England's Lake District: A One-Week Stay in Historic Cumbria

Take an overnight transatlantic flight to Manchester. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director and assisted with the transfer to your lakeside lodging in the picturesque village of Grasmere. The approximate driving time is two hours. Upon arrival at the hotel, each guest will receive a customized welcome package containing general information about the Lake District, as well as a map of the Grasmere area. Your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director will be available this afternoon and throughout the program for suggestions regarding tours, restaurants and independent activities. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner this evening at the hotel. (R,D)

Start each day of your stay with a full English-style buffet. Begin your program with an exploration of Grasmere, once the home of William Wordsworth, and see the poet’s gravesite and the legendary bakery that has served up Grasmere gingerbread since the 1850s. Your excursion continues past Thirlmere Reservoir before visiting the neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic site set high on the fells where you’ll admire the placid waters of Buttermere Lake. Before lunch, there’s a tour, and whisky tasting at the Lakes Distillery. From the town of Keswick, take a cruise on Derwentwater, one of the largest lakes in the Lake District National Park and a World Heritage site. This evening you may wish to explore the pub and restaurant options in Grasmere or dine independently at the hotel. (B,L)

Join a local expert for a lecture on the history of the Lake District—from its stone circles and Roman roads to the advent of train travel. Afterward, set out to discover some of the park’s most dramatic landmarks. Ascend the breathtaking hairpins of the Wrynose and Hardknott passes, the steepest mountain passes in England. Hike up to the Hardknott Roman Fort—a 1,000 foot climb—to take in spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and valleys, as well as Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. Enjoy lunch at a country inn, and then journey to beautiful Wastwater, England’s deepest lake. Tour the splendid Muncaster Castle, a 14th-century family home surrounded by lovely gardens and parklands, and visit its World Owl Trust. Join fellow travelers and Smithsonian Journeys Expert this evening in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for an informal discussion about the day’s discoveries. (B,L)

Drive north out of Grasmere, passing through picturesque Cumbrian towns on the way toward the Scottish border. Stop to visit Lanercost Priory, a tranquil 12th-century church with a turbulent past, having been subjected to numerous attacks during the wars between England and Scotland. Continue to explore one of England’s most iconic World Heritage sites, Hadrian’s Wall, a coast-to-coast defensive wall built by Roman Emperor Hadrian nearly 2,000 years ago to keep “barbarians” at bay. At Banks, explore one of the wall’s best-preserved turrets or observation towers—in use until the fourth century AD. Follow the wall from here, discovering traces of milecastles and towers, and see an exhibition about the site. After lunch at a local restaurant, delve further into the legacy of the Romans at the Roman Army Museum* and the excavated fortress at Vindolanda. Continue along Hadrian’s Wall before turning south, and stop for tea and lovely views at Hartside Pass. (B,L)

*Please note: Our 2027 program will no longer include the visit to the Roman Army Museum.

Take a literary tour of the Lake District, visiting the haunts of the many writers and poets drawn to these hills. At William Wordsworth's home at Rydal Mount, enjoy a poetry reading and a private tour of the gardens—originally designed by the poet himself. Journey to Tarn Hows and opt to walk along the scenic lake once owned by Beatrix Potter. Then take a short drive to Coniston Water, a major inspiration for the 20th-century children’s writer Arthur Ransome. Visit Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin, a Victorian philosopher, writer, and painter. After lunch, visit the medieval monastic village of Hawkshead, where Wordsworth attended grammar school. Cap off your tour of literary haunts at Hill Top Farm, the home of Beatrix Potter. In early evening, gather in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner to talk about the day’s experiences. In the early evening gather for dinner with fellow travelers at a nearby restaurant. (B,L,D)

Set out this morning by coach for a drive through the undulating landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, where streams and waterfalls tumble through the hills and stunning views appear around every bend. Opt for a walk from Hardraw to Hawes, or head straight to Hawes and enjoy free time to explore this market town. Meet up at Wensleydale Creamery for a tasting of local cheeses and a coffee. Venture further into the Dales, stopping to admire the triple cascades of Aysgarth Falls. Travel through Kettlewell to Grassington, one of the loveliest villages in the Dales. Take a walking tour before lunch on your own. Arrive back in Grasmere and the hotel late in the day, enjoy the evening and dinner independently. (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover the Lake District at your own pace, or choose one of two morning excursions.

Choice #1 - Grasmere Circuit Walk: Walk along the shores of Grasmere Lake, which inspired the poetry of William Wordsworth, then enjoy refreshments at the Faeryland boat landing. (Note: This walk is approximately 3.5 miles)

Choice #2 - Holehird Gardens: Head to Holehird Gardens, the home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society, and meander through a variety of gardens to stunning botanical collections, set against views of the Lake District.

Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure. This evening, celebrate your time together discovering the Lake District at a farewell reception and dinner. (B,R,D)

After breakfast, transfer to Manchester airport for your flight home. (B)

Please note that the flow of this itinerary may change due to operational considerations.