Lake District Rail Day Trip from London

Great Tour Guide - lousy tour company

The Tour Guide was great. The tour company sent me 2 copies of the same ticket instead of the 4 tickets I needed. When I asked about this they sent the proper tickets, but then called me again and seemed very confused. They didn't tell the guide about our reservation for Cream Tea, so I had to follow up again on that. The hotel with the tea room was very uninterested in our group. They mostly ignored us, and grudgingly served us. They could not even bother to be polite. I give 5 stars to the tour guide and 2 to Evan Evans tours. The tour guide did not work for them, he was an outside contractor.

Great one-day tour in Lake District

Due to the disruptions and cancellations of the train, we got off it at the Preston station unexpectedly. I was confused at first because I'm a foreign tourist, but the tour agent(Evan Evans Tours) got in touch with me immediately and the local tour guide, Tim picked me up in front of the station. He was very friendly and his explanation was easy to understand for foreigner. In addition, he helped me to take pictures at a great photo spot. There are a lot of beautiful nature, so I could forget daily life and enjoy this tour. Thank you for your kind support, Tim!

An American in the Lake District

Mark, the guide, knows the area very well and has great information about many details. I'd suggest leaving the Beatrix Potter's World off the tour, unless there are young children signed up.

Windermere in the Rain

Round Top and the boat ride on the lake. We had a very personable and knowledgeable guide who was very attentive.

Terrible experience. I wouldn’t recommend!

We got picked up 2 hours late from the station. No apologies from the local guide. Not worth of money at all!

Wonderful Windermere

The tour was great! A truly beautiful part of the world. The tour is very well organised, informative, fun and has a range of activities, including a boat ride. Well worth the day trip!

Lake District Adventure

Truly loved this tour. Peter was an amazing tour guide. He seems to love what he does and made the trip so memorable for us. We loved the scenery, the history, the boat ride and tea. We also enjoyed getting to know people from other countries. I highly recommend this tour.

Nature at its best!

Our guide Peter was courteous, knowledgeable and a great driver. The natural scenes were breathtaking, although the rain wasn’t giving us a break. The day was pleasant and the cream tea hit the spot. The train ride was very comfortable and the tickets were assigned in Premier cabins. Overall very satisfied with the day tour.

Very good

Gerry from mountain goat tours was an excellent guide and story teller. Kept us entertained throughout

Lovely day trip

We had a wonderful day. Peter our tour guide was welcoming and helpful, and had a great knowledge about the place history. The ride was lovely we had reasonable time to enjoy all stops and the cream tea was amazing. To be honest I has some doubts about the feasibility of visiting the Lake District in a day trip from London. But I think this is great if you are short of time and wish to have a taste of Lake District and don’t mind the 3h each way train journey.

Breathtaking!

This was an amazing tour! Definitely worth the time on the train from London to Kendal and back. Our tour guide, Peter, was very friendly, passionate and well-informed about the history of Beatrix Potter and the Lake District. We were taken to a few breathtaking destinations around Windermere with just enough time at each spot to take photos and walk around. Lunchtime is spent in Hawkshead and if you’re not hungry you should check out the Beatrix Potter Gallery where you can view some of her original illustrations (there is a fee to get in). And it was a perfect ending to a perfect day with the ferry across the lake and finishing up with tea and scones at Lindeth Howe – just enough of a pick-me-up for the train back to London.

A feast for your eyes

I’m quite picky about my trips and I can say this one was lovely. Even though there are still some changes from COVID, the directions to get to the train were simple and clear. My tour guide was right there when I arrived in Oxenholme and so friendly! Although it was a rainy day (with rain off and on) it seemed the rain stopped every place we stopped for an experience or just for photos. The Lake District is not to be missed! Such beauty. I also loved the included cream tea at the end at Beatrix Potters house which is now a lovely hotel. Yes it is a very long day, but it didn’t feel like it. I would say our guide Graham was also part of the highlight. So very knowledgeable and friendly.

Peter of Mountain Goat was the BEST!

From the moment that Peter of Mountaingoat picked us up at the train station to to time he returned us there a few hours later there was never a dull moment. His tour guide comments about the Lake District were informative, delightful, and entertaining. His historical knowledge of the Romans and Vikings and how they connected to the Lake District was awesome. Thank you to Evan Evans for such an excellent day tour and an extra special thank you to PETER for a wonderful day.

Amazing day!

