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England Self-Drive Adventure: Yorkshire and the Lake District

Price: P.O.A.
Carbon Score: 240Kg
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

From views across shimmering lakes to walks along ancient city walls, this journey through the Lake District and Yorkshire offers a seamless blend of countryside charm and historic city life. Travel back in time with a private tour of Wordsworth’s former home, cruise across peaceful Ullswater, and meander through characterful towns and villages, pausing as you please. With expert-led experiences, thoughtfully chosen stops, and the comfort of handpicked hotels, each day brings a new perspective—and memories to carry home long after the trip ends.

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Highlights

  • Enjoy a private Ullswater cruise, spending the day gliding across the lake, stopping to picnic, swim, or simply take in the views.
  • Take a VIP visit to Dove Cottage, exploring Wordsworth’s former home, rare manuscripts, and the landscapes that inspired his poetry.
  • Walk through historic York with a local guide, visiting the Minster, the Shambles, and the ancient city walls.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to England

Touching down at Manchester Airport, step off the plane into the bustling terminal before making your way to collect your rental car. From Manchester, drive north into the Lake District, winding past shimmering lakes and rugged fells to arrive at your lovely hotel, the Langdale Chase. Sitting along the shores of Windermere, Langdale Chase has been welcoming visitors since 1891. After a warm welcome, check in and take a moment to soak in the views across the water. Later, settle into the comfort of your room and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

Overnight: Windemere | Langdale Chase
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - A Literary Day in the Lakes

Begin the day with a scenic drive through the Lake District to the village of Grasmere, where Dove Cottage, once home to William Wordsworth, offers a quiet glimpse into the poet’s world. Step inside the stone-built cottage and take in the scent of aged wood and the warmth of an open hearth. On a VIP tour, explore rooms filled with personal belongings and rare manuscripts, each piece offering insight into Wordsworth’s life and work. In the afternoon, wander the streets of Ambleside at a leisurely pace. Browse independent bookshops, pause in cosy cafés, or follow peaceful paths along the lake. Later, return to Grasmere, where the scent of gingerbread draws you in. A warm, spiced bite captures the village’s charm—sweet, simple, and rooted in tradition.

Overnight: Windemere | Langdale Chase
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Walking in the Lake District

Meet your local guide this morning and begin the day at Rydal Hall Gardens & Estate, where you’ll hear about traditional Lakeland pastimes such as hound trailing and fell running. From here, choose your route: enjoy a gentle walk along the historic Coffin Route to the peaceful shores of Grasmere, or take on the climb to Loughrigg summit for sweeping views across the countryside. For experienced walkers, the Fairfield Horseshoe offers a classic and rewarding mountain circuit.

Overnight: Windemere | Langdale Chase
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - North Lakes

Leaving the Langdale Chase this morning, set off northward, the road hugging the shores of Windermere. A brief stop in Bowness-on-Windermere offers a chance to explore the pretty streets, perhaps visiting the World of Beatrix Potter or enjoying a lakeside coffee while watching the boats glide by. Continuing, the landscape unfolds into rolling fells and hidden valleys, inviting a detour to the historic village of Hawkshead. Cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and connections to Wordsworth add to its timeless charm. Afterwards, continue to Ullswater and check into Another Place, a relaxed and stylish hotel on the lake’s edge.

Overnight: Ullswater | Another Place
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Ullswater Lake

Spend the day exploring Ullswater on a private boat charter, with a friendly skipper guiding you across one of the Lake District’s most beautiful lakes. Step aboard a beautifully maintained vessel and set off at a leisurely pace, the boat gliding through calm waters framed by rolling fells, wooded slopes, and hidden bays. Along the way, stop at quiet shorelines—perfect for a short walk or a picnic featuring local specialities. There’s time to swim, try paddle boarding, or even learn the basics of boat handling under expert guidance. As the afternoon unfolds and golden light dances on the water, cruise back towards the pier feeling rested and relaxed after a lovely day on the water.

Overnight: Ullswater | Another Place
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Journey through Yorkshire

Today is a scenic travel day as you leave Ullswater behind and head southeast, ribboning through the striking landscapes of the Lake District before crossing into the rolling hills of Yorkshire. Along the way, pass through market towns and across open moorland, where dry-stone walls, heather-clad slopes, and grazing sheep characterise the countryside. A stop in the historic town of Richmond offers the chance to stretch your legs, perhaps explore the medieval castle or enjoy a traditional Yorkshire tea in a quaint local café. Continuing through the Yorkshire Dales, the road levels out as you approach York, where the old city walls and spires of York Minster come into view. Settle into your centrally located hotel, which provides an exquisite base to explore the city.

Overnight: York | The Grand Hotel York
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Exploring York

Today, enjoy exploring the fascinating city of York with a brilliant local guide. Visit the magnificent York Minster, where soaring Gothic spires, intricate stonework, and centuries-old stained glass windows offer a glimpse into the city’s religious and architectural heritage. Continue on foot through the winding medieval lanes of the Shambles, once a bustling centre of trade, now lined with timber-framed buildings that lean close overhead. From there, ascend a section of York’s ancient city walls for sweeping views across red-brick rooftops and the River Ouse. After the tour, spend some time exploring the city at your leisure before returning to your elegant hotel.

Overnight: York | The Grand Hotel York
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Depart

This morning, drive back to the airport in time for your onward travel. As your journey comes to a close, head home with fond memories of the landscapes explored and moments enjoyed along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Download Itinerary

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England Self-Drive Adventure: Yorkshire and the Lake District

To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this tour, please complete the form below:

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Our bespoke offerings extend beyond the accommodations and experiences showcased in our sample itineraries, serving as starting point to spark inspiration and illustrate what's possible. Get in touch today to begin collaborating on crafting your client's dream holiday.

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Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Breakfast each morning, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Car hire from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • VIP Tour at William Wordworth’s Dove Cottage
    • Privately guided explorations of the Lake District on Day 3
    • Private Cruise on Lake Ullswater
    • Privately guided explorations of York including;
      • Entry to York Minster
      • Entry to an attraction of your choice
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.

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Tel: +44 (0)1479 420120

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