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Eden Valley Full Day Itinerary

Eden Valley Full Day Itinerary

Morning – Ullswater ‘Steamers’ & Aira Force

Cruise on Ullswater with Ullswater ‘Steamers’. Arrive at Glenridding Pier to catch the cruise and once on-board, soak up the magnificent scenery of fells and mountains mirrored in Ullswater, beautiful from whichever angle they are viewed, but from on-board the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ are simply stunning. Some of the most spectacular views of Helvellyn and the Ullswater Valley cannot be seen from the shore, only from the Lake.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ have been serving both locals and visitors around the lake since 1859, carrying mail and provisions as well as passengers. The ‘Steamers’ run services all year round between Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Howtown, and have on-board light refreshments. On-deck seating is complemented by warm indoor saloons, for the more unpredictable turns of the weather! Coaches can drop off at Pooley Bridge Pier and meet the group in Glenridding, where there is free coach parking.

Once you arrive at the stop for Aira Force Pier, depart the cruise and make your way up to the A592 where you will cross the road and you will see the Aira Force Car Park & Café in front of you.

In an 18th Century pleasure ground, Aira Force was the backdrop for Wordsworth’s ‘Somnambulist’, a gothic tale of love and tragedy. Weave your way through a network of woodland trails, to where Aira waterfall thunders in one 65-foot drop past fern and rock into the pool below.

Look out for red squirrels, explore the natural play area, picnic and paddle at Aira Green, follow the tree trail through the 19th Century Pinetum.

As you finish the walk, you will approach the Aira Force Café where you started from. Make your way back down to Aira Force Pier to catch the ‘Steamer’ back to Glenridding Pier. If time allows following the walk and before catching the cruise, the Aira Force Café serves hot & cold drinks, cakes, ice cream and light lunches.

Once you have arrived back to Glenridding Pier, you can now make your way to Lowther Castle.

Travel time 30 minutes by car.

Lunch – Lowther Castle

Lowther Castle has been the family seat of the Earls of Lonsdale from time immemorial, and occupies the site of mansions dating back to the reign of Edward I. The spectacular Gothic ruin lay abandoned for 70 years and in 2011 opened for the first time since 1938.

Visitors can follow routes through the 130 acres of gardens and castle terraces, as well as experiencing highly visual exhibitions revealing the Lowther family’s colourful 850 year history. Lowther Castle is also home to one of the UK’s largest adventure playgrounds, e-bike hire and traffic free trails. Pre-booked group experiences include Head Gardener Tours, Meet the Owner, Castle & Cruise, private dining and there is free parking available, with a dedicated coach parking area.

The café, located in the Courtyard, serves delicious home-made food and a children’s menu is also available. For something different, the Castle also offer afternoon tea with delicious loose leaf teas, English sparkling wines, cakes, tarts, pastries, sandwiches and scones in the stunning Sculpture Gallery, that once housed a considerable collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.

Depart Lowther Castle for Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens. Travel time 20 minutes by car.

Afternoon – Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

Dalemain Mansion is a fine mixture of Medieval, Tudor and early Georgian architecture. The imposing Georgian façade strikes the visitor immediately, but in the cobbled courtyard the atmosphere of the north country Tudor manor is secure. The present owner's family have lived at Dalemain since 1679 and have collected china, furniture and family portraits.

Visitors can see the grand Drawing Rooms with 18th Century panelling, also the Nursery and Housekeeper's Room. The house is full of the paraphernalia of a well-established family house, which is still very much lived in by the family.

The gardens at Dalemain are constantly changing. Not only because of the seasons, which bring special plants including snowdrops in winter, blue poppies in spring, roses in summer and apples in autumn, but also due to new additions which bring new shapes, colours and variety to the garden.

The tearoom, set within the Medieval Hall, serves a range of delicious home-made dishes, light lunches, morning coffees and afternoon teas.

