The 10 National Park Day Trips in the UK That Earn Their Price

1.Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,717 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $76Our pick

Set out from Windermere in a small minibus for an 8.5-hour circuit of Lake District lakes, fells, villages, and historic sites. Your English-speaking driver-guide handles narrow roads while you enjoy stops in Keswick, Grasmere, Honister, and Castlerigg Stone Circle, with time for lunch and photos.

“Peter the Driver/Guide was fantastic from start to finish. Very informative commentary throughout and very helpful and clear communication around pick up times etc. lovely guy!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.From Windermere: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour of Lake District

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 785 reviews · 8 hours · from $93

Travel from Windermere by small minibus through the Lake District with an English-speaking guide such as Steve, Tony, Tim or Peter. You will see mountain passes, lakes, Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick, Grasmere and Rydal Water, with photo stops and time for lunch.

“It was an amazing day!! Steve is an excellent driver and very knowledgeable of the history of Lake District! Very highly recommended!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 626 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Ride from Edinburgh in a small air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide, stopping at the Kelpies, Balmaha on Loch Lomond, and Stirling. You can spend your Stirling time inside the castle for £17.50 or explore the town instead. Guides may include Sophie, Connor, Cara, or Noah.

“Our trip was excellent and what we expected. Our driver/tour guide Noah was fantastic he was informative and pleasant.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.From Manchester: Derbyshire and Peak District Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 354 reviews · 8 hours · from $74Best value

Travel from Manchester in a 16-seat Mercedes minibus with an English-speaking driver-guide. Visit plague village Eyam, sample Bakewell treats, see Monsal Head’s viaduct, explore Castleton, and optionally enter Peak’s Cavern. Guides such as Rob, Pete, and Chris are known for lively local stories.

“It was very good. enjoyed it. The driver Clive directed the your perfectly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.From Aberdeen: Dunnottar Castle and Cairngorms Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 329 reviews · 9 hours · from $75

Travel from Aberdeen with guides such as Darryl, Jim, Alan, Neil, or Chris to Dunnottar Castle, the Falls of Feugh, Braemar, and Muir of Dinnet. Expect striking coastal views, woodland walks, optional scenic stops, and a small-group ride in a 16-seat Mercedes minibus.

“The trip was great, the guide Jim is very nice, smiling and you can see that he loves working with people. Jim speaks very clearly, with a nice English accent, thanks to which you can really understand a lot of the information that the guide provides. Comfortable, modern bus, pleasant Scottish music in the background. The weather in mid-October was wonderful, a real golden Scottish autumn. Breathtaking views, great atmosphere in a small group. I took part in the trip alone and felt really comfortable. I will definitely take part in similar offers :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.From Liverpool: Lake District Sightseeing Adventure Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 278 reviews · 8 hours · from $79

Travel from Liverpool into the Lake District by air-conditioned minibus or coach, with an English-speaking guide such as Shelley, Lee, Frank, or Jerry. Visit Grasmere, Blea Tarn, Ambleside, Little Langdale, and Windermere, with time for a short walk, gingerbread, village exploring, and an optional boat cruise.

“This was a highlight of our trip. Getting out of the city and seeing the countryside was something we really wanted to do and this tour was perfect. The views are otherworldly. Our guide was funny, kind and informative. Would definitely do this again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Lake District: Beatrix Potter Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 191 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $97

Spend 4.5 hours exploring Beatrix Potter’s Lake District by small minibus. Visit Hill Top or the World of Beatrix Potter, stop at Tarn Hows and Hawkshead, then cruise Lake Windermere with an English-speaking guide such as Tim, Peter, or Phil.

“Our guide Phil was so pleasant and knowledgeable. He made sure we enjoyed every minute of the trip”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.From Manchester: Lake District Sightseeing Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 69 reviews · 9 hours · from $79

Travel from Manchester Airport into the Lake District with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Grasmere, Blea Tarn, Ambleside, and Windermere. Expect scenic roads, short walks, village time, and optional lake-cruise tickets. Guides Lee and Adrian have been noted for clear, lively storytelling.

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Lake District: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour from Oxenholme

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 21 reviews · 8.5 hours · from $101

Travel by small minicoach from Oxenholme with an English-speaking guide such as Tim, whose lively local commentary and well-timed photo stops help you see the Lake District in one day. Visit Keswick, Castlerigg Stone Circle, Buttermere, Honister Pass, Grasmere, and Rydal Water, with a lake cruise included.

“Tim was instrumental in us having a wonderful day trip. He was knowledgeable, friendly and happy to answer any questions we had. He made the day very pleasurable and the trip itself was gorgeous, stunning sites. 100% recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.From Manchester: 3-Day Tour of Snowdonia, Wales, and Chester

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 20 reviews · from $556

Travel from Manchester in a 16-seat mini coach with an English-speaking local guide. Explore Conwy Castle, Anglesey, Harlech Castle, Portmeirion, Chester, and more, with two nights in a small Welsh B&B and time to wander independently.

“Wonderful cultural experience. Our guide/driver and entertainer Darren was knowledgeable.. the way he presented the history is fabulous.. followed by the music of Welch entertainers .Plenty of time to explore at all the stops. Accomodations were good.. right on the sea.. breakfast is a added treat... highly recommend this tour..”

Check availability →Read our full review