Itinerary Planner

South and Central Lakes – The Golden Triangle!

If you are limited on time or want a beginner’s guide to the Lakes, the South and Central Lakes are great for providing a snapshot of what this World Heritage site has to offer. This easily accessible area has so much going on. You can cruise on a lake, reach a summit, delve into Cumbria’s history and heritage and dig into some tasty local treats, all within a small (yet perfectly formed) area.

Day1
Morning
If arriving by Avanti West Coast at Oxenholme station, take a Northern train to Windermere station (19 mins). Arrive at Windermere Station and follow the signs down to Bowness-on-Windermere and The Lake. You might want to take your time to browse the many boutique shops and eateries on the way! Dependent on your persuasion there are lots of local attractions well worth a visit. There’s the World of Beatrix Potter, if you follow one of our most famous authors and the new Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories.

Lunch

Take your pick, if you can, from the plethora of cafés, inns and restaurants on offer.

Afternoon

Take a cruise from the pier with Windermere Lake Cruises. Head to Brockhole- The Lake District Visitor Centre for adventures for all ages. Take to the Trees on springy tree top trampolines or clip, climb and slide your way through the woodland on the areal adventure that is Tree Top Treck. Hire a boat, bike or Kayak or try your hand at Laser Clay Shooting. 

Over summer you can hire a bike from Windermere Train Station and catch the Bike Boat to the lesser explored Western Shore of Lake Windermere.  The easy cycle trail has a mock gothic castle and renovated Victorian Viewing Station to discover.

If you prefer to amble then head to Waterhead for the pretty village of Ambleside.  There are lots of quirky shops and ginnels to explore.

If you don’t want to catch the boat back from Brockhole or Ambleside you can catch the regular 555 or 599 service back to Bowness-on-Windermere. Look out for the open top service which runs over summer.

Overnight

There is accommodation to suit all tastes and budget in Bowness-on-Windermere and Windermere. Find yours here.

Day 2

Morning

Catch the 555 or 559 bus from Windermere Station to Rydal (just outside Ambleside). Alight at the bus stop by Rydal Church and Rydal Mount, the former home of William Wordsworth. 

Head up round the back of Rydal Mount and join the Coffin Trail. Don’t let the name put you off, this is an easy 3 mile wooded route connecting Rydal and Grasmere. The route was used to transport coffins from Rydal to the Church in Grasmere, hence the name. The route is obvious and well-trodden but be sure to take a map just in case. It brings you out on the outskirts of Grasmere Village, fabled for its gingerbread. This lovely village is well worth exploring and has a lot of links to William Wordsworth and other Romantic Poets.

If your legs are tired from yesterday’s adventures, then why not take an intrepid Mountain Goat tour. The booking office is by Windermere Station and they have a number of tours exploring the iconic landscape of this World Heritage site. Pre-booking is essential. The fantastic drivers impart a wealth of local knowledge about the area and its heritage.

Lunch

Wherever you end up there is sure to be somewhere good to eat

Afternoon

Either head back on the Coffin Trail to Rydal and catch the bus from there or catch the bus from the village green in Grasmere back to Windermere.

Overnight

Either enjoy another nights stay or head home on the train.