England
The English Lake District and the Borders: Romance to Turbulence
Program No. 2020960MEADV-1116-60
Discover the story of England’s famous Lake District as you learn about its poets and writers, explore Muncaster Castle, visit the Northumberland Coast and see historic Hadrian’s Wall.
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DATES
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DATES
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PRICES
May 19 - Jun 1, 2025
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7,179Jun 9 - Jun 22, 2025
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7,179Sep 1 - Sep 14, 2025
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7,179Oct 13 - Oct 26, 2025
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14 days
13 nights
35 meals
12B 11L 12D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
5
Lindisfarne, Bamburgh Castle.
Alnwick
6
The Cathedral City of Durham
Alnwick
7
Vindolanda and Hadrian's Wall.
Bowness on Windermere
8
Free Day in the stunning Lake District.
Bowness on Windermere
9
Wordsworth's Grasmere and Keswick.
Bowness on Windermere
10
Carlisle & Tullie House, Lanercost Priory.
Bowness on Windermere
11
Armitt, Rydal, Hill Top
Bowness on Windermere
12
Muncaster Castle, Hardknott Pass.
Bowness on Windermere
At a Glance
Follow in the footsteps of the famous Lake District poets and writers as you explore one of the most unspoiled corners of England. Discover the landscapes that inspired writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, visit their homes to view their private collections and immerse yourself in the culture and history of this beautiful region. Cross to the wild North East Cheviot Mountains and coastline to “Border Reiver” country and learn the history of the Roman Hadrian’s Wall.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Some walking and standing up to two hours, some uneven surfaces and stairs in historic buildings.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Join an expert for an exploration of the Pennington family home, Muncaster Castle.
- Cross the highest roads in England and see the Cumbrian coast, once home to Capt. John Paul Jones.
- Explore the beauty of the Northumberland Coast and learn about the history of Lindisfarne.
Suggested Reading List
(9 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The English Lake District and the Borders: Romance to Turbulence
Program Number: 20209
Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales
This complete and unabridged collection contains all 23 of Beatrix Potter's Tales in one deluxe volume with all their original illustrations. A perfect gift to introduce children to the world of Beatrix Potter, the Complete Tales is also an ideal christening present; traditional and timeless, it's a classic for any nursery shelf.
The Reivers: The Story of the Border Reivers
Only one period in history is immediately, indelibly and uniquely linked to the whole area of the Scottish and English Border country, and that is the time of the Reivers. Whenever anyone mentions 'Reiver', no-one hesitates to add 'Border'. It is an inextricable association, and rightly so. Nowhere else in Britain in the modern era, or indeed in Europe, did civil order break down over such a wide area, or for such a long time. For more than a century the hoof-beats of countless raiding parties drummed over the border. From Dumfriesshire to the high wastes of East Cumbria, from Roxburghshire to Redesdale, from the lonely valley of Liddesdale to the fortress city of Carlisle, swords and spears spoke while the law remained silent. Fierce family loyalty counted for everything while the rules of nationality counted for nothing.The whole range of the Cheviot Hills, its watershed ridges and the river valleys which flowed out of them became the landscape of larceny while Maxwells, Grahams, Fenwicks, Carletons, Armstrongs and Elliots rode hard and often for plunder. These were the Riding Times and in modern European history, they have no parallel. This book tells the remarkable story of the Reivers and how they made the Borders.
A Walker's Notebook
Published to coincide with the centenary of Wainwright's birth its small flexi format, with its splashproof cover, makes it ideal for slipping in a pocket and taking along with you. Whether a Sunday afternoon jaunt close to home or a hill walk on holiday, A Walker's Notebook has space to record details of nearly 100 walks including dates, routes, companions and what you experienced on the way. Also included are pages to make notes of favourite pubs, cafes and places to stay.
Illustrated throughout with charming illustrations by A. Wainwright
Swallows and Amazons
The wholesome story of four young children, John, Susan, Titty and Roger, who set out in their boat (the Swallow of the title) to an island of adventure. All seems well until they encounter their enemy. At first they are angry at the invasion of their peaceful haven by these Amazon pirates, Nancy and Peggy, who claim ownership of the land. But in time a truce is called and the Swallows and Amazons become firm friends. Camping under open skies, swimming in clear water, fishing, exploring and making discoveries is the stuff of dreams which serves to make this so charming a tale. The author manages to capture the innocence of a time when all this was real and possible. Swallows and Amazons will transport children to a fantastical place where they can play safely and roam freely, without an adult in sight.
