Lakes and Dales by Rail

Begin your holiday at the Crown Hotel, Wetheral, where you meet your Tour Manager. Your hotel is situated in a picturesque village, close to the Scottish border and the city of Carlisle.

With time at leisure before dinner at the hotel this evening, you could get to know the village. Head out for a stroll along the banks of the River Eden, or seek out its 16th-century church, Benedictine priory, and traditional village green.</p

• Dinner

Journey by steam train from Haverthwaite to Lakeside today, on the southern shore of Windermere. As you travel, admire the passing lush green meadows, tranquil waters, and dramatic peaks that define the idyllic landscapes of the Lake District.

Reaching Lakeside, board a delightful cruise across Lake Windermere to the town of Bowness. Windermere is one of the Lake District's most famous bodies of water and is recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding natural beauty, which has been the muse for countless artists and writers throughout history.

In Bowness, you have time at leisure to explore the town that inspired the fictional setting of 'Rio' in Arthur Ransome's beloved novel series, 'Swallows and Amazons.' While here, you could visit the house of one of the Lake District's most renowned inhabitants, Beatrix Potter, and immerse yourself in her creative world.

On your way back to Wetheral by coach, you stop at pretty Grasmere. Close to Grasmere Lake, the village was once home to William Wordsworth and you could wander along the river or through the quaint streets. You could also treat yourself to a local speciality - Grasmere Gingerbread, which has been made here since 1854 using an authentic Victorian recipe.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, you enjoy a spectacular journey on the Settle to Carlisle Line to Skipton. Due to natural obstacles, it took seven years to complete this route before its opening in 1875. However, the scenery that made it difficult to complete is the very reason this journey is extraordinary and you experience it as the train cuts through hills, mountains, and valleys, over marshland and rivers.

Enjoy miles of untouched beauty from your seat as you enter the Yorkshire Dales and pass over the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct, one of the iconic landmarks of the Yorkshire landscape.

You're at leisure in Skipton and can explore the peaceful market town at your own pace. You could wander the cobbled streets lined with independent shops, cafes, and traditional pubs. In the town centre, you'll find Skipton Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress which withstood a three-year siege during the Civil War.

After making the scenic return journey to Carlisle, your coach takes you back to Wetheral where you spend the evening. You could take this opportunity to dine in one of your hotel's restaurants, Walton's Bar and Eatery or the Conservatory Restaurant. Alternatively, head into the village and choose one of the local pubs or restaurants.

• Breakfast

After breakfast, your coach takes you to Carlisle this morning where you board the train to Ravenglass. Heading south, you pass rolling green hills, delightful villages, and picturesque farmsteads before the scenery transforms into a stunning coastal panorama, with views of the Irish Sea.

In Ravenglass, you begin a steam-hauled rail journey to Dalegarth aboard the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. One of the oldest minimum-gauge heritage railways in England, the line originally opened in 1875 and boasts some truly incredible scenery. Enjoy fantastic views across endless hills and the highest mountain range in England, before you arrive at Dalegarth station.

From here, your coach picks you up and you head to Muncaster to visit its castle. Owned by the Pennington family for over 800 years and set in picture-perfect surroundings, this fortress is almost Arthurian in appearance, with square towers topped by parapets. Enjoy some time to explore before returning to the hotel for your final dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, your holiday comes to an end today. Once you've checked out of your hotel and said goodbye to new friends you can explore further on your own or head home with some fantastic new memories.

• Breakfast