Ullswater — described by Wordsworth as "the most beautiful lake in England", winding like a serpentine fairway through the Cumbrian fells, the Lake District's third-largest lake and its most underrated treasure. Since 1859, century-old steamers have ploughed its mirror-like waters; in 1802, Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy saw "golden daffodils fluttering and dancing in the breeze" at Glencoyne Bay and wrote his immortal poem; Helvellyn's Striding Edge arête was voted Britain's favourite walk; Aira Force cascades 65 feet through ancient National Trust woodlands; and the lakeside path from Howtown to Pooley Bridge was hailed by Wainwright as "the most beautiful and worthwhile walk in Lakeland". This 2-day, 1-night classic tour includes a steamer cruise, Helvellyn climb, daffodil bay poetry hunt, Aira Force exploration, and Sharrow Bay's legendary afternoon tea.
Cruise on a century-old steamer, climb Helvellyn via Striding Edge arête, find the daffodil bay that inspired Wordsworth, and explore Aira Force waterfall and an ancient stone circle.
Depart from Glenridding Pier in the morning aboard the "Lady of the Lake" — a century-old steamer built by Glasgow's Seath & Co. in 1877 (now diesel-powered, but retaining its wooden cabin and brass fittings in Victorian style), or choose "The Raven" (1889, once a royal yacht hosting Kaiser Wilhelm II). Single fare to Howtown takes about 30 minutes, to Pooley Bridge about 45 minutes, tickets £14.50-£19.50. Buy the "Sail & Stride" combo: sail to Howtown, then walk back along the eastern shore path — Wainwright called it "the most beautiful and worthwhile walk in Lakeland", about 7 miles (11 km) through oak and birch woods where red squirrels leap between branches, with pebble beaches hiding secret wild swimming spots. The route passes Glencoyne Bay — on 15 April 1802, Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy saw "golden daffodils fluttering and dancing in the breeze" here, inspiring "I wandered lonely as a cloud". The National Trust has placed a memorial seat. After disembarking, visit Aira Force — a 65-foot (20-metre) waterfall thundering through the ancient woodlands of Gowbarrow Park, with a stone arch bridge spanning the falls, surrounded by 19th-century ornamental laurels and rhododendrons. Follow Aira Beck upstream to connect with the Ullswater Way. In the evening, check in at Sharrow Bay — founded in 1948 by Francis Coulson as "England's first country house hotel", its lakeside terrace commanding panoramic lake views. The legendary six-course afternoon tea, which started at 2 shillings and sixpence, remains the Lake District's most refined ritual. Or dine at Inn on the Lake as the setting sun turns Helvellyn gold and crimson.
Set off at dawn from Glenridding to climb Helvellyn — at 950 metres, England's third highest peak, via Striding Edge arête, voted "Britain's Favourite Walk". The classic circular route is 13 km (8 miles), 6-7 hours, sustained ascent, Grade 1 scramble (requires climbing technique and head for heights). Follow Mires Beck uphill to the "Hole-in-the-Wall" gap for a breather, continue past Bleaberry Crag to the start of Striding Edge — a broad ridge that narrows to a knife-edge arête with sheer drops of hundreds of metres on both sides, culminating in the 7-metre "The Chimney" rock descent. At the summit, the vast plateau of Helvellyn (trig point marking 950 metres) offers panoramic views across the entire Lake District on clear days. Descend via Swirral Edge (shorter but steeper), passing Red Tarn back to Glenridding. This is a serious mountain route for experienced walkers only — check the Mountain Weather Information Service, carry navigation equipment, and never attempt in high winds or icy conditions. In the afternoon, drive 10 minutes to Dalemain Estate — the Hasell family home since 1679, blending Medieval, Tudor and Georgian architecture, with RHS award-winning gardens famous for Himalayan blue poppies (Meconopsis), 200 varieties of roses and ancient apple trees. Each spring it hosts the World's Original Marmalade Awards, with over 2,000 entries. House & Garden combined ticket £17.50, with discounted combined steamer tickets available. In the evening, return along the lake to Pooley Bridge, enjoying Fleetwood cod and chips at the Sun Inn or the Cumbrian tasting menu at 1863 Bar Bistro (£65), watching the sunset sink into the lake.
Founded in 1948 as "England's first country house hotel", its lakeside terrace overlooks the entire lake. The legendary six-course afternoon tea started at 2 shillings and sixpence: smoked trout, Cumberland ham, handmade scones with clotted cream, Lakeland cakes and proper English tea. The six-course dinner menu showcases local Lake District ingredients: Herdwick lamb, Windermere trout and Cartmel smoked salmon. Afternoon tea £35-£55/person, dinner £65-£95/person, accommodation £180-£380/night. Advance booking required weeks ahead.
A 4-star hotel restaurant on the Glenridding lakeshore, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Ullswater and the distant fells. Specialises in Cumbrian classics: Herdwick lamb shoulder, Lake District grilled trout, Cumberland sausage roll and handmade desserts. The Ramblers Bar serves local craft ales and whiskies, with cosy fireside seating. TripAdvisor 4.5/5 (3000+ reviews). Budget £18-£35 per person.
A high-scoring café in Glenridding village centre (TripAdvisor 4.6/5), specialising in handmade local ingredients: Cumberland sausage sandwiches, Lake District cheese jacket potatoes, daily homemade soup and handmade cakes. Right next to the steamer pier — the most convenient refuelling stop before or after a hike. Affordable, budget £8-£15 per person.
A 16th-century historic inn on Pooley Bridge village green, widely recognised as serving the best fish and chips in the northern Lake District — Fleetwood cod with locally grown potatoes, £12-15. The traditional Cumberland pie and bitter ale by the winter fire are equally classic. Sunday roasts require advance booking. Budget £12-£22 per person.
A medieval hall tea room within Dalemain Estate, using fruit from the estate's ancient apple trees for pies and preserves. Serves authentic Cumbrian tea: smoked trout sandwiches, scones with homemade jam, gingerbread and Lakeland tea. Famous Dalemain Marmalade (World's Original Marmalade Awards champion) available for purchase. Budget £10-£18 per person.