Day 3

Today we drive to the small town of Alston where the former North Eastern Railway Station is now the headquarters of the South Tynedale Railway. Following the former route of British Rail’s Haltwhistle to Alston branch line, this preserved narrow-gauge heritage railway is the highest in England. We’ll enjoy a wonderful roundtrip through beautiful countryside as the train winds its way from Alston into the South Tyne Valley in the North Pennines. Beautifully situated on the edge of the Lake District, Hutton-in-the-Forest is the 17th century home of Lord and Lady Inglewood. Our guided tour of this extraordinary house is a fascinating journey through time showing us rooms beautifully furnished to reflect its six distinct architectural periods. We also enjoy time to visit the elaborate gardens before returning to our hotel where dinner will be served.

Day 4

Surrounded by mountains, peaks and villages, picturesque Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery as we take a steam boat across the lake to the pretty little town of Bowness. Here you’ll have time at leisure to explore and enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants. Our steam boat journey on the lake continues to the small town of Ambleside where we re-join our coach and drive to the quaint village of Grasmere. The town is famous for its association with William Wordsworth and we’ve included entrance to the Wordsworth Museum and Dove Cottage, which was the poet’s first home in the Lake District, and where he wrote some of his most famous and best-loved works. There will be free time for you to explore before we return to our hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 5

After a leisurely breakfast it’s time to check out of the hotel and make your way home.

Please note: We cannot guarantee that all our rail journeys will be steam hauled.