Beatrix Potter: Her Lakeland Years
This is the compelling story of the real Beatrix Potter, based on interviews with those who knew her. Spread over the 40 years that the author edited "Cumbria Magazine", these interviews recall memories stretching back to the time when Beatrix bought the now famous Hill Top farm at Sawrey in the heart of Lakeland. She was already internationally acclaimed for her series of 'Peter Rabbit' books and her local status was increased when she married William Heelis, a Hawkshead solicitor. The books gave her the means to purchase over 4,000 acres of land, which on her death in 1943 was bequeathed to the National Trust as her personal legacy to the Lake District. The many archive and present-day photographs in this fully illustrated book place a new light on the Lakeland years of Beatrix Potter. Pride of place is given to the breed of sheep that she did so much to foster - her beloved Herdwicks.
Hadrian's Wall: History and Guide
Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast and reaching a height of about 13 feet, Hadrian's Wall should have been counted as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today, a World Heritage site, it stands as the most imposing monument north of the Alps and attracts millions of visitors a year. Yet, despite all the excavation and research that has been carried out, this is the first detailed guide to be written for many years. Having first dealt with the practical questions of transport, clothing and maps, Guy de la Bedoyere explains why and how the Wall was constructed. With the help of almost 100 sketch maps, drawings and photographs, he then conducts the visitor, stage by stage, along the full length of the Wall, providing map locations, route and parking instructions, details of access and opening times, and a full account of everything that can be seen. He also covers the outpost forts, the forts and settlements to the rear (South Shields, Corbridge and Vindolanda) and the local museums which house so many of the artefacts discovered along the Wall. This indispensable guide-book concludes with a list of dates, a glossary and a summary of all the key sources.
Lindisfarne: The Cradle Island
Lindisfarne has captured the imagination of visitors and residents alike for decades. Also know as 'Holy Island', the rich and eventful history of the area is explored in great depth in this fascinating account. The author takes us on a journey to 'the cradle island' - the ancient shrine of Celtic Christianity - to reveal the treasures of the island. He tells the story of people and nature from the beginning to the present day, exploring the natural history and archaeology of the region.
The Good Guide to the Lakes
Revised and expanded edition of the bestselling guide to Lakeland. 'The Good Guide is the answer to every tourist's prayer, a comprehensive assessment which treads on toes as well as sparking off satisfied grins.' Lakescene 'I think he was most unfair to Barrow.' Town Clerk, Barrow 'You'll wonder how you managed without it.' Yorkshire Post Life is too short, holidays too precious, to waste time going to places which turn out draggy or boring. So the object is very simple - to guide you to all that is best to see and do in Lakeland, from mountains and lakes and walks to museums, hotels, restaurants and the latest tourist attractions. Amazing how each year new wonders appear, new places pop up, new services get offered. Also things close, go off, disappear. So it's vital, if you are one of Lakeland's 24 million visitors a year, to be as up to date, up to scratch as possible. Note well that this book contains no advertising, no payments have been received, unlike some guide books we could mention. And also that it has been written and researched here in Cumbria.
Beatrix Potter's Lakeland
Reissued with Beatrix Potter illustrations and previously unpublished materials, this book combines authoritative text with colour photographs taken during the course of a complete year to show the Lake District in all its seasons and moods.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
14 days
Program Begins
Alnwick
Program Concludes
Manchester
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
35
| 12B |
11L |
12D |
Activity Level
Follow in the footsteps of the famous Lake District poets and writers as you explore one of the most unspoiled corners of England. Discover the landscapes that inspired writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, visit their homes to view their private collections and immerse yourself in the culture and history of this beautiful region. Cross to the wild North East Cheviot Mountains and coastline to “Border Reiver” country and learn the history of the Roman Hadrian’s Wall.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Join an expert for an exploration of the Pennington family home, Muncaster Castle.
- Cross the highest roads in England and see the Cumbrian coast, once home to Capt. John Paul Jones.
