Windermere is a fantastic base for exploring the Lake District in a day. Its central location means you can reach some of the most iconic lakes, charming villages, and stunning mountain passes without feeling rushed. Among the many options, I particularly like tours that combine scenic boat rides, geological marvels, and literary history—like cruising Ullswater, hearing tales at Dove Cottage, or exploring the rugged Honister Pass. These experiences give a real flavor of the Lake District, making each trip memorable and well worth your time.
What makes Windermere especially suitable for full-day tours? Its proximity to key attractions, ease of access, and the variety of guided options mean you can choose from private or group trips, all offering insights into local culture and nature. Whether you prefer a lively group tour or a personalized private experience, Windermere’s full-day options deliver the scenery, stories, and photo opportunities that make this region so special.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the best full-day tours in Windermere, including scenic lake cruises, private explorations, and themed literary trips. Each one highlights what makes the experience unique and helps you decide which suits your interests and travel style.
1. Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise
This top-rated tour (5.0/5 based on 163 reviews) takes you through 10 lakes in just one day, giving you a thorough taste of the Lake District’s natural beauty. For around $218, you’ll spend approximately 8 hours exploring valleys, waterfalls, and landmarks like the stone circle at Askrigg. The tour combines scenic drives with stops at places like Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and the gingerbread shop in Grasmere, which are perfect for fans of literature and local culture. The highlight is a 1-hour boat cruise on Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the UK, allowing you to admire the landscape from the water.
Your guide will share stories about the geological history and cultural importance of each location, making this more than just a sightseeing trip. Notable stops include Honister Pass, where you can see the Slate Mine Via Ferrata, and Whinlatter Forest, home to birds of prey and wildlife. This tour appeals to those who want a rundown with plenty of photo opportunities, and the positive reviews speak to its engaging guides and well-paced itinerary.
Bottom Line: If you want a full day of variety, scenery, and storytelling, this is a fantastic choice that captures the essence of the Lake District—plus, it’s easy to book and highly rated.
2. Private Tour: Ultimate Full Day Scenic Tour visiting 10 Lakes
For those who prefer a more personalized experience, this private tour (rating 5.0/5 from 25 reviews) offers the chance to see 10 lakes in a custom, relaxed setting. Costing about $610 per person, it’s ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting flexibility and comfort. You’ll be driven in a private vehicle with Wi-Fi, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without the worry of navigation or schedules.
The tour focuses on major highlights like Lake Windermere, Ullswater, and the Castlerigg Stone Circle, along with the dramatic Kirkstone Pass and Buttermere Lake. Your driver-guide will tailor the stops based on your interests, whether that’s taking photos, enjoying a walk, or just soaking in the views. It’s a perfect match for travelers who value exclusivity and a bespoke experience.
Guests have praised the knowledgeable drivers and the smooth logistics—“I truly enjoyed the personalized approach and the chance to customize the day,” one reviewer shared. The tour offers excellent value for those wanting an intimate look at the Lakes’ highlights with plenty of photo stops and insights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want freedom, privacy, and a tailored experience, this private tour combines comfort with superb scenery and expert guiding.
3. Full Day Private Tour of the Lake District
If your priority is ticking off many must-see sights without the hassle of driving, this private full-day tour (rated 5.0/5 from 17 reviews) is hard to beat. For around $659 for up to five travelers, your guide will take you through scenic stops like Kirkstone Mountain Pass, Castlerigg Stone Circle, and Keswick. The itinerary includes visits to waterfalls, villages, and mountain passes, with plenty of opportunities for photos and short walks.
What makes this tour unique is the flexibility—your guide will adapt the route to your interests. Highlights like the Aira Force waterfall and historic Keswick will appeal if you love natural beauty and small-town charm. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you get stories behind the landscapes, making each stop more meaningful. Guests say David, their guide, is “knowledgeable and friendly,” with one reviewer calling the experience “a perfect way to see the Lakes in a day.”
Along With scenic views, the tour offers time to explore towns and landmarks at your leisure. The drawback might be the price, but for those seeking a private, guided experience, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups wanting a customizable, hassle-free day with personal attention and deep local insights.
