This super holiday has Lakeland experiences from the off. We meet at Penrith Station, early afternoon, and after a short drive to Pooley Bridge are immediately on the water - Ullswater that is. This is said to be the prettiest of all the lakes and we will enjoy a full-length cruise to Glenridding at the foot of Helvellyn. Then, it’s alongside the northern end of Windermere to our lovely hotel set within its own grounds on the shore of the mere.

Oh what a day! We board our narrow-gauge road transport and set off for Coniston. A lovely cruise aboard the National Trust’s restored Steam Yacht Gondola, under the watchful eye of the Old Man of Coniston, follows. Then, in the footsteps of the Romans, we continue by Mountain Goat over the awesome Wrynose and Hardknot passes descending into Eskdale. L’al Ratty is possibly the most scenic narrow-gauge railway in England and is certainly loads of fun. After a steamy afternoon we circle back to Windermere.

We are out of the Lake District today and into the North Pennines. Heading north by coach we climb from Penrith to the highest market town in England at Alston. Our steam today comes courtesy of the South Tynedale Railway running through upland scenery between here and Slaggyford. Later, we track across to Carlisle pausing to view Hadrian’s Wall and to visit the interesting Roman Army Museum. A final scenic coach journey over the famous Kirkstone Pass concludes a memorable circular day out.

Windermere is surely the most famous stretch of water in England and is also the largest. We are concentrating on it and the attractions around it. We stroll to the pier and catch a boat down to Lakeside. Now, it’s steam on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway on the former Furness Railway route. The superb Lakeland Motor Museum is an absolute must before we steam back to Lakeside and connect with an afternoon boat to the northern end of Windermere, Ambleside, and drive back to the hotel.

Time to head for home and we need to sign off with a final boat/rail combination. This morning we drive to the edge of town for the relatively new Windermere Jetty attraction. Historic boats, a steamboat trip on the water and the obligatory gift shop and café. From here we transfer to the station and board the Windermere branch line train to Oxenholme, taking our luggage on board, to connect with homeward bound journey commencing early afternoon.