The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Lake District, England

April 28, 2022 Deane Carmody

Cumbria's valleys and fells (as the low mountains are known) are home to idyllic villages, high moorlands and picturesque lakes. Literary buffs will enjoy Wordsworth's Dove Cottage (go in March to see daffodils), and if you've got kids in tow, visit The World of Beatrix Potter. Or just enjoy a leisurely drive through beautiful scenery.
Restaurants in Lake District

1. 5-Day The Dales, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh EH1 3DQ, UK Rabbie's
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Discover some of northern England’s most picturesque regions on this 5-day excursion from Edinburgh. With an expert driver-guide, enjoy a scenic journey along the magnificent East Lothian coastline to the historical city of York. From here, visit the breathtaking natural beauty of North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales, and then relocate to the charming market town of Keswick to explore the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. Numbers limited to 16 on this small-group tour, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention from the guide.

Inclusions: Professional guide/driver, Transport by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach, 4 nights in B&B or 3-star Hotel accommodation (en-suite rooms with breakfasts), Small group tour (16 people max)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Admission fees.

Reviewed By 464kathyi

Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????

2. The Beatrix Potter And Peter Rabbit Private Tour

Ye Olde England Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A very special day tour through the Lakes to see the home of Beatrix Potter and the gardens in which Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck lived.  After which we will travel through some beautiful scenery to visit the special Beatrix Potter Gallery.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Entry Tickets

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By mandywC2882US

Stephen is so knowledgable! This private walking tour was a super experience full of history that the average person would never see or notice. Thank you Stephen!

3. Six Lakes in a Morning from Windermere

Mountain Goat Tours, Victoria St, Windermere LA23 1AD, UK The Mountain Goat
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

If you’re short on time in the Lake District then this morning tour is a fantastic way to see a lot in not much time. Not only will you see six different Lakes (also called Tarns, Meres and Waters) you go over Kirkstone pass, take in the views at Castlerigg Stone Circle and visit the Village of Grasmere.

Inclusions: Transport in a small mini-coach, On-board commentary in English

Exclusions: Food & drink, Additional Entrance fees, Drivers gratuity (Optional)

Reviewed By oliviaoanh

It was my first trip to Lake Districts and I absolutely loved it. Gerry is very friendly, kind and knowledgeable person. He knows Lake District like the back of his hand. Although it wasn't the best weather to see the lakes but he made sure that we visit as much as we could. It's still wonderful no matter how the weather was like. I will definitely come back one day. Would rate it 6 stars if I can :)

4. William Wordsworth: Afternoon Half Day Tour with an Expert Guide

Windermere LA23 1AH, UK English Lakes Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This tour takes you to: • Grasmere Village. • Church Stile the former inn where William Wordsworth, his brother John and fellow romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge stayed for several days during their Lake District tour in 1797. • Grasmere Gingerbread Shop where Sarah Nelson invented the world famous "Grasmere Gingerbread" in 1854. • The Wordsworth family graves. • St Oswald's Church where the Wordsworth family worshipped. • Dove Cottage where William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy lived from 1799 to 1808. • Views of Grasmere, the beautiful lake the Wordsworths knew so well. • Rydal Mount William Wordsworth's best loved family home from 1813 to his death in 1850. • Rydal Hall Gardens where Wordsworth admired the waterfall from the "grot" viewing house. • Rydal Church built on the site chosen by William Wordsworth which also inspired two of his poems. • Dora's Field bought by William Wordsworth in 1826. • Views of Rydal Water, one of the smaller lakes.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Knowledgeable guide available throughout the tour, Entrance to Rydal Mount, Entry to Dove Cottage, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By H9BJisabellem

We did this ultimate private tour with tour guide Tim. This tour is really worth the money and the convenience of being able to see around Lake district while enjoying our company with Tim. The tour itself was really nice and our tour guide was really knowledgable. He kept us awake throughout our trip and he even took good photos of us. He was friendly and all smiles. The covid restriction was kept in place and there were hand sanitisers inside the van. I have already recommended this to my friends. Well done!

5. Cotswolds Summer Adventurer Tour

Oxford Visitor Information Centre, 15-16 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS, UK Cotswold Exploring
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which has inspired artists, writers and philosophers for many centuries.  Come and discover idyllic English villages, nestling in quiet valleys, small stone thatched cottages, majestic castles and manors, and charming high streets peppered with quaint tea shops and antiques shops.  Let us take you on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning scenery, combining the best of the North and South Cotswolds.  

Inclusions: Blue Badge guide, Live commentary on board, Bottled water, Beverages, Pick up from hotels in North Oxford on request , Pick up from Oxford Railway Station on request

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By jennifercF805IS

My husband and I recently went on the half day Cotswolds taster tour and had an incredible time! The tour began with the introduction of our two fab guides who were so knowledgable and friendly. They greeted us wearing face masks and shields which put us at ease right away. They greeted me by name as well, impressive! We met them on Broad street which has some cafes that open early so make sure to grab one to go. We are local to Oxford but don’t have a car and this was perfect for a day out of the city to see the country. We sat socially distant from the guides and they even had sanitiser and water on hand if we needed it. They opened the door for us and kept themselves socially distant which was important. They were very professional and got to know us so they could customise the tour a bit to show us more churches and schools which we were interested in. I really loved our first stop at Minster Lovell and my favourite spot was Bourton on the Water. We will be going back to those places for sure. They definitely have more to see including historic sights and shops in those two places. Honestly the day was perfect and we felt like VIPs. This was the best half day taster tour and we are already planning to go again once restrictions are lifted. We even gave our families and friends their contact to book tours because we were so impressed. Fantastic driving Dave and Ed was so knowledgable about the area. Great communication with us pre tour and post. Thanks so much and definitely worth booking!

