&Olives - Lake District & The Cotswolds

Day 1 - The Heart of The Lake District

Meet your expert Wilderness guide this afternoon and begin your adventure into the heart of the Lake District National Park. As you wind your way through the bucolic landscape, enjoy stunning views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding mountainous peaks, before arriving at your bespoke hotel. Nestled at the entrance of the breathtaking Langdale Valley, it’s the perfect base to explore this beautiful, wild region of England.

With your guide, head out for a short stroll to Blea Tarn where you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of the Langdale Pikes, later enjoying a lovely dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Ambleside, Lake District | Rothay Manor
Room Type: Superior Courtyard

Day 2 - Lingmoor Fell, Ambleside & Grasmere

After breakfast, your expert Guide will join you and to hike the quiet, heather-cloaked peak of Lingmoor Fell. While only 469m, its isolated nature means you’ll enjoy spectacular and uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. From the summit, Coniston Fells, Crinkle Crags, and the Langdale Pikes dominate the skyline; while the valleys of Great and Little Langdale provide a beautiful expanse of contrasting colour below.

Afterwards you’ll make your way to Grasmere and explore the home of the remarkable poet, William Wordsworth. Afterwards, sample Victorian cook Sarah Nelson’s famous Grasmere Gingerbread, invented in 1854.

Later this afternoon head to Ambleside, a bustling market town with the option to explore at your own pace, surrounded by the majestic fells. Spend some time strolling along the narrow streets, popping into artisan shops.

Overnight: Ambleside, Lake District | Rothay Manor
Room Type: Superior Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - The Scafell Massif Loop

For our day in the Southern Lakes, we head toward the impressive Scafell Pike – England’s highest peak at 978m. We’ll follow a well worn track into the wide glacial valley of Mickleden, before crossing the beck heading to Esk Hause, to begin the ascent. As you walk, enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Lakes – ridges that splinter into precipitous crags and slopes ribboned by tongues of dark water. Rossett Pike is our first Wainwright peak of the day, giving us fine views of Langdale.

The option of encompassing Great End and Scafell Pike is also on the cards, before continuing around the tarn to tick off Bow Fell. Dinner this evening is well earned and no doubt will have a celebratory air after a wonderful day in the hills.

Overnight: Ambleside, Lake District | Rothay Manor
Room Type: Superior Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Lake Windermere & Beatrix Potter

The window ajar, wake to the sound of birdsong. After a cup of fresh coffee, enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Windermere – the largest natural lake in England. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the Windermere Jetty Museum. Opened in 2019 by King Charles, the museum chronicles the history of sailing on Windermere and includes a unique collection of boats, one of which is the oldest sailing yacht in the UK.

Afterwards, take a cruise on one of the beautiful steamers, sitting back and relaxing as the views unfurl beyond the bow. On the other side of the lake, visit the Hill Top, the beloved farmhouse home of Beatrix Potter and explore scenes from her illustrations.

Overnight: Ambleside, Lake District | Rothay Manor
Room Type: Superior Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Ullswater Cruise and Walk Glenridding

Enjoy a boat cruise across Ullswater this morning, a beautiful lake carved out by a long-extinct glacier and flanked by fells rich in prehistoric remains. Relax on deck as you glide across the shimmering water, listening to the insightful crew’s commentary on the area’s fascinating history.

Disembark at Howtown, a hamlet on the eastern shores, and enjoy a beautiful walk along the lakeshore back to Glenridding. As a long, grey heron flies elegantly across the sky, enjoy chatting with your guide as you walk, identifying birds and stopping for snacks and photos. Return to your hotel, and as the hazy sunset fades across the fells, enjoy a relaxed drink before dinner.

Overnight: Ambleside, Lake District | Rothay Manor
Room Type: Superior Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Journey to The Cotswolds

After a scrumptious breakfast, uncover the enchanting history of Stratford-upon-Avon as you spend a delightful break on your journey South exploring the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Wander through the charming streets, where Tudor-style buildings whisper tales of the past. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, delve into the history of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and be captivated by the intricacies of Mary Arden’s Farm.

Later this afternoon, arrive into the Cotswolds to enjoy an evening relaxing in the countryside.

Overnight: Chipping Campden, The Cotswolds | Cotswold House Hotel and Spa
Room Type: Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Broadway Tower & Cycling

This morning, pause to ascend the famous gothic folly Broadway Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Spend the afternoon exploring the cycle routes with your expert guide. Test yourself whilst taking on the local landscape of the surrounding villages and if you’re up for the challenge, there’s plenty of steep hills to climb, winding paths to slalom, forest trails to conquer and country roads to explore. End the day with a well earned rest back at your quintessential countryside hotel.

Overnight: Chipping Campden, The Cotswolds | Cotswold House Hotel and Spa
Room Type: Feature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Bourton-on-the-Water & The Slaughters

This morning, enjoy visiting Bourton-on-the-Water, which is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Known for its five stone bridges that arch across the River Windrush, it’s an idyllic place to enjoy a morning meander. Transfer over to Lower Slaughter and enjoy a circular walk that ribbons its way through the countryside.

Along with wonderful views, the trail passes a 16th-century Dovecote and through Upper Slaughter, another quintessential Cotswold village home to a beautiful parish church. After the walk, transfer to your award-winning hotel nestled in the charming town of Tetbury.

Overnight: Tetbury, The Cotswolds | Calcot Manor
Room Type: Generous with Bath
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Nature's Paradise

This morning meet a local naturalist for an immersive bird song experience in the Cotswolds. Explore the tranquillity of nature, listening to the melodic symphony of woodland and grassland birds welcoming a new day. Following the enchanting morning, embark on a scenic walk along the Cotswold Way, where rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes unfold before you. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside, absorbing the serenity of the surroundings.

Later, indulge in a delightful lunch in one of the charming villages, savouring local flavours and soaking in the quaint ambience. This carefully crafted itinerary promises a perfect blend of nature, exploration, and culinary delights for an enriching and unforgettable day in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Overnight: Tetbury, The Cotswolds | Calcot Manor
Room Type: Generous with Bath
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Exploring Bath

Head out this morning with your guide to enjoy a wonderful walking tour of the city. As the beautiful Georgian architecture presses honey-yellow against the blue sky, soak in the sights and sounds of a city founded by the Romans for well-being and relaxation. Take the opportunity to visit the Roman Baths, afterwards treating yourself to an afternoon tea in a place rich and evocative with history.

Enjoy a self-guided exploration of Bath, perhaps a visit to the Victoria Arts Gallery, a tranquil and thought-provoking place beyond the colourful and bustling streets. Spend the afternoon under your own steam, taking the time to immerse yourself in Bath’s remarkable collection of museums, independent shops and delicious restaurants.

Overnight: Tetbury, The Cotswolds | Calcot Manor
Room Type: Generous with Bath
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Depart the Cotswolds

This morning, enjoy a relaxed stroll through the pretty market village, perhaps picking up a few Cotswold delicacies to take with you on your way home. Your guide will transfer you to the station in good time for you to catch the train back to London or onwards to the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast