Travel the length of the famous Settle to Carlisle Line and immerse yourself in the outstanding scenery of the English Lake District.
Day 1 SUNDAY We travel to Cumbria, arriving in Kendal late afternoon.
Day 2 MONDAY A wonderfully scenic trip through the Lakes, passing Windermere, Grasmere & Thirlmere on the way to Keswick. After free time here, we continue 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 TUESDAY After a leisurely morning in Kendal we journey to Leighton Hall Estate. This impressive grade two listed stately hall is the family home of the famous Gillow furnituremaking family who are still residents today. We will enjoy a guided tour and have the chance to explore the famous collection of Gillow furniture, ‘objets d’art’, and the gardens.
Day 4 WEDNESDAY By coach we travel to Settle to join the famous line which will carry us all the way to Carlisle. Acknowledged as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the country, the line tracks the sparkling River Ribble, through the narrow, wooded valley and up onto the wide, high moors. We travel across the famous 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct, over Dent Head Viaduct, along Garsdale, over the Moorcock Viaduct, and through Appleby before reaching Carlisle. (This is not a heritage train.) We return to Kendal by coach.
Day 5 THURSDAY We take a cruise on England’s largest lake – Windermere, from Bowness to Lakeside, before visiting Holker Hall, a magnificent Victorian mansion steeped in history and surrounded by glorious gardens.
Day 6 FRIDAY Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we make our way south to get home.
On the banks of the River Kent in the centre of Kendal, our three-star hotel was once an 18thcentury tannery and has excellent views from the first-floor restaurant and many of the bedrooms. Leisure facilities include indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift, but there are some steps throughout.
