Description
HIGHLIGHTS: Spectacular drive by Mountain Goat Mini Bus, Hardknott Pass, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Keswick, Grasmere, Kirkstone Pass
Share with us the secret of England's finest scenic region. Designed for those who like to get off the beaten track, away from it all, these tours feature a memorable full day Mountain Goat sightseeing tour. Once aboard you'll get to see so much more than is possible on a normal coach; wildlife abounds, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
**Please note it is a condition of travel with Grand UK, for all passengers to hold valid travel insurance for the duration of their tour.**
Itinerary
Excursions
YOUR EXCURSIONS
FULL DAY: One of the highlights of this holiday is a spectacular drive by Mountain Goat minibus to explore the mountains, valleys and lakes that are not normally accessible by coach. Our tour starts with a drive through wild and rugged Wrynose Pass, before commencing the dramatic ascent of Hardknott Pass, the steepest in Britain. We pause at the remote Hardknott Roman Fort with its stunning views before making our way to join the famous miniature Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway through Eskdale. In the afternoon we drive onward to Wastwater, voted 'Britain's Favourite View' and England's deepest and most dramatic lake before arriving at the splendid 14th century castle of Muncaster surrounded by its internationally acclaimed gardens.
FULL DAY: We start today in the Lakeland town of Keswick before passing Thirlmere to the idyllic village of Grasmere, final resting place of the poet William Wordsworth. We continue to bustling Bowness with its busy boat quays before returning via the spectacular 1500 foot Kirkstone Pass and along the tree-lined shores of Ullswater.
HALF DAY: A half day visit across the border to Scotland to reach the renowned 'runaway marriage' village of Gretna Green. The famous old Blacksmiths Shop still has an anvil marriage room, where many couples still get married to this day.
Escorted Travel
Every one of our coach holidays includes the services of a coach driver and is always fully escorted by a knowledgeable Tour Manager, they are on hand every day and night and stay in the same hotel to ensure your holiday is stress-free.
Our coach Tour Managers are there purely for your extra comfort and enjoyment, from organising activities to breaking the ice and helping you all make the most of your holiday.
We hand-pick these extra special people because of their passion for people and places; they are the heartbeat of our coach holidays, a smiling face, a helping hand and always a listening ear and have the ability to turn a great time into a truly magical and memorable holiday experience.
They are simply the best in the business.
Our coach Tour Managers are there purely for your extra comfort and enjoyment, from organising activities to breaking the ice and helping you all make the most of your holiday. They are simply the best in the business.
We hand-pick these extra special people because of their passion for people and places; they are the heartbeat of our coach holidays, a smiling face, a helping hand and always a listening ear and have the ability to turn a great time into a truly magical and memorable holiday experience.
Everything Included:
- Free local joining points
- Collect Coach Miles
- All coach travel
- Reserved seats on tour coaches
- Tour Manager escorted
- Hotel accommodation and board as stated
- No single room supplement
- Excursions / itinerary as stated
- Admission fees and entertainment if stated
- Complete luggage handling
- Price-Back Insurance Offer
Your Pick Up Points
Joining Your Grand UK Coach Holiday
For 2024 we have introduced improvements to our network of local pick up points across the eastern, central and southern England, aimed at shortening your journey times and getting you away on holiday more easily and conveniently, meaning an altogether more relaxing start. We now have two pick up regions so your travel days will be more convenient, providing more efficient journeys, meeting your tour manager and fellow travellers earlier and in most cases arriving in resort earlier, please refer to our Pick-ups section below for more details.
The Tour Ref below indicates whether the tour departs from Area A or Area B by having either an A or B at the end. For example, GUK5A would be a tour departing from Area A.
Pick-Up Information
For 2024 we have introduced improvements to our network of local pick up points across the eastern, central and southern England, aimed at shortening your journey times and getting you away on holiday more easily and conveniently, meaning an altogether more relaxing start. We now have two pick up regions so your travel days will be more convenient, providing more efficient journeys, meeting your tour manager and fellow travellers earlier and in most cases arriving in resort earlier.
The Tour Ref on the holiday tab indicates whether the tour departs from Area A or Area B by having either an A or B at the end. For example, GUK5A would be a tour departing from Area A.
Traveling from Departure Area A: Be picked up from your free local departure point, and join your tour coach at our interchange area at Northampton Services on the M11, at junction 15A.
Traveling from Departure Area B: Be picked up from your free local departure point, and join your tour coach at our interchange area at Beaconsfield Services, M40, junction 2.
Venue Information
County Hotel
The County Hotel is located in the centre of Carlisle, opposite the railway station, half a mile from Carlisle Castle.
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant, bar
- En-suite bedrooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Lift
Hotel/Attraction Links