Hidden Houses of the Lake District

Hidden Houses of the Lake District

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tourhub | Just Go Holidays | Hidden Houses of the Lake District | 9034
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2 Days From

$1558

$1488

Hidden Houses of the Lake District

2 Days

Tour operator:

Just Go Holidays

Tour code:

9034

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

From:
$1558
$1488 (USD) Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$70

NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District boasts some of England’s finest scenery; awash with glittering blue lakes, jagged fells and verdant valleys. We are transported into a striking abundance of natural beauty in this region and are treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into a treasure chest of hidden houses, renowned for their curious interiors, pele towers and secret gardens. Our owner-led tour illuminates the history of beautiful Johnby Hall and we enjoy special access to unseen areas of pink-hued Dalemain Mansion, while we admire the picturesque vistas from a different perspective on our leisurely Lake Windermere cruise.

Itinerary

Monday: Arrival
We check in to the Damson Dene Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drinks reception hosted by our tour manager.

Tuesday: Askham Hall, Dalemain Mansion & Ullswater
We start the morning with a fascinating guided tour of Askham Hall. Once a lavish stately home, complete with a 14th-century pele tower, it was transformed into an Elizabethan mansion in the 16th century by Thomas Sandford, whose family lived here until 1828 before it served as a rectory. These days it is a unique and stylist retreat, framed by stunning gardens criss-crossed with long terraces and herbaceous borders, as well as a kitchen garden and stunning views of the River Lowther.

Afterwards, we head to Dalemain Mansion, finely-dressed in a salmon-pink Georgian façade, which almost glows in the sunlight. Behind its orderly frontage are the remnants of a 12th-century pele tower and an Elizabethan manor, and during our guided tour we trace its roots back to the reign of Henry II. There is much to discover inside; a helter-skelter of secret passages, spiral staircases, a priest’s hiding hole, as well as Chippendale furniture and priceless oil portraits. Outside we explore a Tudor knot garden and a splendid rose walk, and, as the official home of The Marmalade Awards and Festival, a visit would not be complete without tasting a selection of marmalades that have been named the finest in the world in the gift shop!

To end the day we head to nearby Ullswater, known as England’s ‘most beautiful lake’, it provided the inspiration for William Wordsworth’sDaffodils’ poem. Stretching for 7.5 miles, the deep valley in which the lake sits is flanked by an impressive string of fells, stunning mountain scenery and a charming jumble of quaint villages. 

After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

Wednesday: Leighton Hall, Levens Hall & Lake Windermere Cruise
This morning we step back in time with a guided tour “Inside Leighton Hall”, the ancestral home of the world-renowned Gillow furniture family who are known as one of the leading British cabinet-making firms. The family home still retains a relaxed atmosphere as every room in the house is used regularly by the Gillow Reynolds family. There are no roped off areas at all, so we can sit on the ancient chairs while the entertaining guide reveals the family's history and habits. We enjoy some well-deserved refreshments before we head to our next tour.


Later, we visit Levens Hall; a stunning Elizabethan mansion built around a 13th-century pele tower. During our guided tour we learn all about this family home of the Bagots, who have owned the property for over 400 years. Inside we discover an assortment of beautiful objects including many fine paintings by Rubens, Lely and Cuyp, along with the earliest English patchwork. We also have the chance to explore the world-famous, award-winning gardens, which include the oldest topiary in the world; featuring over 100 huge abstract shapes, pyramids and columns resembling towering chess men.

We complete this afternoon with a leisurely cruise on Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake nestled in the Cumbria’s Lake District National Park. Sit back and relax as we take in the breathtaking scenery of towering mountains, secluded bays and wooded islands.

Thursday: Muncaster Castle & Holker Hall and Gardens 
Dominating the River Esk, Muncaster Castle is our first visit of the day. Strategically important since Roman times, it has been home to the Penningtons since 1208. The castle has been extended through the ages (originally built around a 14th-century pele tower) and architectural highlights include its great hall and octagonal library. During our audio tour, narrated by members of the family, we discover Muncaster’s colourful history and chilling tales about the resident ghost: ‘Tom Fool’ the malevolent jester!

Our final visit is to the stunning Holker Hall and Gardens, the delightful family home of Lord and Lady Cavendish. The property is a true reflection of an age of confidence, spaciousness and prosperity, and the craftsmanship in many of the rooms is outstanding. Built in red sandstone, it was described as ‘the best Elizabethan Gothic house in the north of England.’ On our guided tour we discover fine displays of antique furniture and art including portraits of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza, and even visit the bedroom where Queen Mary stayed in 1937. We finish the tour with a wander around the immaculately kept gardens, which have won numerous awards.

Friday: Departure
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel for our journey home.

Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change.



What's Included

  • 4 nights at the 4-star Lancaster House Hotel, Lancaster with dinner & breakfast
  • Visits to Rydal Mount, Dalemain Mansion, Leighton Hall, Levens Hall, Muncaster Castle & Holker Hall and Gardens
  • Exclusive guided tour and refreshments at Dalemain Mansion
  • Guided tour of Leighton Hall
  • Guided tour of Holker Hall and Gardens
  • Accompanied by a knowledgeable Tour Manager throughout

Accommodation

Lancaster House (JG3 rating)

The Lancaster House Hotel is located just outside the centre of Lancaster and offers stylish accommodation with gorgeous views. This charming hotel also features modern en-suite rooms, a bar and restaurant plus a health club with indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and fully-equipped gym.

