Visiting the Lake District from Overseas: Your Hosted Tour Guide

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful corners of Britain, and every year more visitors travel from the USA, Singapore, Japan, Australia and beyond to see it. Getting there, though, can feel daunting when you're planning from the other side of the world. Which train? Do I need to drive? What about the narrow roads, the weather, the paperwork?

With Hosted Tours, the hard parts are taken care of. You take one comfortable train from London, and from the moment you step onto the platform at Oxenholme, your host looks after everything else.

At a glance

• Getting here: One direct train from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District.
• Pick-up: Your host meets you at Oxenholme station and drives you to the hotel.
• Your base: The Belsfield Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere, overlooking Lake Windermere.
• No driving: Your host drives throughout, so you never need to hire a car or drive on the left.
• Small groups: Just four to six guests, with one dedicated host.
• Before you fly: Most international visitors now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Getting here: London to Oxenholme by train

The simplest way to reach the Lake District from overseas is to fly into London and take the train north. It's comfortable, scenic and far less tiring than driving.

Step 1: Arrive in London

Most international flights land at London Heathrow. From there, the Elizabeth line or the Heathrow Express will take you into central London, and London Euston station is a short taxi ride or Underground journey from either. Allow around an hour from the airport to Euston.

If you're arriving on a long-haul flight, we'd suggest spending a night or two in London first to rest and adjust to the time difference before travelling north.

Step 2: Take the train from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District

Avanti West Coast runs direct trains from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District station. The fastest direct services take around 2 hours 40 minutes, and there are trains throughout the day.

A few tips:

• Book in advance. Advance tickets are much cheaper than buying on the day. You can book through Avanti West Coast or National Rail booking sites.
• Reserve a seat. Seat reservations are usually included with advance tickets and are worth having, especially with luggage.
• Consider First Class. On a long journey it offers more space, quieter carriages and complimentary refreshments.
• Tell us your train. Once you've booked, send us your arrival time so we can be on the platform to meet you.

Step 3: We'll meet you at Oxenholme

Your host will be waiting at Oxenholme station. We'll help with your luggage, settle you into the vehicle and drive you to the hotel, around half an hour away on the shores of Windermere.

At the end of your tour, we'll bring you back to Oxenholme in good time for your train to London.

Your base: the Belsfield Hotel, Windermere

For the whole of your stay, you'll be based at our partner hotel, the Belsfield Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere. Set above the shores of Lake Windermere, it puts you in the heart of the southern Lakes, close to the steamer piers, shops and cafés of Bowness.

Staying in one hotel throughout means you unpack once and settle in. After a long journey from overseas, there's real comfort in having one familiar room to come back to each evening.

What your tour includes

Our Lake District tour is designed so that, once you arrive at Oxenholme, almost everything is taken care of.

• Collection from and return to Oxenholme Lake District station
• Hotel accommodation at the Belsfield Hotel
• Breakfast, lunches and evening meals
• A dedicated host who drives and looks after the group throughout
• All transport during the tour
• A carefully planned itinerary with selected activities and admissions, including a steamer on Windermere, Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth and Tarn Hows

Not included: flights, travel to and from Oxenholme, drinks, personal purchases and travel insurance.

Prices are shown in British pounds (GBP). The 5-day tour starts from £1,850 per person sharing. Your bank or card provider will convert the amount into your home currency when you pay.

Before you travel

Get your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Most visitors who don't need a visa for the UK, including travellers from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and Singapore, now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they fly. It costs £20 per person, is valid for two years, and every traveller needs their own.

Apply on the official GOV.UK ETA page or through the UK ETA app. Beware of other websites that charge more. We recommend applying as soon as your trip is booked.

Take out travel insurance

Travel insurance isn't included in your tour, and we strongly recommend it. Make sure it covers medical care in the UK, cancellation and your journey from home.

Pack for changeable weather

Lake District weather can change several times in a day, whatever the season. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes with a good grip. There's no need for hiking gear, as walks on our tours are short and always optional.

Bring a UK plug adaptor

The UK uses three-pin Type G plugs. Visitors from Singapore and Hong Kong will find their plugs already fit; most other visitors will need an adaptor.

Booking from abroad

Booking from overseas is straightforward. Send us an enquiry and we'll reply personally, taking the time difference into account. We're happy to arrange a video call to talk through the tour, your travel plans and any questions.

From one train to the heart of the Lakes

You don't need to hire a car, learn to drive on the left or work out bus timetables to see the Lake District properly. Take one train from London, and your host will take care of the rest: the driving, the itinerary, the restaurants and all the little details in between.

Guests from overseas have already joined us, including a group of four friends from Japan who told us the tour made the Lakes easy and comfortable to explore. We'd love to welcome you too.

Check dates and availability or explore the Lake District tour.