Lakeland Days Out
"The greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to see something and tell what it saw in a plain way" - John Ruskin, Modern Painters Vol.3 , 1856.
On tours I have discovered that people commend me for my clarity of speech, they can hear me and understand me and easily follow the stories I tell. I don't assume that it's easy to listen or take in so much information when you are in a foreign land and this is one of the reasons I chose John Ruskin's quote at the top of this page. "...Tell what it saw in a plain way".
Not all guided tours around the Lake District are the same. I like to offer something a little different to make my tours authentic and memorable. I've walked with alpacas along the lakeshore to bring one lovely lady's dream come true. I've hugged sheep and organised a posh lunch in a private dining room with a strong connection to Beatrix Potter as a very unique experience for another small group tour. Afternoon teas - of course, many times! Gin and whisky tasting in the Lake District - oh yes! Going home with unique stories of their own, ones which I may never hear them tell but it gives me happiness and a sense of pride to take time to thoughtfully create a special experience suitable for a particular client. Scroll down through this page for some ideas that might just make memories.
If factual and fun is what the guest orders you are in the right place. Whether travelling by coach, mini-bus or private vehicle with a chauffeur, my clients rely on me to give an engaging commentary. The Lake District covers 912 square miles with a network of roads, often either narrow or steep and as a local I can recommend the best routes to take, even which direction to travel in to maximise the views or minimise delays en-route to our destinations.
I am a friendly and professional Tourist Guide (MITG) - qualified, insured and registered with the British Guild of Tourist Guides - I am one of Britain's best guides. I work collaboratively with tour operators who are looking to expand into tours with a focus on something out of the ordinary. Tours will be delivered to match your own interests for a day or a few hours away from the everyday normal. If you are looking for a factually accurate yet enjoyable and interesting commentary on a journey around the Lake District taking in places of interest, then I can help you.
For example for some guests we have a focus on farming by having a special experience learning about and being up close with Herdwick sheep or depending on the season watching a farmer skilfully shear his sheep or perhaps a walk along a lakeshore with an alpaca! If you love photography you will have endless subjects and landscape, we can sit quietly amongst nature or be ticking off visiting the stunning gardens in the Lake District including the oldest surviving topiary garden in the world dating back to the late 17th century, or the many Victorian and Edwardian gardens designed by landscape designer Thomas Mawson. Or perhaps William Wordsworth's own garden, either at Dove Cottage or at Rydal Mount, or Beatrix Potter's farm, Hill Top.
As a professional and local tour guide based in the Lake District I can offer a wide choice of itineraries - have a look at these samples - let me know what you would like your day to include? A cream tea, a boat trip, Gin tasting, up close with friendly animals such as Herdwick sheep or Alpacas, a Waterfall walk, or perhaps a guided tour of one of the many museums, gardens or historic houses in the area?
Beatrix Potter : Tales and Tails - Children's author, scientist, artist, conservationist and Lake District sheep breeder/farmer. On this tour we could be getting up close to the iconic Herdwick Sheep on a working farm, or visiting her favourite locations and galleries showcasing her fine drawings, to understanding her legacy to the National Trust and how it continues to shape the Lake District. Let me show you the real-life locations of the drawings in her story books that look just the same today as they did when she drew them. Discover if you are more like Johnny Town-Mouse or the little country mouse - Timmy Willie.
As Beatrix herself said: "One place suits one person, another place suits another person. For my part I prefer to live in the country, like Timmy Willie".
Spires, Saints and Stained Glass - From a Monastery to an Abbey, tiny chapels to Churches and Priories - Cumbria is home to the finest buildings designed for worship and set amongst spectacular scenery. With a passion to tell the stories the past can be revealed through structure, saints and gravestones!
Ambleside Guided Walking Tour - why not listen to the Countrystride podcast episode #103 which was recorded a couple of years agao, in which you will hear me talking with guide book author Mark Richards about the culture, heritage and history of the place I call home.
Perhaps join one of my regular guided walks exploring "old" Ambleside "Vikings to Victorians" for groups of up to 10 persons.
https://www.countrystride.co.uk/single-post/countrystride-103-ambleside-a-town-through-time
The Wordsworth Trail - From radical to conventional, we follow in the poet's footsteps as we travel in comfort around the Lake District to see his many homes and the sights that inspired him.
Diversification - perfect for small groups to experience the real Lake District, meet a farmer and appreciate the real hard work which goes on all day every day all through the year in the Lake District. Did you know, farmers don't just run a farm for meat? They could be sheep farmers providing wool for tweed products or making creamy cheese from the milk from dairy cow.
If these ideas inspire your imagination, then please do contact me so that we can build a perfect visit together.
Client happiness is the most important thing to me and I ensure a "good day out" is actually a "great day out". I am used to being flexible and adapting plans especially as the weather changes or a photo opportunity beckons. I am ready and willing to listen to your ideas, let's start planning for that memorable trip.