Private Half Day In The Lakes

4 hours Private tour

Private Half Day In The Lakes, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Climbing from Windermere into the high fells where the road rises through Kirkstone Pass and the landscape opens far beyond. From these heights the way descends towards the quiet waters of Brothers Water, before carrying on to Ullswater and its long mountain shores, with time to pause and simply enjoy the beauty around you.

The Lakes are yours to discover in your own way. As the road carries you onward, a clear commentary tells of the places passing by, their history and the mountains, waters and valleys that have shaped them. Your driver remains close at hand should you need assistance, while leaving you free to enjoy each stop and the journey through the Lakes at your own pace.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Operated by: Tour The Lakes

What is included

Included

Included: N/A

Itinerary

Kirkstone Mountain Pass

10 min

Shortly after departure, we ascend Kirkstone Pass, the highest road pass in the Lake District at 1,489 feet. This dramatic mountain route cuts through open fells, offering sweeping panoramic views across valleys and ridgelines. At the summit stands the historic Kirkstone Inn, one of England’s highest pubs, set in striking isolation amid the rugged landscape. This elevated beginning sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Stop 2

Passing by

Descending from the pass, we arrive at Brothers Water, one of the Lake District’s smaller yet most atmospheric lakes. Sheltered within a quiet valley, its calm surface often reflects the surrounding slopes and shifting skies. Once known as Broad Water, the lake was renamed in memory of two brothers who drowned here, adding a poignant note to its tranquil setting. This peaceful stretch offers beautiful views into Hartsop Valley before we continue onward.
Glenridding

30 min

Following the valley north, we reach Glenridding on the southern shore of Ullswater. Here we pause for around thirty minutes, allowing time to stroll beside the lake, visit the village cafés, browse small local shops, or simply relax by the water’s edge.
Ullswater

Passing by

Leaving Glenridding, we follow Ullswater’s shoreline. Stretching nine miles through a glacial valley, it is often regarded as the most picturesque lake in England. As we travel along its western edge, the slopes of Helvellyn and Place Fell rise steeply above the water, framing ever-changing reflections that shift with light and weather.
Castlerigg Stone Circle

15 min

From Ullswater, the route carries us west to Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of Britain’s most striking Neolithic monuments, estimated to be over 5,000 years old. The circle’s 38 standing stones sit on a high plateau surrounded by uninterrupted mountain views, including Blencathra, Skiddaw, and Helvellyn. Its dramatic setting makes it one of the most photogenic prehistoric sites in the country. We pause here to take in both the history and the landscape.
Thirlmere

Passing by

Continuing south, we travel alongside Thirlmere, a long and narrow reservoir set within a deep valley. Originally two separate lakes before being dammed in the 19th century, Thirlmere now blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Dense forest lines the water, while Helvellyn rises prominently above, offering a striking contrast between water, woodland, and mountain.
Grasmere

30 min

Our next stop is Grasmere, one of the Lake District’s most beloved villages. With around thirty minutes to explore, visitors may stroll through independent shops, enjoy a café stop, and visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, home to a unique sweet recipe dating back to 1854. Nearby, St. Oswald’s Church and Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden reflect the village’s literary heritage and enduring charm.
Rydal Water

Passing by

Leaving Grasmere, we pass Rydal Water, one of the region’s smaller but most picturesque lakes. Nestled between wooded slopes and rocky outcrops, it was a favourite retreat of William Wordsworth. The water’s surface often mirrors the surrounding fells, offering a quiet and reflective interlude as we continue south.
Ambleside

30 min

We make our final extended stop in Ambleside, located at the northern tip of Windermere. Here there is time to explore the historic streets, browse boutique shops and galleries, and enjoy refreshments in one of the town’s cafés. We park near Bridge House, the iconic 17th-century building spanning Stock Beck — one of the most photographed landmarks in the Lake District. This final stop offers a lively contrast to the quieter lakeside settings earlier in the tour.We make our final extended stop in Ambleside, located at the northern tip of Windermere. Here there is time to explore the historic streets, browse boutique shops and galleries, and enjoy refreshments in one of the town’s cafés. We park near Bridge House, the iconic 17th-century building spanning Stock Beck — one of the most photographed landmarks in the Lake District. This final stop offers a lively contrast to the quieter lakeside settings earlier in the tour.
Windermere

Passing by

As the journey concludes, we follow the eastern shoreline of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. Victorian boathouses, wooded islands, and distant mountain silhouettes provide a fitting final view before returning to Windermere Railway Station, completing the circular route.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Bowness Pier

At Bowness Pier, find the Tourist Information building with the ice cream counter. Your vehicle will meet you in the yellow bay marked COACHES. 48 hours before your tour, we will send your driver's name, contact number and vehicle details via Viator.
Windermere Railway Station

Face the station building and look around 20 feet to the left for the yellow Pick Up bay. Your vehicle will meet you here. 48 hours before your tour, we will send your driver's name, contact number and vehicle details via Viator.

End point

Bowness Pier

At Bowness Pier, find the Tourist Information building with the ice cream counter. Your vehicle will meet you in the yellow bay marked COACHES. 48 hours before your tour, we will send your driver's name, contact number and vehicle details via Viator.
Windermere Railway Station

Face the station building and look around 20 feet to the left for the yellow Pick Up bay. Your vehicle will meet you here. 48 hours before your tour, we will send your driver's name, contact number and vehicle details via Viator.

Pickup points

The Windermere Hotel
Craig Manor Hotel
The Ro Hotel Windermere
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
The Belsfield Hotel
Windermere Boutique Hotel
Applegarth Villa Hotel & Apple Restaurant
White Lodge Hotel
Windermere Manor Hotel
Burn How Garden Hotel
English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues
Stags Head

and 7 more pickup points

Windermere Railway Station

Face the station building and look around 20 feet to the left for the yellow Pick Up bay. Your vehicle will meet you here. 48 hours before your tour, we will send your driver's name, contact number and vehicle details via Viator.