An autumn tour around the beautiful Lake District as the colours turn to red and gold, all from our hotel beside the River Kent.
Day 1 We journey north to Cumbria, with refreshment stops, arriving in Kendal late afternoon.
Day 2 This morning we make our way to Blackwell, one of the UK’s finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture with tremendous views over Windermere and the Coniston Fells. Almost all of Blackwell’s original features survive, with immaculate furniture and beautiful decorative flourishes. After time for lunch, we make our way to Pooley Bridge at the top of Ullswater for a one-hour cruise with Ullswater Steamers down to Glenridding. We return to Kendal over the famous Kirkstone Pass.
Day 3 This morning we have time in the pretty town of Kendal, where today is market day. Explore the independent shops, museums or stroll along the river. Later we make our way to Sizergh, a beautiful medieval manor house which stands proudly at the gateway to the Lake District and has been home to the Strickland family for more than 800 years.
Day 4 Our day begins at Bowness-on-Windermere, where we join our 40-minute cruise to Lakeside, on arrival cross the platform to Lakeside Railway Station and depart on a fantastic steam train to Haverthwaite Station. Here you have time to explore the engine sheds or café. We rejoin our coach and after a short drive we arrive at the Lakeland Motor Museum. We return to the hotel mid-afternoon.
Day 5 Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we make our way southwards, reaching the local area late afternoon.
On the banks of the River Kent in the centre of Kendal, our three-star hotel was once an 18th-century tannery and has excellent views from the first-floor restaurant and many of the bedrooms. Leisure includes indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, WiFi, ironing facilities, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift, but there are some steps throughout.
