Route
This 8-day journey connects two of England’s most iconic regions: the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the dramatic scenery of the Lake District. You begin among honey-coloured villages and elegant market towns, including a visit to Bath, before heading north towards the lakes and mountain landscapes around Windermere and Keswick.
Pace
The trip unfolds at a comfortable pace, with manageable distances and time to pause along the way. In the Cotswolds, you explore villages and countryside by car. In the Lake District, days revolve around lakeside walks or a scenic boat cruise.
Highlights
Golden-stone villages, Roman and Georgian elegance in Bath, sweeping views over Windermere and Derwentwater and the mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle set against a mountain backdrop.
Accommodation
You stay in carefully selected Caractère hotels in both regions, on a bed and breakfast basis, with a focus on atmosphere and location.
Profile
Ideal for travellers who want to experience the full variety of the English landscape, from rural charm to rugged nature, balancing heritage and outdoor exploration.
Important information:
- The United Kingdom requires a valid international passport. A Belgian identity card is not sufficient.
- Travelers to the United Kingdom must also hold an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This can be applied for on the UK government website, gov.uk (not on other unofficial websites!) or via the UK ETA app and costs £16 per person. Do this in good time before your trip, as it can take up to three business days for the application to be approved. If required, we can also arrange this for you if we have the necessary passport details.
Day 1: Arrival in London
You arrive in London by plane or train – the choice is yours. You then pick up your hire car and head into the English countryside. Would you prefer to spend the night first in Europe’s most diverse and vibrant city? That’s perfectly possible. Our Caractère hotels in the British capital welcome you with a grandeur found only in London. Would you rather travel in your own car? That’s no problem either; you can easily drive onto the shuttle train that runs through the Eurotunnel. On your way from London to the Cotswolds, be sure to stop off in Oxford, one of the country’s most beautiful cities.
Day 2: Cotswolds Villages
Today you’ll set off to discover the most picturesque ‘picture-postcard villages’. With your hire car, you’ll drive through the countryside and explore the region at your own pace. Would you rather not drive yourself? Then the ‘Cotswolds Tour’ is the perfect way to get to know the most beautiful spots in the area.
Day 3: Bath
Although Bath lies just outside the Cotswolds, a visit to this beautiful city is a must. Bath is, after all, one of England’s most visited cities. It has been a ‘place to be’ since Roman times thanks to its Roman baths, which you can still admire today. Lose yourself in the charming streets, go shopping or discover the iconic Royal Crescent and The Circus.
Day 4: Lake District
After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to check out; after all, you’ve got a long drive north ahead of you. Along the way, you’ll pass numerous points of interest, including major cities such as Manchester and Liverpool. But also beautiful landscapes, such as the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. Plenty of opportunities for a stopover, then. Once you’ve checked into the hotel, you can immediately explore the stunning surroundings or sit down for afternoon tea.
Day 5: Ambleside & Windermere
Start your exploration of the Lake District with a visit to Lake Windermere – England’s largest lake. Stroll through the charming streets of Ambleside and pick up some unique souvenirs. Ambleside is also an excellent starting point for various walks around the lake. Lake Windermere is around 18 kilometres long. Don’t fancy walking the whole way? Then you could opt for a day cruise on the lake. You can board at Ambleside, Brockhole, Bowness and Lakeside.
Day 6: Grasmere
North of Ambleside lie Grasmere and Rydal. These small, peaceful lakes offer a lovely change of pace from the busier Windermere. The village of Grasmere itself is particularly charming. A perfect way to round off a brisk walk. Be sure to try Grasmere Gingerbread, a time-honoured local speciality and, according to the makers, the best gingerbread in the world. Near Grasmere, you can also join guided walks through the stunning countryside; what’s more, these are usually free.
Day 7: Derwentwater & Keswick
Keswick’s local lake, Derwentwater, is just a ten-minute walk from this bustling town. To the west rise the hills of Cat Bells, and to the east lies the fantastic viewpoint of Friar’s Crag – thanks to the stunning views, it feels as though you’re looking straight into a painting. At the southern foot of the lake lies the entrance to the beautiful Borrowdale Valley.
You can walk around the lake or, once again, opt for a relaxing boat trip. There are seven jetties, so you can get on and off at different points to alternate between walking and boating. Round off this successful day with a visit to Keswick’s lively town centre and take a seat in one of the countless restaurants for dinner. Just outside the centre of Keswick, you’ll also find the Castlerigg Stone Circle: at least as mysterious as the better-known Stonehenge and free to visit, but arguably even more beautiful thanks to the dramatic mountainous landscape in the background. Castlerigg is, incidentally, the oldest of all British stone circles, thought to have been erected in the Neolithic period around 3,000 BC.
Day 8: Return home
Today you have one last chance to enjoy a delicious breakfast and perhaps a good morning walk. Then it’s time to head to Manchester Airport, where you’ll return your hire car and board your flight home.
Frequently asked questions about this tour of England
When is the best time to visit the Cotswolds and the Lake District?
May to September for the best walking conditions and gardens in bloom.
Is a hire car necessary to explore these regions?
Yes, a car is essential to reach the remote villages in the Cotswolds and the various lakes in the Lake District with ease.
What makes the combination of these two regions so unique?
The contrast between the charming, golden-hued villages in the south and the rugged, mountainous landscape of the north.
Why book with Caractère?
- Best price guarantee
- Caractère extras
- Just one phone call or email away from our enthusiastic travel experts
- Pay safely
- No extra or hidden fees