My mother, daughter and myself traveled to London for a three generations trip. We booked this trip before leaving the US and were not sure what to expect. We could not stop talking about how much we enjoyed this trip. Even though there was a light rain most of the day, we did not care. We were enjoying ourselves so much! We met the agent from Evan Evans group and received our tickets and instructions. Everything went smoothly, just like the agent explained to us. When we arrived at Oxenholme we were met by Peter, our guide from Mountain Goat tours. He was so knowledgeable about the history of area. He was funny and took his time with us. We did not feel rushed at all. The lake cruise was nice too. My 78 year old mother said she would definitely do this trip again. I agree with her. This was the best part of our trip to the UK.

Disappointing tour

Our guide was nice enough but was very disorganized. We wasted so much time with checking people in, her talking to the other driver or buying our tickets. There was hardly any time at each stop, especially at Beatrix Potter’s house. No one asked any questions or even spoke on the ride, which is so unlike any tour I’ve taken. The boat ride was a complete time waster. Instead of doing the boat, we could have more time at the other stops. The highlight of the day was the tea & scones. Thumbs down on this tour, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Lake District

Overall, this is a wonderful tour. We had a good time riding on Virgin train and seeing the landscape. When we arrived, Peter our tour guide was very visible and we all gathered promptly. He was very nice and explained what was going to happen for the day. The weather was not so cooperative. It rained all day making the boat tour miserable. Tea at the end of the day was delicious and allowed for us to connect with our fellow tour mates. Peter our tour guide with Goat adventures was a plethora of knowledge and was doing a splendid job. I would definitely recommend staying the night so as to get more out of the trip.

I enjoyed my trip.

The guide spoke to me slowly and clearly.So I could understand what he said.And the tour was very nice.If I had had time,I would have stayed a couple of days.

Day in the Lake District

This was a great day. I was promptly met at the train station and given direction on where the guide would meet me. Virgin trains was incredibly comfortable and clean, made the 2.5 hour ride a joy. Meryl our guide with Goat adventures was professional and pleasant. Answered all questions and was very friendly. Definitely would recommend this tour!!

Very Disappointing "Lake District with Afternoon Tea & Cruise"

This tour package is false advertisement. We were advised to be at the station at 7:30 am for an 8:00 departure. It departed at 8:31 and the Evan Evans rep showed up at 8:10. The "afternoon tea" was only cream tea with a scone and tea. There was no time or place for lunch. We expected afternoon tea with sandwiches, etc. The cruise, included in the price, was cancelled due to rough water. They didn't know what to do with us and drove us around on narrow county roads for two hours. Thirty minutes at the Beatrix Potter house was not enough for shopping. This is my first ever bad review.

Wonderful trip

We've visited a very nice places, the guide was friendly and respectable, I wished if we could spend some days there.

Wonderful trip and great sceneries!

We spent a great day from this trip. Our guide Peter is very patient and nice! Definitely recommend this tour

Unsatisfied

I had to wait for 2 hours approx to start the tour. Called up agent but was communicated that agent is coming but the person came after 2 hours. There is no professionalism in the people operating the tour

An extremely well organized tour - all...

<p>An extremely well organized tour - all aspects of this tour occurred with clockwork precision. The travel in the Lake District was provided by Mountain Goat Tours with our guide having excellent knowledge of all aspects of the history, culture, geography and life style of the Lake District and the part Beatrix Potter played in that history. A great day.</p>

Lovely trip

Although trip advisor members were quick to jump on the don't go if you only have one day bandwagon when I originally inquired about this trip it was a lovely trip, only about a two and a half hour train trip. It was nice to see outside of London and the Lake District was stunning. While I would certainly love to spend more time there most likely I will never get to the UK again so I am very glad I went and Mountain Goat who does the tour in the Lake District does a fabulous job.

Booked first class rail on Saturday...

<p>Booked first class rail on Saturday. Breakfast -sandwich??, dinner Muffin and cup of tea, no wine??. Comment from Virgin train staff - first class is 'rusbbish' on the weekends' At least in first class we were away from the drunks in stanard class.This train is the London to Glasgow and return so shall we say a wide range of travellers <br/> As for the tour - Mountain Goat Tours, Peter our guide was execellent, very knowledgable, took us to all the key locations, lake cruise was good. Would recommend Mountain Goat tour, suggest do first class rail but not on weekends.</p>

I could not take the tour due to...

<p>I could not take the tour due to work reasons. Called to try and re-schedule and was told not possible. Said that I am happy to pay for my own train tickets and would only like to be taken around by the bus / coach once in Lake District and still told that was not possible. In the end, had to lose the entire amount paid for the tour without a minute of the tour. A</p>

Highlight in the U.K.

