RCC Retreat | Hadrian's Wall & The Lake District 7 Nights

From the Roman frontier of Hadrian’s Wall and Carlisle to the breath taking lakes and fells of the Northern Lake District. Immerse yourself in a journey that blends archaeology, history, culture, and the natural beauty of one of England's most remarkable regions

Embark on a 7-night journey through northern England, where history and landscape come alive.

Begin by exploring Hadrian’s Wall, one of Roman Britain’s greatest achievements, stretching 73 miles from the Tyne to the Solway Firth. Discover its forts, milecastles, and watchtowers, and gain insight into the lives of the people who built and defended this frontier of the Empire. Visit Carlisle, a city shaped by centuries of history—from its origins as the Roman settlement of Luguvalium to its turbulent role in the Anglo-Scottish borderlands. Here, your expert guide will share the stories and heritage that make this city so compelling.

Then, step into the Northern Lake District, where serene lakes and rolling fells provide the perfect setting for gentle guided walks. Explore the shores of Buttermere, Ullswater, and Derwent Water, uncovering tales of local life, geology, and the creative spirits inspired by this remarkable landscape.

Throughout your journey, Rose Castle serves as a tranquil base, offering elegant full-board accommodations where you can relax and reflect after days of discovery. This carefully curated itinerary balances active exploration with rest, offering a rich, immersive experience for those who appreciate both history and nature.

Looking East from Winshields Crag towards Steel Rigg. ©VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton/English Heritage

The River Irthing at Birdoswald

Sheep on part of the original Roman bridge over the River Irthing at Willowford

Buttermere looking towards Fleetwith Pike

Views over Ullswater from Gowbarrow Terrace

Your Itinerary

This three-night retreat combines expert-led tours with the comfort and charm of the historic Rose Castle as your base.

Day 1 – Arrival - Check in from 2:00pm: Join us in the peaceful surroundings of Rose Castle and enjoy a welcome tea at 4:30pm in the charming state drawing room. Take the time to meet your host and fellow guests and hear a little about the Castle’s fascinating history. You’ll also have a chance to explore the beautiful grounds before we come together at 7:00pm for a relaxed group dinner and a toast to the start of your history break.
Day 2 – Carlisle Heritage: Today we explore Carlisle’s rich 2,000-year history. Wander along ancient streets, uncover the city’s hidden corners, admire the medieval Guildhall and visit Carlisle Cathedral. We’ll also spend time at the impressive medieval Carlisle Castle, one of England’s most besieged fortresses, and soak in the stories that make it so fascinating.
Day 3 – Roman Frontiers: We begin our day at Birdoswald Roman Fort, from where we follow a short, scenic section of the Wall, walking westward to the village of Gilsland. After a leisurely picnic lunch, we travel by coach to Vindolanda, one of Britain’s most celebrated Roman forts, where you’ll gain a fascinating insight into daily life on the Empire’s northern frontier. Back at Rose Castle, we’ll end the day with a Roman banquet–style evening meal — a chance to share stories, reflect, and celebrate the history we’ve explored together.
Distance: 2.5km (1.5m) Elevation: 40m (120ft) - This walk has a steep descent near the start, but continues on good paths.
Day 4 - Free Day: Today is yours to enjoy. Stroll along the Cumbria Way, just a stone’s throw from the castle walls, or drive into the southern Lake District to explore charming villages and towns steeped in history. Alternatively, unwind in the tranquil castle grounds and soak up the peaceful surroundings.
Day 5 - Buttermere: After a journey through the remote Northern Lake District, we reach Buttermere Valley. Surrounded by majestic fells and impressive scenery in every direction, we will walk around Buttermere - perhaps enjoying an ice cream en route - learning about the farming practices and local traditions that have shaped the valley over the centuries
Distance: 7km (4.5m) Elevation: 90m (300ft)
Day 6 - Ullswater: We begin our day with a walk from the village of Dockray, descending through Aira Force, an 18th-century pleasure ground that provided the backdrop for William Wordsworth’s Somnambulist. A short bus journey takes us to Glenridding - a village once at the heart of the lead mining industry and now a popular tourist resort - from where we’ll board a steamer for a leisurely cruise the length of Ullswater. Your guide will give you the history of the landscape as you go, from the Norse Settlers, to the poets who it inspired.
Distance: 2.5km (1.5m) Elevation: 20m (60ft) - This walk has a steady descent, on mostly good paths.
Day 7 - Derwent Water: We begin our final day with a stroll through the streets of Keswick, carrying on to Friar’s Crag with its splendid view out onto Derwent Water - often called the ‘Queen of the Lakes’. A short retrace of our steps takes us to the Keswick jetties where we’ll board a launch and head south across the water towards the Borrowdale Valley enjoying panoramic views en route. Alighting from the boat at Brandlehow we’ll head north taking in stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountain scapes. Stopping for lunch at Lingholm Kitchens (payable locally), we’ll have time to explore the gardens which inspired Beatrix Potter before walking to Keswick where we’ll have a chance to explore the shops before a bus journey back to Rose Castle.
Distance: 9.5km (6m) Elevation: 190m (620ft)
Day 8 - Departure - Check out prior to 11:00am: Start the day with a relaxed breakfast, letting the memories of your retreat linger, before heading home.