Ullswater Steamers  Aira Force  Lowther Castle  Dalemain House

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Item
1 Ullswater Steamers
2 Aira Force Waterfall
3 Lowther Castle & Gardens
4 Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens
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Product Information

  1. Ullswater 'Steamers' on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria © Ben Barden
    Ullswater 'Steamers' on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria © Ben Barden
    Beautiful Lake Cruises with Ullswater Steamers, Lake District
    Scenic backdrops with Ullswater Steamers, Lake District
    Year-round cruising with Ullswater Steamers, Lake District
    Ullswater 'Steamers' on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Ullswater 'Steamers' pier on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria © Ben Barden
    Visitor and dog look over Ullswater Valley in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors and a Dog walk along a pier on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Dog with Ullswater 'Steamers' bandana on the shores of Ullswater
    Ullswater 'Steamers' private wedding charter on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria © Ben Barden
    Ullswater 'Steamers' on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria © Ben Barden
    Beautiful Lake Cruises with Ullswater Steamers, Lake District
    Scenic backdrops with Ullswater Steamers, Lake District
    Year-round cruising with Ullswater Steamers, Lake District
    Ullswater 'Steamers' on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Ullswater 'Steamers' pier on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria © Ben Barden
    Visitor and dog look over Ullswater Valley in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors and a Dog walk along a pier on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Dog with Ullswater 'Steamers' bandana on the shores of Ullswater
    Ullswater 'Steamers' private wedding charter on Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria © Ben Barden

    Ullswater Steamers

    Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding

    With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells, exploring the quaint villages, or simply relaxing on the water, hop aboard a Ullswater ‘Steamer’ to experience this little slice of Lake District perfection. Operating an all-year service with…

  2. Beautiful natural scenery at Aira Force Waterfall in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, John Malley
    Beautiful natural scenery at Aira Force Waterfall in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, John Malley
    Bridge and viewpoint at Aira Force Waterfall in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Food and Drink at Aira Force Tea Room in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    View From Gowbarrow Fell near Aira Force Waterfall in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Georgia Fitzpatrick
    Family days out at Aira Force Woods in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Experience nature at Aira Force Woods in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Beautiful walks at Aira Green in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Paul Harris
    Paddling in Ullswater near Aira Force Waterfall in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Paul Harris
    Beautiful natural scenery at Aira Force Waterfall in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, John Malley
    Bridge and viewpoint at Aira Force Waterfall in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Food and Drink at Aira Force Tea Room in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    View From Gowbarrow Fell near Aira Force Waterfall in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Georgia Fitzpatrick
    Family days out at Aira Force Woods in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Experience nature at Aira Force Woods in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Stewart Smith
    Beautiful walks at Aira Green in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Paul Harris
    Paddling in Ullswater near Aira Force Waterfall in Matterdale, Lake District © National Trust Images, Paul Harris

    Aira Force Waterfall

    Penrith

    The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.

  3. View of the Front of Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    View of the Front of Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Aerial Shot of the Ruins at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Overlooking the Gardens at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Upward View of the Tower at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Story of Lowther Exhibition at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Flowers at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Rose Garden Summerhouse at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Rose Garden at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Slide and Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Slide and Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    View of the Front of Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Aerial Shot of the Ruins at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Overlooking the Gardens at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Upward View of the Tower at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Story of Lowther Exhibition at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Flowers at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Rose Garden Summerhouse at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Rose Garden at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Slide and Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Slide and Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District

    Lowther Castle & Gardens

    Penrith

    A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the ruins, the gardens and the stories that lurk…

  4. Exterior and Grounds at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Exterior and Grounds at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Gardens at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Flowers in Bloom at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Exterior at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Great Barn at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Afternoon Tea at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Exterior at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Gardens at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Gardens at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Exteroir at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Exterior and Grounds at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Gardens at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Flowers in Bloom at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Exterior at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Great Barn at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Afternoon Tea at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Exterior at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Gardens at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Gardens at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria
    Exteroir at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith, Cumbria

    Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

    Penrith

    Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Ullswater Steamers (54.54504,-2.94507)Aira Force Waterfall (54.57454,-2.93075)3.07
Aira Force Waterfall (54.57454,-2.93075)Lowther Castle & Gardens (54.60802,-2.74212)11.45
Lowther Castle & Gardens (54.60802,-2.74212)Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens (54.63431,-2.81132)4.8
Total Distance *19.32 miles
Estimated Journey Time37 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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