With English Lakes Tours, we appreciate the simplicity of exploring the Lake District with just a handful of fellow travellers—about seven per group, which makes a difference. 

We find that smaller groups create a much more relaxed atmosphere, allowing everyone to properly take in each scene without being surrounded by a crowd. It’s nice to have a bit of room to enjoy the landscape rather than feeling hurried along.

In addition, we also think their approach of blending well-known sights like Ambleside and Windermere with quieter, less-visited spots is a nice touch, too. 

Rather than rattling off tourist facts, the guides take their time sharing local stories and bits of history that bring out the area’s character. 

However, with just seven spots available, we’d suggest booking early if you’re set on going with them. It fills up quickly, and we reckon that’s the trade-off for keeping things small and peaceful.

Incredible!

“I took part of “Eight Lakes Half Day Tour” on 23/05. It was an incredible experience.”

-Viktoriya Martynovych, Google Review

Best guides!

“10 lake day tour. WOW! Fabulous tour with the two best guides in the area.”

-Jonathan Frankel, Google Review

Rabbie’s Lake District and Windermere Day Tour are ideal for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in the Lake District in a single day. Starting bright and early at the NCP Car Park, you’ll set off at 8:30 AM for a full 11-hour journey.

We like how Rabbie’s makes the two-hour drive to the Lakes both smooth and scenic, giving everyone a comfortable start to the day. The bus is even equipped with USB chargers, which is a nice touch for keeping devices charged and ready to capture the beautiful sights ahead.

The first stop at Bowness-on-Windermere offers a chance to stretch, take in the lakeside views, and, if you’re up for it, hop on a boat cruise across Windermere. It’s a plus for us how this adds a lovely bit of variety—whether walking the shore or drifting on the lake, there’s plenty to enjoy.

With such a full day, we suggest bringing snacks and water to keep you comfortable. It’s an active itinerary, but Rabbie’s balances it well with scenic routes and thoughtfully timed stops, making for a day that feels both enriching and enjoyable.

Outstanding!

“We did a three day Lakes District tour with Darren. He was outstanding, this guy should be on the stage!”

-Grahame Manns, Google Review

Brilliant!

“We went to the lakedistrict tour. The tour guide Shara was absolutely brilliant.”

-Ishna 202, Google Review

We like how Smile Adventures brings a bit of community spirit into exploring the Lake District. For anyone living in Manchester or just looking to meet new people, this tour makes a pretty lively day out of it. 

With a larger group size, it’s not the quietest tour, but that’s part of its charm—it’s all about making friends and enjoying the Lakes together. One of the highlights is the guided walk around Derwentwater, which offers a stunning mix of lake views and rugged terrain.

Having a guide to lead the walk also keeps things interesting, as they share bits about the landscape along the way, giving everyone a chance to take it all in without having to navigate.

Since the tour runs only once a month, we recommend planning if you’re set on going with Smile Adventures. It’s clearly a popular option for those who enjoy a more social vibe. 

If you’re not one for large groups, it might not be the right fit, but for anyone who’s looking to make connections, it’s ideal.

Fantastic!

“My Family and I recently took a coach tour from Manchester to the Lake District with Smile Adventures and it was fantastic!”

-K S, Google Review

Friendly guides

“I’ve done the tour to Lake District. The bus is comfy, the staff are quite friendly and relaxed”

-Talita Lemes, Google Review

We think Mountain Goat Tours has nailed the balance between an intimate group setting and a full day of Lake District discovery. With only six people in each group, it’s easy to settle in and enjoy the day without the typical crowds. 

It’s not often you find a tour that makes the Lake District feel this personal—especially with spots as well-loved as Hawkshead and Blea Tarn on the list. One of our favourite aspects is how the guides weave local history into each stop, bringing out the stories behind the scenery.

We appreciate the well-planned route that covers a range of landscapes, from the quieter shores of Blea Tarn to the dramatic Langdale Valley. Each stop feels carefully chosen for its natural beauty.

With such high demand for these intimate experiences, we’d suggest booking well in advance to secure a spot, as availability fills up quickly. This popularity is a bit of a trade-off but worth planning ahead for if you want a more private, unrushed way to see the Lakes.

Spectacular

“We did the full day 10 lakes tour with Mountain Goat Tours! We had a spectacular experience.”

–Jessica Gomez, Google Review

Informative

“I had the best time with Tim, in the 10 lakes tour! It was my first solo travel and he made the whole experience so informative and incredibly funny”

-Susanna Joseph, Google Review

If a slightly shorter day exploring the Lake District sounds right, BusyBus has a well-rounded tour that kicks off conveniently from Manchester Airport at 9:15 AM. We like how this start location offers a quick and straightforward route from Manchester Piccadilly by train.

What’s unique about this tour is the balance of well-known sites with quieter, lesser-visited spots. First up is the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle, where you’re stepping into a slice of history among the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District. 

Grasmere village is another highlight, especially for poetry lovers, with the chance to see William Wordsworth’s grave. BusyBus even makes a stop at Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop, a charming spot where you can taste some of the area’s iconic gingerbread. 

Driving through Langdale Valley and stopping at Blea Tarn brings out the rugged beauty of the Lake District, and the itinerary manages to cover a lot without feeling overwhelming. 

It is a bit shorter than other tours, so things do move along at a quicker pace. 

Well-curated

“The itenary is well curated. Shelly shared rich cultural history along with practical insights on food, photo stops”

-S Ghosh, Google Review

Great time!

“It’s an amazing tour company. We took their lake district tour. Had a great time with our tour guide Adrian.”

-Manish Grover, Google Review