*All itineraries are expertly curated; however, changes to the route or schedule may occur for weather or operational reasons

Dates and Prices

All retreats are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Dates, prices and booking status
Start Date	Double/Twin (pp)	Status	Book Now
Hadrian's Wall & the lake district · 7 nights 10th July 2026	£2,150	Open	BOOK NOW

Hadrian's Wall & the lake district · 7 nights 18th September 2026	£2,150	Open	BOOK NOW

Your Guide

Anna Gray is an experienced Blue Badge Guide with a deep passion for the heritage, landscapes, and stories of Cumbria

Anna at Holker Hall - without background

Based near Carlisle, she brings a wealth of local knowledge to every tour, from the Roman frontier of Hadrian’s Wall to the stunning lakes and fells of the Northern Lake District. Anna believes that learning should be fun, creating tours that are engaging, enlightening, and memorable. By sharing the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region, she ensures every visitor leaves with a richer understanding and treasured memories to share.

Rose castle christmas shots Brian Austwick Dec 2024 (4)

Helpful Information

Accommodation

Rose Castle prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere. Having been home to the Bishop’s of Carlisle for almost 800 years, it now operates as an international centre for peace and reconciliation programmes.

Each bedroom is thoughtfully appointed with everything you need for a restful stay — from tea and coffee facilities to ensuite or private bathrooms, complete with luxury toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the many inviting spaces within Rose Castle, including the Bishop’s library, peaceful chapel, elegant drawing room, and grand dining room. A small kitchen area is also available for guest use, adding a homely touch to your stay.

Outdoors, the extensive gardens are lovingly cared for by our head gardener, Janet. Stroll through the vibrant flowerbeds, explore the orchard and vegetable garden, or take a gentle walk around the tranquil moat woodland — a perfect way to soak up the calm and beauty of this remarkable setting.

What to bring

The UK’s weather can be wonderfully changeable, with sunshine one moment and a light shower the next. To help you enjoy your stay comfortably, here’s a guide to the items we would recommend you bring.

For out and about

Suitable footwear with sturdy grip as we will be spending plenty of time on our feet.
Waterproof Jacket
Daypack
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sun Cream
Water Bottle
Mobile Phone
First Aid Kit
Wallet/Purse
Walking Poles
Flask for hot drinks
Umbrella

For relaxing on the castle grounds

Slippers
Tablet or e-reader for reading or watching shows in comfort
Phone charger

What's included

This break is designed to offer you the greatest enjoyment with none of the usual travel hassles. Every detail has been considered so that you can simply relax and experience the very best our region has to offer.

Your package includes:

Seven nights of luxury accommodation at Rose Castle
All dinners and breakfasts, plus four picnic lunches. Lunch in Carlisle and on the Derwent Water day is payable locally
A complimentary glass of wine or your preferred drink with each evening meal
All admission fees
Comfortable transport to and from all sites of interest
The services of an experienced, knowledgeable guide, ensuring you enjoy a rich and engaging experience throughout your stay

Food & Drink

Welcome Tea

What better way to begin your stay than with a freshly served welcome tea on arrival, designed to help you unwind and feel instantly at home. Choose from a selection of fine fruit teas, classic English Breakfast tea, or freshly brewed coffee, all accompanied by a tempting array of home-baked treats prepared with care in our kitchen.

Breakfast

Begin your day at Rose Castle with a satisfying cooked breakfast and a delicious continental selection. Complemented by a variety of hot beverages, refreshing juices, and seasonal fruit, this morning offering provides a nourishing start, ensuring you are well-fuelled and ready to embrace a day of historic discovery.

Lunch

Our lunches are tailored to each day’s activities. On some days, you may enjoy a delightful picnic featuring freshly made sandwiches, cakes, and snacks, while on others, there will be local eateries available to dine in. Each lunch is designed to be relaxing, convenient, and an enjoyable part of your day.

Evening meals

Our talented chef, Noel, designs each two-course dinner menu to celebrate the best of every season — from hearty winter comfort dishes to light, vibrant flavours in summer. Special dietary requirements are gladly accommodated with advance notice. Wherever possible, fresh produce is gathered straight from our own gardens, ensuring every meal is both delicious and thoughtfully prepared

Bar

Our bar will be open each day when you return to the Castle, offering wine, local beer, cider, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks for purchase. Please note that we accept card payments only

Fitness and activity level

You will be active throughout the day, exploring Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall & the Lake District on foot, and hopping on and off the coach. Some walking may be on uneven paths, country tracks, or through mud. Daily mileage and ascent has been noted on the day by day itinerary. Should you wish to discuss any of the terrain in greater detail, please call 01228 642980 or email retreats@rosecastle.com.

Getting Here

Address:
Rose Castle
Dalston
Carlisle
CA5 7BY

01228 642980
hello@rosecastle.com

By Car

Leave the M6 at Junction 42 and follow signs for Dalston. Continue through the village, passing the green on your left and the Bridge End Pub on your right as you exit. After one sharp bend and at the junction of another, take the turning signposted Rose Castle & Raughton Head.
Rose Castle is located approximately one mile along this road, with a red post box beside the entrance pillars.

By Train

The nearest rail station is Carlisle, around 6 miles from Rose Castle.
Carlisle lies on the West Coast Main Line, with direct services to London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, and Newcastle

By Bus

There are no direct bus routes to Rose Castle. We recommend travelling by taxi from Carlisle Station.

By Air

The nearest airports are Glasgow, Newcastle, and Manchester, each offering regular train connections to Carlisle.

Taxi

You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Dalston Taxi Service*. We recommend booking your taxi in advance by Call or Whatsapp on:

Tel: +44 (0)7858 574 154

*Dalston Taxi Service is an independent company and is not owned or managed by Rose Castle Company.

Carlisle, Hadrian’s Wall & the Northern Lake District - 7 Nights of History and Scenery