- Explore the beauty of the Northumberland Coast and learn about the history of Lindisfarne.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Some walking and standing up to two hours, some uneven surfaces and stairs in historic buildings.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(9 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
14 days
13 nights
What's Included
35 meals | 12B | 11L | 12D |
6 expert-led lectures
19 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Manchester, Lunch, Check-in, Orientation
Location:
Alnwick
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
White Swan Alnwick
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Lunch:
At the hotel, we’ll have a 2-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We'll have some time to check in and unpack at the hotel before a pre-dinner orientation. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, lecture, conduct field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we'll have a plated and served 3-course meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure to relax and prepare for the program ahead.
Day
3
Wallington, Alnwick Castle and Gardens
Location:
Alnwick
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
White Swan Alnwick
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 85 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, gravel paths, uneven grassy areas.
Breakfast:
Full English and continental breakfast buffet in the hotel. A wide range of hot and cold options, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.
Morning:
We'll set out from the hotel by minibus after breakfast and drive to the ancestral home of the Trevelyan family, Wallington. There are over 100 acres of gardens, including a wonderful walled garden and lake, and the house itself.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we’ll continue by minibus to Alnwick. Time to explore the traditional market town of Alnwick. Self explore the iconic Alnwick Castle is a Northumberland filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey or Alnwick Garden is a unique, contemporary garden in the heart of Northumberland
Dinner:
Hotel plated meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Melrose Abbey, Abbotsford, Smailholm Tower
Location:
Alnwick
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
White Swan Alnwick
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 112 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, gravel paths, uneven grassy areas. Extent and duration of independent exploration according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This morning we’ll board our minibus and drive to Smailholm Tower. Smailholm Tower's past, including its links to Sir Walter Scott, and find out what to see when you visit the laird's residence. This 65 ft peel towerhouse was built by a well-known Scottish Borders family in the first half of the 15th century. Following this we continue to Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders, the final resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our exploration at Abbotsford. Sir Walter Scott's 1800s baronial mansion, with his study & landscaped gardens. Abbotsford is a breathtaking place to visit located on the banks of the River Tweed in the glorious Scottish Borders.
Dinner:
At the Hotel.
Evening:
After returning to the hotel by minibus, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
5
Lindisfarne, Bamburgh Castle.
Location:
Alnwick
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
White Swan Alnwick
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including uneven grassy areas with some steep sections, gravel paths.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This morning we'll ride the minibus to the cradle of British Christianity, Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island. We'll cross the causeway to the village, which is periodically cut off from the mainland by high tides. After an introduction by our Group Leader, we'll have some time to explore the ruined monastery, the church, and the castle, and take a coastal walk.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon visit and enter Bamburgh Castle located on the northeast coast. It is a Grade I listed building. The site was originally the location of a Celtic Brittonic fort known as Din Guarie and may have been the capital of the kingdom of Bernicia from its foundation.
Dinner:
Hotel plated meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
The Cathedral City of Durham
Location:
Alnwick
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
White Swan Alnwick
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 135 miles, approximately 3 hours. Some areas at Durham Cathedral are only accessible by steps (Shrine of St Cuthbert, Chapel of Nine Altars, Gregory Chapel, Durham Light Infantry Chapel, North West Tower).
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Today we'll take a field trip to the great city of Durham. Stopping near the Cathedral, one of the most spectacular in the UK, we'll have time to explore this architectural masterpiece, famous for St Cuthbert's burial place behind the high altar.
Lunch:
We’ll have vouchers allowing us to choose from a range of food and drinks in the city.
Afternoon:
This afternoon our field trip continues in the city of Durham before returning to the hotel.
Dinner:
Hotel plated meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Vindolanda and Hadrian's Wall.
Location:
Bowness on Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 160 miles, approximately 4 hours. Uneven terrain with grass, gravel.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
Today is a full day spent learning just how the Romans lived in the region, and visiting Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll follow the old Stanegate road close to the Roman wall, to the Roman Army Museum, where we’ll learn more about life on the Roman frontier from a 3D film, replicas, and authentic artefacts. We’ll continue along Stanegate to Vindolanda for a discussion with one of the team of archaeologists currently excavating the fort and its “vicus,” the settlement that grew outside the fort's walls.
Lunch:
We’ll have vouchers allowing us to choose from a range of food and drinks from the café at Vindolanda.
