The Real Lake District by Mountain Goat

Discover the glorious Lake District in Cumbria, an area of outstanding natural beauty with stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, clear, shimmering lakes and rugged mountains. 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. England's largest National Park, this beautiful region is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the country's favourite places for enjoying the outdoors. This tour has a host of included extras from steam train rides to lake cruises and, of course, the highlight of the tour - The Mountain Goat!

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast & dinner- Lake District Mountain Goat Mini Bus Tour- Heritage Train Ride- Visit grounds of Muncaster Castle- Bowness to Lakeside Cruise- Visit to Bowness- Lakeside - Haverthwaite Steam Railway- Optional Excursion to Keswick & Ambleside

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - From your chosen joining point your feeder vehicle will take you to your designated interchange point where your holiday begins. After joining your holiday coach, sit back and relax as your journey takes you northwards. A suitable lunch-time stop before arriving at your hotel for the next 4 nights with breakfast and dinner included.

Days 2 - 4 - At leisure in Grange over Sands with included excursions & an optional excursion:

Explore the Real Lake District by Mountain Goat Mini Bus & Heritage Train Ride
This 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 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, see England's deepest lake and visit the grounds of the 14th Century Muncaster Castle. This tour is a chance to explore the real Lake District! All fares included.

Lake District Steam & Cruise
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 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.Optional Excursion to Keswick & Ambleside
Enjoy your first stop in pretty Ambleside - famous home of William Wordsworth where he spent a lot of his time. Continue on through Grasmere to Keswick. The most northerly of the Lake District's major towns, Keswick has perhaps the most beautiful location of all: encircled by cloud-capped fells and nestled alongside the idyllic, island-studded lake of Derwentwater, a silvery curve criss-crossed by puttering cruise boats. Returning to the hotel late afternoon.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.Overlooking Morecambe Bay
The Cumbria Grand Hotel, Grange Over Sands - 3 Star
The Cumbria Grand is set in 25 acres of gardens and woodlands, and is only a 15-minute drive from Lake Windermere.
Bathrooms have bathtubs and showers and the spacious rooms also feature a TV, hairdryers and tea-coffee making facilities.
Some rooms have panoramic sea views over Morecambe Bay and beyond to the Yorkshire Dales.This charming Victorian hotel has its own tennis court & putting green. Indoors, there is a full-size snooker table, table tennis and large ballroom.Lift to all floors.

Hotels
• Cumbria Grand Hotel (Grange over Sands) - View Information