A Lake District Visit?
Greetings Travellers,
My bride and I are researching 5-7 days in the Lake District in late May. We will have a car. The area does not look that big and we are thinking of renting a cottage or apartment to use as a base for day trips, hikes, etc. versus moving every couple nights. Does this seem like a reasonable idea? We are fimiliar with VRBO, RS and Trip Advisor, but prefer reommendations on this site. So,any recomendations or experience with nice, simple cottages with cooking facilities in this area? THX!
Compay
Estes Park, Colorado USA 1/18/13
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I don't have a cottage to recommend, but I would like to confirm that it's a great idea. I spent a few days near my grandmother's home in the area and found it easy to get around with a car. You're also close enough to Hadrian's Wall if you're interested in checking it out.
Pam
I don't have a particular recommendation, but the Lake District National Park does run a booking service of accommodation, including cottages.
I'd suggest you want to stay within the park and especially in the north/central part - if you look at a map and draw a very rough box with corners at Braithwaite, Howden, Windemere and Wasdale then aim to be within that area (I'm not saying strictly within that area, plenty of nice places outside, but that is the more hilly/lake-y bit).
Certainly, I would suggest especially avoiding staying outside the park to the west along the coast - avoid Whitehaven and Workington for example. Although with a car, you might want to visit Whitehaven for its one interesting fact - it was one of those very rare places in mainland Britain that was invaded (sort of) by the United States (or at least by American revolutionaries).
You are wise to establish a base and do day trips. My husband and I recently stayed at a beautiful inn called Lindeth Fell Country House. I know you're looking for a simple cottage, but if you want one good night or two in a lovely spot, this is it. The owners were extremely helpful. They knew lots of local walks and recommended drives for us as well. The food was wonderful and the service perfect. I still close my eyes and can remember sitting in the window seat enjoying the view and a spot of tea. I also bought a pair of gloves knitted from wool from the estate.
That said, the Lake Windermere area is beautiful. It's not one of Rick's favorites because it's too touristy, but we enjoyed it.
Agree that the wilderness area north of Keswick is outstanding. I found it somewhat similar to Scotland, but better. However, I would disagree that Keswick is particularly appealing. Windermere, Ambleside, and a couple of other small villages in the area are extremely charming.
Thanks folks,
I found a charming self catering farmstay www.springs-farm.co.uk outside Keswick to use as a base. We will be driving to/from Cambridge with a swing by Hadrian's Wall. Happy travels!
Don't miss Castlerigg Stone Circle, just north of the Lakes district. Very atmospheric and since it's an open site, you can wander at will, along with the grazing cows and sheep!