Afternoon:
We will continue our exploration of Hadrian's Wall before transferring to our next hotel in the Lake District.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Free Day in the stunning Lake District.
Location:
Bowness on Windermere
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Dependent on own activities.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
Today is a full day at leisure to enjoy the surroundings. Freedom of the Lake tickets will be provided and the group leaders will advise on free time activities available.
Lunch:
Excluded.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we'll have a 3-course plated and served dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Wordsworth's Grasmere and Keswick.
Location:
Bowness on Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking about 1.5 mile, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, gravel and grass paths. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Full English and continental breakfast buffet in the hotel. A wide range of hot and cold options, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.
Morning:
This morning we'll drive to Wordsworth's Grasmere where we will visit Dove Cottage. In 1799 William Wordsworth arrived in Grasmere aged 29, largely unknown and writing innovative poetry in a new style. Whilst living at Dove Cottage with his family, Wordsworth wrote many of his greatest poems and his sister Dorothy kept her Grasmere journal. Wordsworth Grasmere you will discover the story of this remarkable time in his life.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will then continue by minibus to Keswick and the ancient stone circle at Castlerigg. One of Britain's most impressive prehistoric monuments sits on a low hill to the east of Keswick with a ring of mountains surrounding it. Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the earliest stone circles to be found in Britain and is important in terms of megalithic astronomy and geometry.
Dinner:
Hotel plated meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Carlisle & Tullie House, Lanercost Priory.
Location:
Bowness on Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 130 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including gravel and grass paths, uneven grassy areas.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We start with a scenic drive to Carlisle via Troutbeck and Ullswater. At Carlisle, we will visit the award-winning Tullie House Museum, with its collections of Roman and Border Reiver relics. After an introduction to the museum by our Group Leader, we’ll have some time to explore its collections independently.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We'll board the minibus to continue our field trip with our Group Leader to Lanercost and the nearby Banks East Turret. Lanercost is the site of the remains of a 13th-century Augustinian Priory, where the mortally sick King Edward I rested shortly before his death during the Anglo-Scottish wars. Banks East Turret is the best preserved observation tower on the western stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. We’ll explore both of these sites on foot with our Group Leader.
Dinner:
Hotel plated meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Armitt, Rydal, Hill Top
Location:
Bowness on Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including gravel and grass paths, flagstone floors, uneven grassy areas.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This morning we’ll board our minibus and drive to the Armitt Museum in Ambleside. We’ll explore this unique collection compiled by two Victorian sisters, and see at first hand the watercolor paintings of Beatrix Potter, once displayed at the Tate Gallery in London
Lunch:
At a local café.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our exploration of sites in the life of Beatrix Potter, as we’ll visit Wray Castle and its grounds, Hill Top House (home of Beatrix Potter) and the quintessential Lakeland village of Hawkshead. We’ll then continue to Rydal Mount, the final home of William Wordsworth, for an expert-led exploration and poetry reading.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Muncaster Castle, Hardknott Pass.
Location:
Bowness on Windermere
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 65 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including uneven grassy areas with some steep sections, gravel paths
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
Today is a day of high adventure! Leaving the hotel we'll head for the hills, along the Little Langdale Valley and up into the mountains. We will drive up the famous Hardknott Pass and here, for those of us wishing to walk over the rugged terrain, we can inspect the hilltop Hardknott Roman Fort.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, a local expert will lead us around the historic home of the Pennington family, Muncaster Castle. We’ll then return to the hotel over Corney Fell to Coniston.
Dinner:
Hotel plated meal.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Manchester in the morning.
Day
13
Transfer to Manchester, Tarn Hows, Brantwood, Conniston .
Location:
Manchester
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport
Activity Note
Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 120 miles, approximately 3 hours. Boarding Lake Cruise boat.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
We'll check out of our hotel and board the minibus to Tarn Hows, often referred to as the "prettiest lake in England," then on to Brantwood, home of the Pre-Raphaelite supporter and early ecologist John Ruskin. Here we will have some time to explore the wonderful house and gardens, after which we'll take a short study cruise on the beautiful lake adjacent to the property — Coniston Water — aboard a rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will visit Conniston Water before continuing our transfer to Manchester.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
14
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program's "Transportation Information" regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.
