Itinerary Planner

Eden Valley Full Day Itinerary

Morning – Ullswater ‘Steamers’ & Aira Force

Cruise on Ullswater with Ullswater ‘Steamers’. Arrive at Glenridding Pier to catch the cruise and once on-board, soak up the magnificent scenery of fells and mountains mirrored in Ullswater, beautiful from whichever angle they are viewed, but from on-board the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ are simply stunning. Some of the most spectacular views of Helvellyn and the Ullswater Valley cannot be seen from the shore, only from the Lake.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ have been serving both locals and visitors around the lake since 1859, carrying mail and provisions as well as passengers. The ‘Steamers’ run services all year round between Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Howtown, and have on-board light refreshments. On-deck seating is complemented by warm indoor saloons, for the more unpredictable turns of the weather! Coaches can drop off at Pooley Bridge Pier and meet the group in Glenridding, where there is free coach parking.

Once you arrive at the stop for Aira Force Pier, depart the cruise and make your way up to the A592 where you will cross the road and you will see the Aira Force Car Park & Café in front of you.

In an 18th Century pleasure ground, Aira Force was the backdrop for Wordsworth’s ‘Somnambulist’, a gothic tale of love and tragedy. Weave your way through a network of woodland trails, to where Aira waterfall thunders in one 65-foot drop past fern and rock into the pool below.

Look out for red squirrels, explore the natural play area, picnic and paddle at Aira Green, follow the tree trail through the 19th Century Pinetum.

As you finish the walk, you will approach the Aira Force Café where you started from. Make your way back down to Aira Force Pier to catch the ‘Steamer’ back to Glenridding Pier. If time allows following the walk and before catching the cruise, the Aira Force Café serves hot & cold drinks, cakes, ice cream and light lunches.

Once you have arrived back to Glenridding Pier, you can now make your way to Lowther Castle.

Travel time 30 minutes by car.

Lunch – Lowther Castle

Lowther Castle has been the family seat of the Earls of Lonsdale from time immemorial, and occupies the site of mansions dating back to the reign of Edward I. The spectacular Gothic ruin lay abandoned for 70 years and in 2011 opened for the first time since 1938.

Visitors can follow routes through the 130 acres of gardens and castle terraces, as well as experiencing highly visual exhibitions revealing the Lowther family’s colourful 850 year history. Lowther Castle is also home to one of the UK’s largest adventure playgrounds, e-bike hire and traffic free trails. Pre-booked group experiences include Head Gardener Tours, Meet the Owner, Castle & Cruise, private dining and there is free parking available, with a dedicated coach parking area.

The café, located in the Courtyard, serves delicious home-made food and a children’s menu is also available. For something different, the Castle also offer afternoon tea with delicious loose leaf teas, English sparkling wines, cakes, tarts, pastries, sandwiches and scones in the stunning Sculpture Gallery, that once housed a considerable collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.

Depart Lowther Castle for Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens. Travel time 20 minutes by car.

Afternoon – Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

Dalemain Mansion is a fine mixture of Medieval, Tudor and early Georgian architecture. The imposing Georgian façade strikes the visitor immediately, but in the cobbled courtyard the atmosphere of the north country Tudor manor is secure. The present owner's family have lived at Dalemain since 1679 and have collected china, furniture and family portraits.

Visitors can see the grand Drawing Rooms with 18^th Century panelling, also the Nursery and Housekeeper's Room. The house is full of the paraphernalia of a well-established family house, which is still very much lived in by the family.

The gardens at Dalemain are constantly changing. Not only because of the seasons, which bring special plants including snowdrops in winter, blue poppies in spring, roses in summer and apples in autumn, but also due to new additions which bring new shapes, colours and variety to the garden.

The tearoom, set within the Medieval Hall, serves a range of delicious home-made dishes, light lunches, morning coffees and afternoon teas.