The English Lake District & Yorkshire Dales

We depart on our coach from your local pick up point and travel to Dublin Port to catch the ferry to Holyhead. Our journey takes us through North Wales. We will have a refreshment stop in the Chester area. We then proceed to the Cumbria Grand Hotel where we will be based for next 4 Nights.

Dinner tonight and every night is served in the hotel.

After breakfast, we head to the market town of Kendal, situated on the banks of the River Kent. Kendal is renowned for its charming limestone buildings and its iconic energy-boosting mint cake. The Irish are always given a warm welcome here, as the town is twinned with Killarney.

In the afternoon, we visit the picturesque town of Bowness, located on the shores of Lake Windermere—the largest lake in England. Why not take a leisurely boat trip and enjoy the stunning views of the lake?

After breakfast we head for the Yorkshire Dales. Our lunch time stop is in the bustling market of Settle in the foothills of the Pennines amongst some of the most picturesque scenery in Yorkshire. Our afternoon stop is in the beautiful Cumbria town of Kirby Lonsdale on the River Lune. The centre is a mix of elegant 18th-century buildings and stone cottages huddled around cobbled courtyards and narrow alleys.

Today we will visit the towns of Keswick and Grasmere.

Keswick is a beautiful town, perfect for exploring on foot, with so much charm and history packed into its Market Square. The Moot Hall is indeed a unique spot with that one-handed clock—a great photo op and a symbol of the town’s character!

If you're visiting on a market day, you’re in for a treat; Keswick Market is well-known for its vibrant stalls and local offerings. You might find artisanal foods, unique crafts, and local produce. A stroll around the market will give you a real taste of Cumbrian culture and the chance to pick up some lovely souvenirs or even a snack for the road!
Afterward, when you head to Grasmere, you’ll find it equally charming, if a bit smaller and quieter. It’s well-known for its literary history, being the home of poet William Wordsworth. You can visit Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth lived, and the Wordsworth Museum. Don’t miss out on trying the famous Grasmere Gingerbread either—it’s one of a kind!

After breakfast we head back to Holyhead for our return ferry to Dublin. We will stop enroute for refreshments.