4. Private Tour: The Brontes: Full Day All-Inclusive Tour with an Expert Guide
For literature lovers, this full-day private tour (rated 5.0/5 from 11 reviews) combines the dramatic Yorkshire scenery with the stories of the Brontë family. Starting from Windermere, you’ll explore Haworth, the Brontë Parsonage, and surrounding moors, with a round-trip transfer included. The experience includes visits to landscapes that inspired classics like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.
Your guide will provide personalized commentary on the Brontës’ lives, the landscape’s influence, and the region’s history. The tour covers key sites such as Holehird Gardens, Kirkstone Pass, and the historic village of Keswick, with plenty of photo stops along the way. It’s perfect for fans of literature and history, looking for a full immersion into the Brontë universe.
Guests mention the guide’s deep knowledge and the seamless itinerary as highlights. At about $623 per person, this is a premium experience—best suited for those with a special interest in the Brontës or wanting a full, enriching day out.
Bottom Line: A niche but enriching tour that pairs scenic exploration with literary history, perfect for dedicated fans or cultural travelers.
5. Private Tour: Lakeland Poets: Wordsworth and his circle – Full Day all-inclusive
Poetry and literary history come alive on this private day trip, rated 5.0/5 by four travelers. It focuses on William Wordsworth and the poets of the Lake District, including visits to Dove Cottage, Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, and St Oswald’s Church. The trip also covers Hawkshead Grammar School where Wordsworth studied and his family graves.
Your guide will share stories about Wordsworth’s life and works as you visit his childhood home and the sites that inspired his poetry. The inclusion of the graveyard of Robert Southey, a fellow poet, adds depth for fans of Romantic literature. The itinerary offers a mix of scenic walks, historic sites, and literary insights, making it ideal for culture-savvy travelers.
Reviewers appreciate the guide’s tailored stories: “We learned so much about Wordsworth’s life and the Lake District’s influence,” a visitor noted. It’s a good value for a private experience that blends nature, history, and poetry.
Bottom Line: Best for literary enthusiasts or those wanting a rich cultural experience, with flexible stops and personalized storytelling.
6. Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District
Lastly, the Mountain Goat tour (5,000+ reviews, rating 5.0/5) offers a cost-effective and comprehensive way to see up to ten lakes in about 8.5 hours. For just $75.50, you’ll travel in a comfortable minivan, exploring highlights like Honister Slate Mine, Keswick, and the Castlerigg Stone Circle. The itinerary includes a mountain pass, a waterfall, and stops at Grasmere and Buttermere.
This tour’s strength lies in its affordability combined with the ability to see many key sights quickly. It’s perfect if you’re on a budget but still want a full taste of the Lakes’ scenery. The reviews praise the friendly guides, scenic stops, and the convenience of included transportation. The flexibility to hop in and out of the van and the chance to take photos at spots like Ullswater make it a popular pick.
A common comment: “The driver Tim was fantastic—very informative and engaging,” summarizing why many return. This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a full, active day but aren’t looking to splurge on a private guide.
Bottom Line: Excellent value for those wanting to maximize sights for a budget, and perfect for a quick, packed day of Lake District highlights.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Windermere
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and how you like to travel. If you love comprehensive sightseeing with storytelling, the Ultimate Lake District Tour (link) offers a good balance. For those wanting a private, tailored experience, the private tours provide freedom and comfort, especially for literature or photography enthusiasts. Budget travelers should consider the Mountain Goat Tour, which covers many highlights at a fraction of the cost.
Think about how much walking or physical activity you want—some tours include scenic stops and short walks, while others are mostly driving. Book early during peak seasons, as popular tours fill up fast, particularly the private options.
For a well-rounded day, combining a scenic boat cruise with visits to Windermere, Ullswater, and Keswick is a safe bet. If your focus is literary history, the Brontë Tour or the Wordsworth-focused trip will suit you best.
Final Thoughts
From guided group adventures to intimate private tours, Windermere and the Lake District offer options for every type of traveler. If you’re looking for a full immersion into the lakes’ natural beauty and stories, the Ultimate Lake District Tour is hard to beat. For a more personalized, flexible experience, the private options provide that extra touch of comfort and customization. Budget-conscious travelers will find the Mountain Goat tour packs in plenty of sights at a great price.
Whatever your choice, booking early will ensure you get your preferred date and tour. The Lake District is a place that rewards curiosity and patience—so pick a tour that matches your style, and get ready for a full day of stunning scenery and memorable stories.