Reviews of this operator

Tracie Chana (Google Reviewer)  

My trip to Scarborough and...

02-Dec-2023

My trip to Scarborough and Witney.was fantastic .food at the grand hotel was buffet style.so you could help yourself.i went Monday to Friday from 20 November 2023

Christine Frodsham (Google Reviewer)  

Just come back from Liverpool,...

09-Mar-2024

Just come back from Liverpool, our driver, Gareth, was lovely, he looked after us, was an excellent driver and nothing was a bother. The coach was very clean and comfortable. My first time with the company and would recommend. Have requested brochures for next trip.

Sonia H. (Google Reviewer)  

We book a holiday package...

07-Apr-2023

We book a holiday package to Torquay, with hotel, return by bus, and tour to 4 other cities included. Was amazing, the company on the bus, and the driver, Mr Lawrence very kind and helpfull. Recomend the company!

Suzy Picola (Google Reviewer)  

What a fantastic holiday we...

30-Aug-2022

What a fantastic holiday we had to Edinburgh Tattoo and Loch Lomond in August 2022 with Just Go Holidays, (Two adults and our 20 year old daughter) It was well organised, we had a fantastically friendly driver (Tony) and the holiday was great value for money. Unfortunately the Scottish weather wasn’t on our side, but that didn’t stop us enjoying ourselves. We loved it so much we have booked a European holiday for 2023. I can’t fault this company, it’s the first time we have booked with them and it won’t be the last.

Helen James (Google Reviewer)  

I have just returned from...

30-Jul-2023

I have just returned from Bournemouth. The hotel, heathlands hotel. Its only rated 2 star, its much better than that. Clean rooms, lovely staff. Dave, our driver, couldn't do enough. We went on trips every day. Highly recommended. Definitely going again. Thank you

Pauline Cook (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from Italy, ...

03-Oct-2023

Just returned from Italy, brilliant tour guide David pleasant, helpful and friendly the same could not be said of the receptionist at our first hotel no food (apart from breakfast)or bar. We arrived 7pm ish asked him if there was anywhere nearby to eat and he told me to "use google". Found a small Trattoria a few hundred yards from the hotels secondary entrance. The lighting at this side of the hotel was not good neither was the road outside. This hotel was more used to weddings and functions that caterers were brought in for not for holidaymakers. Better planning needed!!

Zena Lampert (Google Reviewer)  

I am very disappointed with...

14-Feb-2024

I am very disappointed with my coach trip I paid £70 supplement for being single and I paid for a sea view when I arrived the room was small the bed was dirty the Seaview was a small square window and the view was a roof I asked to be changed was given a twin room with a seaview which was ok. The room was very dated the toilet flush didn’t flush there was enough Pugh milk to make one cup of tea and the sugar sachets had been there so long the sugar had gone hard. The dinner food was stone cold the salad lettuce was limp to say the least the food was atrocious so I decided to dine out. The breakfast I found eggs and toast which was edible. I have no idea why I paid an extra £70 the experience was awful. I will never go on another coach tour with just go holidays as they clearly do not checkout the hotels they allocate. Shame on you just go holidays I was appalled

Pauline Nestor (Google Reviewer)  

We have recently come back...

02-Feb-2024

We have recently come back from a short stay at warners nornton grange isle of white which was booked through just go holidays. After quite a long conversation with a very rude customer service chap called Simon at just go holidays who more or less told me that I shouldn’t complain about anything as we booked in January and what do you expect to get and if you don’t make sure that what you should have in your room is there and don’t tell the reception don’t complain about it. I’m very upset and feel that Simon thought that I was not worth talking to. On the whole don’t bother to pay extra for an upgraded room because others that didn’t pay will get the same room with the same two bottles of water two packs of crisps two packs of biscuits and two soft drinks without paying an extra £70 and if you don’t get what you think you should get please do not bother to ring customer service they are not interested in helping you

Rachel Smith (Google Reviewer)  

Really disappointing with this company...

26-Apr-2024

Really disappointing with this company Just Go Holidays as my mum cannot take her overnight trip due to being critical in hospital. The company are not being very helpful, no refund, zero flexibility, will not change dates or pick up location for someone else to take the trip in her place. No compassion whatsoever but good enough to take an elderly vulnerable persons money 😡 should be ashamed and I find this inhumane behaviour!

pauline crook (Google Reviewer)  

Currently on our way to...

24-Jun-2023

Currently on our way to stoke on Trent from Manchester . We’ve been on the coach for two hours already and are just leaving altrincham. We are staying at a hotel in stoke on Trent to go to a concert in Liverpool???? Living in Manchester. Currently going in the opposite direction. When I got the itinerary I rang ‘just go’ customer services and I asked why our hotel was in stoke when I live in Manchester and are going to a concert in Liverpool. I was told that a team of experts work out the logistics and this is the most appropriate itinerary. I questioned the logic and was told that my t’s and c’s state that we will stay at a hotel in the UK! So I have to be grateful that we’re not at a hotel in Torquay. The customer service rep was quite defensive. I was very polite and was taking it in a light hearted way. I suggested that Liverpool is 50 minutes on the motorway for me and had I known that I had to go to stoke I would not have booked. He would only concede that ‘maybe there should be more clarity! Still on the coach . On the way to Lymm services now after 2and half hours: everyone on this coach say they won’t be booking with ‘just go’ again. Driver is lovely:

Dates & Availability

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Sunday - Thursday

Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024
$1558 $1488 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$70 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Just Go Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 95 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just go holidays charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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