Active Adventure in the Lake District - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Manchester, Lake District Canoe Trip  

Welcome to England! Once you arrive in Manchester, transfer to Ambleside and settle in your accommodations. Then, it's on to your first exciting excursion to kick off your active week in the stunning Lake District: a 2.5-hour canoe trip. 

 

Begin by securing your life vest, learning how to hold your paddle, and sitting in your 2-3-person canoe right before paddling and steering out into the beautiful waters. This special canoeing session will send you along a stunning route, whether you're a beginner or an advanced paddler. Take in the hills and mountains that rise from the water's edge and stop for a picnic lunch among the beautiful scenery. Following the trip, the remainder of the day and evening are yours to enjoy in Ambleside. 

Day 2: Lake District: Private, Guided Walking Tour of Buttermere

Today, embark on a 5-hour walk that spans 8.6 miles (13.8 km) in Buttermere. This gorgeous area of the Lake District has a remote feel and is also home to Alfred Wainwright's favorite mountain: Haystacks. From your meeting point in the valley, walk toward the northwest end of Buttermere and ascend through Burtness Wood to Scale Beck.

 

Make your way up to Red Pike via Lingcomb Edge. Then, from the summit of Red Pike, head southeast along the ridge to take in High Stile, High Crag, and Seat. Next, drop down to Scarth Gap to descend back to the valley and return to Buttermere along the side of the lake. After the active walk, return to Ambleside for some free time and relaxation. 

Day 3: Full-Day Electric Mountain Biking Trip in Keswick

After breakfast, get ready to pedal on an active electric bike (e-bike) trip in Keswick, where mountain biking is a popular sport. Begin by getting outfitted in your gear and helmet, and then it's time for the action! Explore the scenery on a bicycle furnished with an electric engine, which propels the bike when peddling, allowing you to go further and faster than you ever could on a regular mountain bike and with ease.

 

Make this trip your very own by designing your route or opt for the help of a guide. Go the scenic, leisurely route, or choose a more challenging adventure with off-road endurance ride options. Ride to Threlkeld and back on a railway path explicitly designed for family-friendly cycling trips, or explore Fitz Park and stop at the playground and BMX track—it's also a great place to brush up on your pedaling skills on the path around the perimeter.

 

Additionally, cycle through Whinlatter Forest, home to some of the longest biking trails in the Lake District and a great place to cruise through several trails: Altura, Gorse, and Quercus. More advanced riders can try the Mountain Bike Orienteering challenge, which combines forest roads and parts of the Quercus Trail. Following a full day of riding, return to Ambleside. Indulge in a hearty dinner and get some rest. 

Day 4: Many Lives of Beatrix Potter: Full-Day, All-Inclusive Tour

Take a break from your active adventuring; this day is dedicated to the "Many Lives of Beatrix Potter" full-day tour. The guided tour begins at Wray Castle. Learn about the castle and the people Beatrix met there before heading along the steep, narrow Lakehead roads to her home in Near Sawrey. Take a guided walk through the village into Hill Top and its gardens. (Enjoy plenty of time to visit the house, gardens, and gift shop.)

Make a stop for lunch in Hawkshead and visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery to see original manuscripts and illustrations by Beatrix. Take a short guided walk around the village, then explore it more at your own pace. Move on to the beautiful Tarn Hows, part of the Monk Coniston Estate purchased by Potter, which was eventually bequeathed to The National Trust. Discover more about the life of Beatrix as a farmer and conservationist. Travel to Yew Tree Farm, once owned by Beatrix and used in the film "Miss Potter." Stop to snap some pictures before making the drive back to Ambleside.

Next, head into the Armitt Library and Museum to uncover Potter's life as a scientific researcher and illustrator. Gain fascinating insights into Beatrix's interest in mycology as a young woman, showcased by her detailed illustrations left to the library in her will. Following the tour, the night in Ambleside is yours. 

Day 5: Lake District: Full-Day Canyoning Excursion 

You're in for an extreme treat today: a 6-hour, action-packed canyoning excursion in the Lake District! The full-day trip begins with scaling the Honister Via Ferrata Xtreme, a true test of your nerves and balancing skills as you tightrope walk 1,200 feet (365 m) above the valley floor. Next, hang off Bull Gill and scramble a vertical cargo net high above the lush Buttermere Valley. 

Take a quick break for lunch, and then it's time to conquer Stoneycroft Ghyll Xtreme. Put on your wetsuit to slide, jump, and dive around the Ghyll. Then, repel down several stunning waterfalls before reemerging further down the river. Following the day's thrills, take it easy back in Ambleside. 

Day 6: Lake District: Private, Guided Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour

Today, head out for one final Lake District adventure: a 2.5-hour stand-up paddleboarding tour guided by Keswick Adventure Centre. From serene paddling to active diving, your session is tailored to suit your needs and preferences, from beginner to expert. Wetsuits and life vests are provided. Relax on the serene waters and take in the beautiful scenery one last time.

 

Once you return to Ambleside, take a final stroll around town, shop for souvenirs, and treat yourself to a nice dinner and drinks after many days of adventuring—you deserve it!

Day 7: Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour and Depart

On your final day, head back to Manchester and go behind the scenes of one of the world's most popular and most successful football clubs on the 80-minute Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour. Since the club's formation in 1878, Manchester United has won 64 titles, with Old Trafford Stadium at the heart of the team's success. Discover the history of the club and take an inside look. Find your favorite player's seat in the dressing room, walk in their footsteps—through the players' tunnel—toward the pitch, and take the manager's seat in the dugout.

Next, visit the museum, which blends historical exhibits with state-of-the-art interactive experiences. Discover the stories of the club's most famous players, including Bobby Charlton, George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney. Learn about the remarkable managers, including Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson. After the tour, prepare to depart from Manchester. Until next time!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to England? Check out these other 1-week England itineraries, with outdoor adventures, countryside trips, and food and drink tours to hit the highlights.