The Real Lake District by Coach, Boat & Mountain Goat

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 full day at leisure in charming Kendal and, of course, the highlight of the tour - The Mountain Goat!\nNEW FOR 2026 - stay in a centrally located hotel in KendalHighlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Full day - Lake District Mountain Goat Mini Bus Tour- Heritage Train Ride (Ravenglass & Eskdale)- Visit grounds of Muncaster Castle- Visit to Ambleside & Bowness-on-Windermere- Ambleside to Bowness to Lakeside Cruise- Day at leisure in Kendal

Explore the Real Lake District
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 your centrally located hotel in Kendal for the next 4 nights DBB\n\nDay 2 - 4 - At leisure in Kendal with two included excursions and a full day at leisure\n\nKendal is the Southern Gateway to the Lakes (less than a mile from the boundary of the National Park) and home of the famous Mint Cake. Much of the town centre is pedestrianised with narrow lanes and yards branching from the main street.The unique History Trail, a walking route around the town centre with information plaques along the way delves into the town's story. Experience the town's friendly vibe at the weekly outdoor market held on Wednesday on the picturesque market place - look out for fresh produce and lovingly handmade delicacies. There is also an indoor market at the Westmorland Shopping Centre. You may like to visit the National Trust property of Sizergh, a beautiful medieval house with rich gardens and huge estate, just a few miles south of Kendal (Entrance approx. £15.40 in 2025). There is an hourly X6 bus service or 555, 755, 551 and 530 bus services to the Heaves / Brettagh stop (ask the bus driver for Sizergh).\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nEXPLORE THE REAL LAKE DISTRICT BY MOUNTAIN GOAT & A HERITAGE TRAIN RIDE\nThis classic adventure tour of the Western Lakes uses a route pioneered by the Romans! Join the Mountain Goat 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 extraordinary remains of the headquarters building, commandants house and bath house. During your day you will have time to enjoy a narrow-gauge heritage train ride (Ravenglass & Eskdale), see England's deepest lake (Wastwater) and visit the grounds of the 14th Century Muncaster Castle gardens, hawk and owl centre. The castle stands in 77 acres of gardens with a half mile long Georgian Terrace. This tour is a chance to explore the hidden gems and quieter areas aof the real Lake District! All fares/admissions included.\n\nAMBLESIDE & WINDERMERE CRUISE\nYour day starts in Ambleside for a look around, famous for William Wordsworth's Rydal Mount where he spent a lot of his time. Located at the northern end of Windermere, this popular town is perfectly located in the heart of the national park. Surrounded by majestic Lakeland fells, Ambleside's roots are in the medieval woollen trade, but the town you see today is primarily Victorian, built of traditional grey slate. One way to explore the town's historic and industrial story is to get hold of the Ambleside Heritage Trail (approx. £1 from the Information Centre at Market Cross). The iconic Bridge House is a tiny house over Stock Beck in the centre of the town and one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District. There is no shortage of cafes, pubs and tearooms for a spot of refreshment. Less than a mile from the town centre is Waterhead Pier and from here you will take a relaxing 30-minute cruise on Windermere (never Lake Windermere!) andl be treated to stunning views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands on your way to Bowness-on-Windermere. Enjoy some time at leisure in the Lake District's most popular visitor destination, busy for much of the year. People come to enjoy the lake, the atmosphere of the area and the town's delightful setting. Your driver awaits to take you back to Kendal later this afternoon.\n\nDay 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.Riverside Hotel, Kendal
The 3* Riverside Hotel is a historic family-owned hotel nestled on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal. Housed in a cpnverted 17th century tannery, the hotel is just a few minutes' walk from Kendal village and 20 minutes' walk to Kendal Castle ruins. \n\nGuestrooms are modern and feature WiFi, TV, hairdryer, iron / ironing board and tea / coffee making facilities. Many rooms have views overlooking the river and most have shower over bath. \n\nThere is an onsite gym, 10m swimming pool, hot tub, sauna amd steam room. \n\nThere is a riverside restaurant wth terrace as well as a bar. \n\nThere is a lift (accessed via 6 steps or stair lift). (This is a dog friendly hotel)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n