6. Private Tour: The Brontes: Full Day All-Inclusive Tour with an Expert Guide

English Lakes Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This tour takes you to: • Drive through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside • Visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum & Graveyard • Guided walk around Haworth, unchanged since the Brontes lived there • Visit romantic gothic ruins of Wycoller Hall, “Ferndean Manor” of Jane Eyre • Private Tour, only your group will participate

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Knowledgeable guide available throughout the tour, Qualified driver in addition to guide for your safety, Small group size for a more intimate experience, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Entry into the Bronte Parsonage Museum

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By H9BJisabellem

We did this ultimate private tour with tour guide Tim. This tour is really worth the money and the convenience of being able to see around Lake district while enjoying our company with Tim. The tour itself was really nice and our tour guide was really knowledgable. He kept us awake throughout our trip and he even took good photos of us. He was friendly and all smiles. The covid restriction was kept in place and there were hand sanitisers inside the van. I have already recommended this to my friends. Well done!

7. York & the Lake District: Small-Group Tour from London (5-days)

Mercure London Kensington Hotel, 1A Lexham Gardens, Kensington, London W8 5JJ, UK GO-tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Join this five-day adventure exploring York and the Lake District from London, where you'll savour beautiful scenery in the Lake District and visit Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge as you travel through the heart of Britain. This small-group tour will you'll take you on a journey of spectacular scenery, literary legends and historic cities... • Enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Lake District and historic cities like York and Cambridge • See the homes iconic literary figures William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter • See the Magna Carta in Lincoln Castle, take-in the imposing York Minster and visit King's College Chapel, Cambridge • Small-groups with a maximum of 16 passengers, starting & finishing in London • Includes: 4-nights accommodation, Tour Leader and minibus transportation

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4-nights en-suite accommodation, Driver/guide, Transportation in air-conditioned minibus, Small-group tour (max. 16 passengers)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By murrellge

A fantastic tour around the beautiful Cotswolds, visiting places steeped in history and character. Our tour guide, Glenn, was very knowledgeable on the area, offering this information in a friendly and engaging way. A great day out for all ages, made even better without the stress of travelling and parking, highly recommend and look forward to being on another tour in the future!

8. The Lake District Tour from Liverpool

World Museum, Liverpool L3 8EW, UK The Mountain Goat
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour gives you a day in the Lake District National Park, from Liverpool. It’s an ideal way to see amazing landscape associated with this stunning National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leaving Liverpool, the tour heads North to the Lake District via the M6 Motorway, in approximately two hours you will arrive in the Lake District. As you start your Lake District tour, you will visit the medieval village of Hawkshead, famous for its connection with Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. You will see incredible scenery as you venture into the heart of the Lake District from Hawkshead, with plenty of photo stops along the way. Your Lake District day tour would also not be complete without a cruise on one of the famous lakes. You can sit back and enjoy the unrivaled views of the lake and the fell ranges beyond! As your Lake District tour comes to an end, we will then continue our journey back to Liverpool. Children must be 5 years or over.

Inclusions: Knowledge driver-guide, On-board commentary, Lake cruise

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Cory P

It was good. Really really good. So good, it made good feel fantastic. Cos it was fantastic. Very much so

9. The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

Windermere LA23, UK English Lakes Tours
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

This tour takes you to: • Drive through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside • Visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum & Graveyard • Guided walk around Haworth, unchanged since the Brontes lived there • Visit romantic gothic ruins of Wycoller Hall, “Ferndean Manor” of Jane Eyre

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Knowledgeable guide available throughout the tour, Qualified driver in addition to guide for your safety, Small group size for a more intimate experience, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By H9BJisabellem

We did this ultimate private tour with tour guide Tim. This tour is really worth the money and the convenience of being able to see around Lake district while enjoying our company with Tim. The tour itself was really nice and our tour guide was really knowledgable. He kept us awake throughout our trip and he even took good photos of us. He was friendly and all smiles. The covid restriction was kept in place and there were hand sanitisers inside the van. I have already recommended this to my friends. Well done!

10. Stunning Lake District 6 Hour Tours!

Bowness Pier, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3HQ, UK Home James Private Lake District Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour is a beautiful tour day, full of beauty and natural wonder, out but is rough guide to your days travel, as customers may amend the tour to suite there needs or wish list. Please contact Simon to alter your tour. Thank you.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water and sort drinks will be a at any point on your tour!

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Reviewed By LaurenH0305

We went out for a four hour tour with Simon today and he was a star! He was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We are visiting the Lake District for the first time and were nervous to explore too far on the curvy narrow roads on our own. We asked Simon to show us to all the places we wouldn’t be able to find on our own. He took us to so many great places and gave us recommendations on where to explore on our own later along the way. I’d recommend Simon unequivocally. Thanks for the memories!

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