
STEAM & CRUISE DAY
with Lakeland Motor Museum
Your day starts with free time in Bowness, now the Lake District's most popular visitor destination, Bowness-on-Windermere is busy for much of the year. People come to enjoy the lake, the atmosphere of the area and the town's delightful setting. Join the Bowness to Lakeside cruise and on board you'll be treated to stunning views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands. Arrive in Lakeside and it's a short walk to board the heritage train to Haverthwaite. Enjoy the nostalgic ride through breath-taking scenery aboard the heritage railway, travelling through the Lakeland Fells, the perfect backdrop with picturesque valleys, stunning lakes and rolling green hillside. Your driver awaits in Haverthwaite to take you on to the fascinating Lakeland Motor Museum, a collection of over 30,000 exhibits that trace the development of road transport throughout the twentieth century - cycles, motorbikes, motor cars and automobilia. You'll also find recreations of period shops, a 1930s garage, a tribute to Donald Campbell plus a WW1 display. There is a cafe and gift shop. Return to the hotel later this afternoon.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
CARNFORTH & MORECOMBE
Fancy a change of scenery? First stop of the day is a nostalgic visit to the Heritage Centre at Carnforth Station, best known as the location (Milford Junction) for the filming of David Lean's film 'Brief Encounter' released in 1945 starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard (donation included pp). Continue to the classic seaside resort of Morecambe where the sweep of the bay is a major attraction with the Lake District fells visible beyond. Enjoy the many pleasures of the seaside and be sure to stroll along the flat, award-winning promenade to see the statue of one of Britain's' most treasured comedians - Eric Bartholomew - who took the stage name Eric Morecambe when he met his comedy partner, Ernie Wise. Take a walk along the Stone Jetty, the remains of the original harbour, now transformed into a lovely walk out into the bay. Maybe even enjoy a cuppa in the 1930s art deco masterpiece Midland Hotel.
Day 5 - A hearty breakfast and check out. Return to interchange with a stop for lunch on the way. Back to your home towns mid evening.
Accommodation
Your Lake District Hotel
Cumbria Grand Hotel, Grange-over-Sands
Set within the Lake District National Park, the 3* Cumbria Grand Hotel makes an excellent base to explore this beautiful part of England. The historic Cumbria Grand Hotel was built in 1880 and is located only a short drive from the majestic and popular Lake Windermere within the Lake District. The hotel sits in 20 acres of private gardens and woodlands and overlooks Morecambe Bay.
The grounds offer a garden area, tennis court, putting green and woodland/fitness walk and indoors you will find a full sized snooker table, pool table, table tennis, dartboard as well as the main restaurant and bar lounge.
There is a lift to all floors and all guestrooms feature television, hairdryer, telephone and tea/coffee making facilities.