📍 United Kingdom

LAKE DISTRICT AND YORKSHIRE: ROMANTIC LAKES AND DALES

Mist wrapping granite peaks, lakes reflecting the ballet of clouds, wildflowers lining the trails. The Lake District, Romantic poetry writ large.

≈ 11
Days
447
Km
7
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Journey through northern England between lakes and valleys. Explore Manchester, reach Windermere and Keswick, visit Richmond and Skipton, then arrive at York where ramparts anchor regional history.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Manchester

industrial city pulses creative fire

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3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Journey from London to Manchester, capital of the North.
2
Northern Quarter and colorful street art.
3
Free museums of Manchester (Science and Industry).
🎯

Activities

→
Visit to Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium.
→
Evening in the lively pubs of Deansgate.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 141.8 km
Travel time: 2h22
2
Day

Windermere

pastoral valley unfolds beneath open sky

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8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Lake District National Park. (UNESCO).
2
Village of Ambleside, gateway to the park.
3
Grasmere and William Wordsworth's Dove Cottage.
🎯

Activities

→
Easy hike around Loughrigg Fell.
→
Tasting of the secret Grasmere gingerbread.
3
Day

Windermere

pastoral valley unfolds beneath open sky

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8 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Lake Grasmere, perfect romantic landscape.
2
Village of Hawkshead, preserved medieval.
3
Lake Derwentwater, considered the most beautiful.
🎯

Activities

→
Visit to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's house.
→
Ascent of Catbells, accessible summit with superb view.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 37 km
Travel time: 1h14
4
Day

Keswick

market town stands at dales gate

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Keswick, Victorian town of hikers.
2
Castlerigg Stone Circle, panoramic megalithic circle.
3
Lake Ullswater and Victorian steamers.
🎯

Activities

→
Boat tour on Derwentwater with stops at the islands.
→
Hike to Helvellyn, England's third highest peak (experienced).
5
Day

Keswick

market town stands at dales gate

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6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Aira Force, spectacular waterfall in the woods.
2
Village of Glenridding.
3
Route to Yorkshire Dales National Park.
🎯

Activities

→
Vintage cruise on Ullswater.
→
Visit to Richmond Castle and panorama.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120.7 km
Travel time: 2h01
6
Day

Richmond

pastoral valley unfolds beneath open sky

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3 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Richmond, Georgian town with Norman castle.
2
Swaledale, wildest valley of the Dales.
3
Wensleydale, valley of famous cheeses.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike to hidden waterfalls of Swaledale.
→
Visit to a traditional Wensleydale cheese factory.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 68.3 km
Travel time: 1h08
7
Day

Skipton

market town stands at dales gate

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7 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Aysgarth Falls, waterfalls on three levels.
2
Skipton, gateway to the Dales with medieval castle.
3
Route to York via Bolton Abbey.
🎯

Activities

→
Skipton weekly market (if on the right day).
→
Walk on the city walls (4 km complete).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 79.6 km
Travel time: 1h20
8
Day

York

medieval walls embrace thousand years

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6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
York Minster, monumental Gothic cathedral.
2
The Shambles, picturesque narrow medieval street.
3
National Railway Museum, historic locomotives.
🎯

Activities

→
Visit to the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre.
→
Night ghost tour, York the most haunted city.
9
Day

York

medieval walls embrace thousand years

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6 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Return route to London via Cambridge (optional).
2
Stop in Cambridge for King's College Chapel.
3
Return to London at the end of the day.
🎯

Activities

→
Chocolate workshop at York's Chocolate Story.
→
Quick punting on the Cam if time available.
10
Day

London

capitals thunder and tradition collide

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6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Return route to London via Cambridge (optional).
2
Stop in Cambridge for King's College Chapel.
3
Return to London at the end of the day.
🎯

Activities

→
Last-minute shopping in Cambridge boutiques.
→
Last-minute shopping in Cambridge boutiques.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

MIDLANDS AND PEAK DISTRICT: INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND WILD NATURE

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SOUTHEAST AND KENT: WHITE CLIFFS, CASTLES AND ENGLISH GARDENS

📅 11 days 🛣️ 334.5 Km

EAST ANGLIA: WILD NORFOLK, MEDIEVAL SUFFOLK AND CAMBRIDGE

📅 11 days 🛣️ 598.3 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - United Kingdom

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, ideal for all regions.

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds, moderate prices, excellent for countryside, comfortable temperatures.

Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather, autumn colors, fewer crowds, good value, comfortable for sightseeing, cozy pub atmosphere.

Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, shortest days, Christmas markets, lowest prices, indoor attractions, cozy cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United Kingdom?

Rich history with royal heritage, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks from London to Edinburgh. Experience pub culture, literary heritage, and beautiful countryside. The country offers excellent transportation with cultural depth and historical significance. United Kingdom provides cultural richness with historical importance and modern amenities in compact island nation.