Morning:
Shuttle bus to Manchester Airport for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don't forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
35 Meals
12 Breakfasts
11 Lunches
12 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
- May 19, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025 (Seahouses to Manchester)
- Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025 (Alnwick to Manchester)
- Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025 (Alnwick to Manchester)
- Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025 (Alnwick to Manchester)
- Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025 (Alnwick to Manchester)
- May 18, 2026 - May 31, 2026 (Alnwick to Manchester)
- Jun 08, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026 (Alnwick to Manchester)
- Aug 03, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026 (Alnwick to Manchester)
- Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026 (Alnwick to Manchester)
- Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026 (Alnwick to Manchester)
- Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026 (Alnwick to Manchester)
Participant Reviews
Based on 15 Reviews
Sort By:
This trip was fantastic and definitely earned 5 stars. The history, architecture, scenery, sheep, cathedrals, castles! The tour leaders were incredibly friendly, accommodating, helpful, and informative! And I must say that my fellow travelers added immeasurable to my enjoyment - smart, kind, and funny. We laughed a lot. We saw so many out of the way treasures. We visited the home of and learned a lot about the incredible woman Beatrix Potter who in addition to being the author and illustrator of children's books did so very much to help preserve the Lake District. It was a very special trip made all the more so when I discovered on google that the castle in the town where we last stayed was the home of the first Duke of Northumberland -- the father of James Smithson, whose bequest funded the Smithsonian Institution. I was thrilled when on some free time I and another traveler were able to tour the duke's beautiful Alnwick Castle.
— Review left October 22, 2024
The enormous amount of history presented was very enlightening, and I’m so glad I was able to participate in this program. There was a surprise around every corner! It was very helpful to read some of the recommended reading listed by R/S ahead of the trip. Awesome trip!!
— Review left September 20, 2024
Airlines: I will never fly Air Canada again. You booked me SEA-MAN and Air Canada canceled my transfer from Toronto to Manchester and rescheduled me twice leaving me stranded at Toronto from 7 PM to 3 AM. I barely made it to Manchester for my 9/3 rendezvous with the group.
Hotels: Lindeth Howe was terrific and I appreciated getting a single room though I signed up for a roommate. White Swan in Alnwick was adequate but not as swish as Lindeth Howe.
Tour guides: Mountain Goat was OK though I question having the driver also be the 'guide'. Frankly, I would have preferred having a guide who did not drive as well.
Itinerary:
Carlisle/Tullie House Museum: This was closed when we went to Carlisle. I was very disappointed as it's supposed to have a top notch collection of Roman artifacts.
Durham Cathedral: Four hours is woefully insufficient for this huge cathedral. We couldn't get into the cathedral itself until after 12 pm due to a service and we had to leave for Manchester at 2 pm.
Muncaster Castle: We spent a lot of time at Muncaster Castle which was not that interesting and only the lunch at the Castle made up for it. I skipped the bird of prey show as it was out in the open under the hot sun. Please consider substituting this visit with the fishing villages of Anmouth, Amble and Craster.
Armitt Museum: Lunch time at the Force Cafe (Ambleside) took up so much time we didn't have enough time at the Armitt Museum (Ambleside), sadly, a wonderful museum.
Vindolanda: This tour was far too long. More time for the wonderful museum would have been preferable.
Blackwell House: Not on the itinerary and almost missed out on seeing this terrific Arts and Crafts house but for Joan, Mountain Goat guide who suggested it for our free day.
More time for Seahorses fishing village. Missed Castlerigg Roman fort - very disappointed about this.
Kudos for Gondola steam boat cruise, all museums, Lindeth Howe Hotel and Hilltop and Beatrix Potter's fabulous house and garden.
— Review left September 16, 2024
I had never heard of the Lake District. Now I feel like I’d love to go back. Every day was a day with new friends going on adventures led by guides who shared their knowledge of the region. Our visits and instructors introduced us to history, the land, literature, and famous people in the region.
— Review left August 21, 2024
The trip was all I could hope for. It was a mix of literary, historical and new local experiences. But bring your raincoat!
— Review left August 20, 2024
This is the best in-depth program available anywhere. The most value for your money if you want to really explore a place instead of just say you've been there. The word SCHOLAR is appropriate. This does not imply you need a PhD but rather a CURIOUS outlook to learn about people, places and history with other people who are also curious. (A sense of humor helps).
