Edinburgh & the Lake District Small Group Adventure

Jurys Inn is one of the most centrally positioned hotels in Edinburgh, located just off the famous Royal Mile on Jeffrey Street in the Old Town and surrounded by beautiful architecture. Our hotel in Edinburgh is less than a two-minute walk from Waverly Train Station and a 5-minute walk to Edinburgh Bus Station. Our prime city centre location also means that Jurys Inn guests are a short 15 minute walk from Holyrood Park, which is one of many Edinburgh gems that offers a "unique historic landscape" bursting with heritage and plenty of hills and 'crags' to explore.

Whether you're looking for hotels in Edinburgh for business at the International Conference Centre, or touring Edinburgh Castle and the sights of historic Scotland's capital, our Edinburgh hotel ensures all your destinations are within easy - and always interesting - walking distance.

Depart Edinburgh at 08:45am and travel South through the Scottish Borders, with stunning views the Galloway Hills and the Southern Uplands, on your way to the first stop of the day, the Victorian Spa town of Moffat. From Moffat, you continue south over the border into England and head to the historic Cumbrian Market town of Penrith. Here, you will have the chance to get lunch and explore the ruins of Penrith Castle, which played a key role in defending the border from invading Scots.

After lunch, you travel into the Lake District National Park, along the northern shores of Ullswater described as England's most beautiful lake, where you can take a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. You then travel towards Keswick, stopping outside of the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and the scene of ancient rituals. You then have a short journey into the lively market town of Keswick where you will be dropped off at your accommodation and are then free to explore this charming town.

(**During July/early August this tour may stay in Windermere)

After breakfast, you head along the winding country lanes to travel along the southern shores of Ullswater, with stops to take in the majestic views of this beautiful lake. Continuing south, you journey over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass and stop at Lake Windermere where you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes.

After lunch, you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water and shortly afterwards you arrive at the picturesque conservation village of Hawkeshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After free time to explore the village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as "the loveliest spot that man hath found". There is free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy.

In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick.

You will be collected from your accommodation and head for the Whinlatter Forest Park, over the Whinlatter pass and into some of the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer. The journey takes you through the rural village of High Lorton, along the quiet winding lanes to the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere and on towards the Honister mountain pass. Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to visit the old slate workings where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.

Following refreshments, you continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water on your return to Keswick where there is free time for lunch and shopping.

Following lunch, you begin your return journey by heading towards Penrith and then north towards the border. After crossing into Scotland, you take a stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From here it is a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills back to Edinburgh. Arrival approx 7:00pm.

Jurys Inn is one of the most centrally positioned hotels in Edinburgh, located just off the famous Royal Mile on Jeffrey Street in the Old Town and surrounded by beautiful architecture. Our hotel in Edinburgh is less than a two-minute walk from Waverly Train Station and a 5-minute walk to Edinburgh Bus Station. Our prime city centre location also means that Jurys Inn guests are a short 15 minute walk from Holyrood Park, which is one of many Edinburgh gems that offers a "unique historic landscape" bursting with heritage and plenty of hills and 'crags' to explore.

Whether you're looking for hotels in Edinburgh for business at the International Conference Centre, or touring Edinburgh Castle and the sights of historic Scotland's capital, our Edinburgh hotel ensures all your destinations are within easy - and always interesting - walking distance.