Luxury Lakes

The Lake District is a beautiful patchwork of lakes, forests and mountains. In spring and summer, a blanket of green covers the ground and lakes shimmer in the sun. Come autumn, the leaves turn shades of burnt orange and rust red and the early morning mist hovers above the lakes and the bottom of the hills.

The Lake District is home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, as well as the deepest and longest bodies of water in England, Wastwater and Windermere. The landscapes inspired romantic poets such as William Wordsworth, and after exploring the area yourself, you'll soon see why.

Stretch your legs and explore a unique Cumbrian landscape at Tarn Hows and Coniston. Managed by the National Trust, the tarn and surrounding woodland are one of the more unusual landscapes in the Lakes but no less picturesque for it. Nearby Coniston is a pretty town and an excellent base for locals walks. The local museum contains a gallery recounting the life and work of John Ruskin who lived across the water at Brantwood.

Just outside the market town of Kendal, Levens Hall is a magnificent Elizabethan mansion with a unique Topiary Garden, considered the best of its kind. You’ll accompany the Head Gardener on a private tour and learn how these historic gardens are managed and why they remain unique in the world. Inside the house, you’ll discover a historic family home with an amazing collection of artefacts ranging from a miniature of the Duke of Wellington with a sample of his hair, to an original Edwardian bathroom and coloured leather wallpaper dating back over 300 years.

Follow the classic walk around Loughrigg Terrace and Rydal Water and see the typical Lakeland scenery that inspired the Romantic poet William Wordsworth. Created by fire and carved by ice, the dramatic valleys of the English Lakes have inspired many literary greats with their rugged beauty. Over the course of the day you’ll continue explore this history with visits to Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, former homes of the famous poet.

The celebrated children’s author Beatrix Potter spent many childhood summers in the Lake District and this picturesque corner of England was a source of inspiration to her from a young age. Creator of Peter Rabbit and friends in her famous tales, the author was also actively involved in protecting the local landscape and bequeathed many acres of land to the National Trust who now manage a number of farms and large areas of land in the Lakes. Discover more about this fascinating history and accompany your guide on some visits to sites connected to Beatrix Potter.

Step out of the Lake District today for a visit of Hadrian’s Wall, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. You’ll be able to walk along remaining sections of the wall and discover the history of the ruined forts dotted along the wall. You’ll return along a different route, crossing the windswept landscapes of Northumberland and the North Pennines along the Eden Valley to Penrith.

The gardens at Dalemain have always been a place of peace and tranquillity, and have been loved by the Hasell family for generations. Join Jane Hasell-McCosh for a very special tour, taking in the 18th-century terrace walk, herb knot garden, wild gardens and classic English rose walk, which boasts over 100 old-fashioned roses.

Jane will be delighted to discuss the developments and designs of her gardens, focusing on the plants and areas closest to her heart. After visiting the garden, head inside the house and hear stories of those who lived and worked at Dalemain in the Victorian and Edwardian era, with access to unseen areas of the house and illuminating tales of the house throughout history. At the conclusion of your tour, take a seat in the private drawing room and partake in a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by your host, Jane.