— Review left September 18, 2023
The English Lake District and the Borders was above and beyond my expectations. As a retiree from 35 plus years in public libraries, I was eager to explore the footsteps of Wordsworth, Coleridge, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin. I knew a little about the Lake District, had read of its beauty, and always wanted to see it. Visiting this area during spring lambing was enchanting. Between the baby lambs and stunning landscapes, I couldn’t stop watching out the bus window.
Our guides, both local, were well versed in the history and most interesting places to visit. I never stopped to think about the Scandinavian connection to this part of England. So many placenames influenced by Viking invaders who settled in the area a millennium ago; Ambleside, Ravenglass, Tarn Hows, Windermere. These warrior invaders settled and intermarried with the locals, as did the Romans before them.
The Border area was a draw for my husband, whose ancestors dwelled in the area. As my Reiver descendant friend informed me, “Ya marry a scoundrel…ya are one!" What was once a bloody, lawless, and wild “no man’s land” has an intriguing history ripe for discovery. We walked up a hill through a sheep pasture, to view a remote ruin of a bastle house (fortified farmhouse). Overcast skies, and a cold wind blew over the hill. It was easy to imagine what it was like to live in the late 16th Century.
Other highlights were Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman Fort Vindolanda, where we watched archaeologists sift through shovels full of earth searching for ancient artifacts. Castles, Catherdrals, great houses, mountains, fertile valleys, small towns and wonderful gardens bursting with spring blossoms. Garden poetry readings, history museums and a cruise on a vintage steam boat. This trip has something for everyone.
— Review left May 12, 2023
I could not have chosen a better trip. The guides (Andy Wilkinson and Gordon Lightburn) were patient, well-prepared, smart, and just fun to be with. The contrast between Romance and Turbulence is, I think, just a brilliant conception for such a tour. We think of the Romance of the Lake District as just a part of that area. We often forget the fiery times of the border reivers. My sister and I had a wonderful experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world. My thanks.
— Review left May 8, 2023
Super Disappointed in this trip. Far too much driving (4+ hours a day) especially in the borders area, where we drove the same long stretches of road literally every day for 4 days. Need to find a better base location that is more central to the itinerary. In the Lake district, we would have appreciated a hotel location which was closer to a lake; we were out of town, but not near a lake, with a view of the parking lot. More "turbulence" than "romance"..
— Review left October 10, 2022
Very poorly organized, way too much time on busses. We were taken on a three-hour drive one morning just as something to do. We were taken to two dull museums and sites, and not taken to museums and sites of great interest.
— Review left July 10, 2022
This trip was fun and informative. It goes to the top of my traveling list.
— Review left June 6, 2022
The English Lake District and the Borders: Romance and Turbulence exceeded my expectations. Our group leaders made the sights and history of the areas visited come alive. The English Lake District was unexpected with more high hills and mountains, sheep with adorable lambs, ancient stone walls, narrow twisting roads, and picturesque scenery everywhere you looked. The Borders came alive with stories of the Reivers by our driver/group leader. We enjoyed visits to the Northumberland coast, Hadrians Wall and other Roman sites.
Our accommodations were top notch and our Mountain Goat busses and drivers made traveling enjoyable.
This is a 5 star Road Scholar trip.
— Review left July 3, 2019
Great value.
— Review left June 30, 2019
This is a well paced, brilliantly organized tour of two of the most gorgeous parts of Great Britain — the Lakes District and Northumberland. It provides a great mix of castles and cottages, authors and royalty, gardens and ruins, history and geography. Anne Strange is a top-flight guide. She knows her backroads and will take you to wonderful spots off the beaten track. The guide makes all the difference and Anne is a gem. Having just two home bases from which to explore—a gorgeous Country House in the Lakes District and the magnificent Otterburn Castle in Northumberland (yes, you get to eat and sleep in a castle!) just adds to the appeal. This is by far my favorite Road Scholar trip because of the excellent guide, superb accommodations and absolutely stunning countryside. Every day was a fresh experience. Nothing felt tiresome or repetitive. Just remember the raincoat because you will need it!
— Review left June 10, 2019
A comfortably paced tour out in the countryside. The Lake District and Borders area are full of history and beauty. Highly recommend this tour if the above is your cup of tea!
— Review left May 23, 2019
