The Lakes & Dales at Christmas

Carlisle and the Settle-Carlisle Railway

Begin your tour in the town of Carlisle, located in a truly spectacular area of England near the Scottish border. After meeting your Tour Manager and settling in, enjoy a delicious three-course meal at your hotel this evening.

After a full English breakfast on Day 2, venture to the nearby train station for an enthralling journey on the Settle-Carlisle Railway. This 73-mile long journey to the centre of the Yorkshire Dales is utterly filled with incredible sights, including the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. After some free time in Skipton, you return to Carlisle by rail.

Christmas Day

Today is Christmas Day, and it is dedicated to food and relaxation. Begin Christmas in the best way, with a full English breakfast and Bucks Fizz, then enjoy some time at leisure, perhaps to take a walk around beautiful Carlisle ahead of a magnificent Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

After a free afternoon, enjoy a light buffet followed by a Christmas quiz and bingo to round off the day.

The Lake District

After breakfast this morning, head to the station where we catch the train to Ravenglass for a short, but incredibly picturesque, return journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway. Enjoy this journey, which takes you through the outstanding beauty of this UNESCO-listed destination that has enthralled people all around the world.

After a delicious fish and chip lunch, take the coach to Ambleside where there is a short amount of free time before you head to the pier for a boat journey down to Bowness on Windermere. Board your coach back to the hotel this evening, and enjoy a final farewell meal accompanied by some entertainment.

Homeward bound

After breakfast this morning, you are at leisure to depart Carlisle.

Departure Times

On many of our UK & Ireland tours, you may check in at the first hotel on your itinerary anytime after 14:00; your Tour Manager will be available between 16:00 and 18:00. However, if you are arriving later, you can meet your Tour Manager before dinner from 19:00.