Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Cumbria
Train, Tipple and a Topiary
Think you have experienced all the Lake District has to offer? This tour may just make you think again! We visit the Topiary Gardens at Levens Hall and the Lakes Distillery, award winning producer of hand crafted spirits. Next we take a journey on the steam railway and cruise on Lake Windermere to Bowness where we will explore The World of Beatrix Potter.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 & 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to your hotel
Day 2
Ulverston and Levens Hall
This morning we have free time to explore the historic market town of Ulverston. This afternoon we visit Levens Hall and their stunning Topiary Gardens.
Stroll along the path in front of Levens Hall and you will find a small wooden gate leading into the Gardens. What awaits you, hidden behind the high stone wall, remains largely unchanged since the 17th century and is truly spectacular.
Dating back to the 1690s, the ten acres of Gardens retain many original features including the world’s oldest topiary gardens. This surreal and unique collection of ancient box and yew trees, in abstract or geometric shape, rises up from a beautiful display of underplanting, populated with an ever-changing array of over 30,000 bedding plants, all grown in the greenhouses onsite.
Day 3
Lakes Distillery and Keswick
This morning we visit Lakes Distillery, housed in a beautiful restored Victorian cattle farm, with handmade copper stills. We will go on a journey to see how the award-winning whisky, gin and vodkas are made. From the water taken from the River Derwent to the warehouse where the maturing spirit is sleeping, your senses will be ignited from start to finish. After a guided tasting of three spirits enjoy a coffee. You may catch a glimpse of the resident friendly herd of Alpacas which can be seen as you walk down to the only true lake in The Lake District, Lake Bassenthwaite. We then travel to the small market town of Keswick to explore the speciality shops and quirky pubs and tearooms. Please note groups tours are a maximum of 15 passengers every 30 minutes.
Day 4
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, cruise on Lake Windermere, and The World of Beatrix Potter
Arrive for your trip on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite steam railway and enjoy this short journey in vintage style. Once at Lakeside it is all aboard for the 40 minute cruise on Lake Windermere. Each cruise includes a fascinating commentary on the history, attractions and points of interest surrounding Windermere. On arrival at Bowness we visit The World of Beatrix Potter, a wonderful attraction and charming dedication to the famous children’s author, who herself was inspired by the areas nature and wildlife. After that there is free time to shop in picturesque Bowness before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Day 5
Return home via Samlesbury Hall
Something wicked this way comes! On your way home why not call in to Samlesbury Hall, the impressive half-timbered black and white medieval house built in 1325. But be warned…your tour guide may be ‘bewitching’.
Greatdays offer a selection of quality hotels in Cumbria.
Dates | 5 days / 4 nights |
2024 dates | From £380.00 per person |
2025 dates | Prices available on request |