So glad we took this day trip, although this is a long way from London! Our Trip Advisor/Evan Evans rep met us with information that told us exactly what to expect once our train arrived in the Lake District at Oxehholme Station. The subcontractor with Mountain Goat Tours was EXCELLENT - very familiar with the area, a good sense of humor, and we had plenty of time on our own for a quick meal and shopping. The trip included the lovely Hill Top Farm (think Beatrix Potter) and a short trip across Lake Windemere. This was a highlight in our trip of over 3 weeks in the U.K. and Ireland.

A wonderful day trip from London...

<p>A wonderful day trip from London. Clear instructions were provided on the ticket emailed including where to meet a representative from the tour company at Euston Station. The representative was excellent outlining the day trip and what to expect. Upon arrival at Oxenholme railway station, we were met by Peter Fox our tour guide for the day. Peter was very polite, informative, obliging and an excellent driver. The highlights for me were Beatrix Potters home Hilltop, Hawkshead and the cruise on Lake Windermere. Peter ensured we were back in time at Oxenholme to meet our train back to London. A beautiful part of the UK and would highly recommend the tour if you have limited time to visit.</p>

Fantastic Day but some issue with our Guide!

We were so very lucky to have a "no rain" day in the Lake District. We were picked up at the train station by our guide and were the only ones that day so had a private tour which was nice. We headed off to see the sights. Our first stop was a little village with shops and small restaurants/cafes. I immediately asked where the restrooms were and our guide said "There are none" WHAT??? He said the only bathrooms were up the hill 10 minute walk each way??? I have 2 knee replacments and walk with a cane. He made NO suggestion to drive us up the hill and back. I could not believe it. Fortunately I asked a couple of places and finally found one kind enough to let me use their bathroom. Unfortunately that really put a damper on my opinion of our guide! I am retired from the National Park Service with 33 years of working with the public. The 2 most important pieces of information you relay to any public group is #1 the itinerary for the tour/walk with times at each location and MOST Importantly - where and when there will be be restroom facilities!!! Otherwise the tour itself was spectacular and we loved every minute of the area itself. I urge this tour company to review how they deal with this necessity!

The Lake District is beautiful and a...

<p>The Lake District is beautiful and a few days there would be fun. But if you do not have that time this tour is a great way to see it. It is very doable in a day. The guide was very nice and full of fun interesting information. I would recommed this tour.</p>

Itinerary was well planned and...

<p>Itinerary was well planned and thoroughly enjoyable. Tour Guide was professional and knowledgeable.</p>

The day in the Lake District was the...

<p>The day in the Lake District was the highlight of my trip to England. Everything, from the train trips, being picked up and returned to the station, and the visit to Beatrix Potter's cottage, went without a glitch. It's a long day, but it was thoroughly enjoyable!</p>

Our tour guide, Peter Fox, could not...

<p>Our tour guide, Peter Fox, could not have been more pleasant and enjoyable.</p>

Very good tour and handled nicely...

<p>Very good tour and handled nicely. Loved seeing Beatrix Potter's house.</p>

I travelled to Lake District on the...

<p>I travelled to Lake District on the 29th July. Someone from the agency waited for me in the train station and handed me the train tickets to and from Oxenholme. There, a very friendly guide was waiting for me in the station. She drove to other locations to gather everyone from the group, which had 10 people. We covered everything listed in the trip details, and the guide was amazing, she had impressive knowledge on the area and the people. The landscapes were breathtaking, so I would strongly encourage you to take this tour.</p>

This was a great tour! But not...

<p>This was a great tour! But not because the guide was good because he was not, I am use to learning many interesting facts he really had none to share? The coach had no air conditioning either. We were just lucky that the countryside was so beautiful and the towns so charming!</p>

A must if your a Beatrix Potter fan...

<p>A must if your a Beatrix Potter fan. The tour is operated in the Lake District by Mountain Goat Tours. The scenery is beautiful, the day was packed with activities. Our tour guide gave great history about the area, gave us a little to explore the sites. </p> <p>I gave it three stars because if you need someone to guide you from London, you'll be disappointed. Evan Evans was the local company that met us at Euston station in London. She was difficult to find, had no identifying name tag or banner. We roamed and asked people who looked official. She handed us our packet including tickets and said, Have a good time, that we would be met at the station in Kendall. A little disconcerting for those of us who have never been to England.</p> <p>If you're in for a quick day trip, this is it. Otherwise book a longer trip. The area is beautiful and needs time to explore.</p>

Great tour by Peter Fox. He was very...

