Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Cumbria

Travel to Cumbria

Free time in Kendal, National Trust Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall and Gardens

This morning we will have a buffet breakfast at our hotel and travel to Kendal known for its Kendal Mint Cake and its 13th century Castle from where there is a great view over Kendal.

Our next stop is the National Trust property Sizergh Castle, the sweeping drive towards the drop off point sets the scene. Sizergh Castle is nothing short of impressive! A warm welcome awaits in the welcome centre housing its café and shop. A path leads from the shop towards the Castle, where you will see the enormous wooden doors – the threshold to history. Take time to wander in the gardens overlooked by the imposing Sizergh Castle.

Our next stop is Levens Hall, just a short drive away, Levens Hall is home to some of the oldest topiary in the country that can be seen from the windows to the rear of the Hall. Here, the dining room walls are hung with the impressive original gilt leather wall coverings dating back to the 1690s from the Netherlands. After visiting the Hall, it is a must to walk through the beautiful gardens and see the sculptural shapes the dedicated gardeners have created.

We return to our hotel for our evening meal.

Keswick at leisure, Dalemain Mansion & Gardens, Afternoon tea with fizz hosted by North Lakes Hotel

After our buffet breakfast, we board the coach to visit the market town of Keswick. Its pedestrian streets in the centre of Keswick are packed with shops with Lake District crafts, fudge shops, tea rooms – perfect for leisurely ‘elevenses.’ Derwentwater Lake is a short walk from the centre. There are magnificent views from the water’s edge over famous fells such as Cat Bells and beyond.

Once we have explored Keswick, we move on to Dalemain Mansion and Gardens near Penrith – famous for its Marmalade Festival with entries from around the world. Home to Mrs McCosh, famous for her gardening programme on Japanese television. Mrs McCosh can sometimes be seen working the gardens herself with the team of gardeners. The Mansion is splendid with its rose coloured exterior. A dedicated guide will take us through the different parts of the Mansion, of particular interest is the medieval banqueting hall with its huge table, fireplace and thick walls. The gardens are designed and separated into ‘rooms’ with something different around every corner. Why not take a few minutes to search for your favourite marmalade in the gift shop and café once the visit has finished?

Time for a treat! The North Lakes Hotel will host us for an Afternoon Tea with Fizz. Our group will be seated in the glazed, chalet style restaurant with views over the gardens. We will be presented with a range of sandwiches and sweet treats with a glass of fizz – the best way to finish our busy day.

We return to our hotel for our evening meal.

Holker Hall & Gardens and Windermere cruise from Lakeside to Bowness

We start our day with our hot and cold buffet breakfast.

Holker Hall is home to the Cavendish family who still reside in one wing of the building. Its highly decorated rooms are beautifully preserved with its high moulded ceilings and decorative wallpaper hangings. We will have a guided tour around the Hall with the knowledgeable guides who are passionate about their jobs and try to make the visitors feel very welcome. We can visit the Hall’s lounge area, library, dining room and the bedrooms upstairs. The stunning gardens and grounds are definitely recommended, from here you will see the grandeur of the Hall. A large café would be a perfect spot for lunch.

In the afternoon, we make our way by coach along the small lanes to the small village of Lakeside at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. Windermere Cruises will welcome you on to their cruiser as you embark for your one way trip to Bowness-on-Windermere and dock at Bowness Bay. The breathtaking scenery encompasses a combination of the deep inky waters and scenic mountain views – nature at its best.

Once we have arrived in Bowness-on-Windermere, we will have free time to enjoy the lakeside view from one of the many cafés and tea rooms. You may want to visit the World of Beatrix Potter where you can see modern displays on the children’s writer (at extra cost.)

We return to our hotel for our evening meal.

Return home

We enjoy a hot and cold buffet breakfast before heading home.

Greatdays can suggest a stop off attraction to break up the journey back home.