<p>Great tour by Peter Fox. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and adept at getting us around the area without a hitch. The boat ride and the cream tea were nice features. It was a fabulous way to see this region in one day and still get back to London.</p>

This was a very nice tour which had...

<p>This was a very nice tour which had a bonus of touring Beatrix Cottage and a lake cruise. The only complaint was that we were shorted tour time because the driver/guide had to pick up additional tourists at their hotels and going back to the tour office to sign in. They could have had the others brought to the tour office to be there when our group arrived. Other than that it was a very pleasant experience and wonderful scenery.</p>

Highly recommend this tour! Peter...

<p>Highly recommend this tour! Peter was a great tour guide. I went in April and the weather and area was enjoyable. Not overly crowded or cold! If you're worried about taking a train to and from London... 3 hours really goes by fast on the Virgin trains.</p>

Excellent birds eye view of the Lake...

<p>Excellent birds eye view of the Lake District, very good guide informative and efficient. The seat reservations were not good, fortunately the train was not full and we were able to change, a window is infinetly preferable to a blank wall. Trains unlike aeroplanes do have views, often scenic! Departure information was incorrect, we were told to be at the station by 7.30am for an 8am departure but the train was not scheduled to leave until 8.30am.</p>

The upgrade to first class was worth...

<p>The upgrade to first class was worth it. Even it is just a day trip , you get a taste of Lake District. There plenty of time on each location as advertised on trip. David was an excellent driver and got us on time and safely from 1point to the other. The tea was good. The lake cruise was enjoyable.</p>

The Lake District Day Trip was a...

<p>The Lake District Day Trip was a wonderful experience.<br/> We loved getting to see Beatrix Potter's home, but the rest of the Lake District was also wonderful.<br/> Having afternoon tea at the hotel was a wonderful experience.<br/> What a beautiful area!</p>

This was wonderful! We were met at...

<p>This was wonderful! We were met at the station and given our tickets and then relaxed on the train to the Lakes District. Leaving the train we were met by our guide and spent a lovely day! Our guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out many interesting sights along the way. I loved our time in Ambleside, particularly the old school which our guide had recommended we go to...Wonderful, wonderful day and it was one of my sons favourite days on our holiday! He is 6</p>

Beautiful scenery! Guide was great...

<p>Beautiful scenery! Guide was great. Definitely recommend</p>

wonderful experience<br/> may be better...

<p>wonderful experience<br/> may be better if lunch is organised</p>

I rate this one a three, not because...

<p>I rate this one a three, not because the Lake District was bad (it was amazing!) but because it was SO badly managed. We arrived at the train station in the Lake District on time, as directed by our first tour guide. We were told that there, we would meet another guide. We waited for half an hour, and still no one showed up. We made many phone calls. The tour company that handles the actual Lake District part of the tour - never apologized for the inconvenience, or even admitted that it was their fault that they had had a mis-communication regarding our booking. They didn't even want to make an effort to let us at least see part of the Lake District. It was only after we absolutely insisted that they reluctantly agreed to allow us to join the latter half of a Japanese group's tour. We missed about half of the things that we had been looking forward to doing, and couldn't understand our Japanese guide. Thankfully, our driver was English and would put in his two bits for us Americans every now and then. My friends and I made the best of it, and ended up having a fantastic day (one we certainly won't soon forget!), but we will never work with this particular tour operator again.</p>

Arranging a meeting point can be...

<p>Arranging a meeting point can be confusing. You must be familiar with Euston station and initiative and very specific which ticket counter office they ( Local tour operator) meant. I had to stress to them was it the Euston station ticket office or the Virgin ticket office ?</p> <p>Luckily it worked out fine and we were only a small group, hopped on the train followed their instructions and we were off to the magical Lake districts. Highly recommended. If I were to do it again, I'd stay at least 2-3 nights.</p> <p>Great day all round.</p>

A great way to get a taste of the lake...

<p>A great way to get a taste of the lake district in one day</p>

This was a great tour and a good...

<p>This was a great tour and a good deal since it included the rail ticket. I am only giving it 4 stars though because there was too much packed into one day. I would have preferred to stay longer at some of the places instead of going on the boat ride. There was no time to see the Beatrix Potter Gallery at Hawkshead and eat. And speaking of eating, there needs to be a lot more information about eating. I learned that a "Cream Tea" is a scone and tea only--nothing else. That really needed to be clarified and more information provided about places to eat, but more time provided to actually eat! But it was a small group in a small van, which is necessary since the road we were on were very, very narrow. Beautiful sites, but a lot of driving to get to them and to pick up people along the way.</p>