Need to pre-book accomm Lake District? - Aug Bank Holiday weekend
Jul 24th, 2006, 10:53 AM
#1
Original Poster
Need to pre-book accomm Lake District? - Aug Bank Holiday weekend
Hi, we live in Bedford and want to visit the Lake District for the August Bank Holiday weekend, probably staying in Keswick or Grasmere (we'll be driving). What do you think about not booking ahead - are we nuts?
If we leave Friday night after work do you think it is too far to get there on Friday, what with all the holiday traffic. So we'd have one night on the way - no idea where and 2 nights at Keswick/Grasmere.
Comments welcome.
Kay
If we leave Friday night after work do you think it is too far to get there on Friday, what with all the holiday traffic. So we'd have one night on the way - no idea where and 2 nights at Keswick/Grasmere.
Comments welcome.
Kay
Jul 24th, 2006, 11:08 AM
#2
"<i>are we nuts? </i>" -- Unfortunately, very much so. And most especially since you won't arrive until the Saturday.
Even now it may be difficult to find availability for that weekend in a place you like.
Even now it may be difficult to find availability for that weekend in a place you like.
Jul 24th, 2006, 11:09 AM
#3
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I'm going to assume this is not a troll.
You MUST book. You should be able to do the drive. It's about 4 1/2 hours. If it were me, I'd want to get there; not spend a chunck of Saturday on the motorway too.
You MUST book. You should be able to do the drive. It's about 4 1/2 hours. If it were me, I'd want to get there; not spend a chunck of Saturday on the motorway too.
Jul 24th, 2006, 11:12 AM
#4
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Trying to drive north on any Bank Holiday Friday is a very bad idea, IMHO, particularly if you are going to be anywhere near the M6. It is a nightmare at any time of day, let alone a Friday or heaven's above a BH Friday! Bear in mind that the following week is the last of the school summer holidays and people are still taking that week off.
However if you finish work at around 9pm/10pm and head north then you should miss out on the worst of the traffic jams.
Keswick and Grasmere are both lovely, but if you want to stay somewhere half way decent/nice I'd get on and book now. Otherwise you will end up in a dreary Travel Lodge or worse.
For a special place to stay have a look at
http://www.aphroditeslodge.co.uk/
However if you finish work at around 9pm/10pm and head north then you should miss out on the worst of the traffic jams.
Keswick and Grasmere are both lovely, but if you want to stay somewhere half way decent/nice I'd get on and book now. Otherwise you will end up in a dreary Travel Lodge or worse.
For a special place to stay have a look at
http://www.aphroditeslodge.co.uk/
Jul 24th, 2006, 11:28 AM
#5
Original Poster
Thank you all so much. No, I'm not a troll, just not used to life in the UK and how busy it gets!
I will get on with finding somewhere straight away, thanks again. We'll aim to get there Friday night, hopefully not toooo late.
Kay
I will get on with finding somewhere straight away, thanks again. We'll aim to get there Friday night, hopefully not toooo late.
Kay
Jul 24th, 2006, 12:05 PM
#6
Kay, sorry to be a kill-joy, but is there any chance you could postpone your trip to a less busy time when you have longer to spend there?
There's not just the traffic on the way, but as it's august bank hols, when you get there it will be crowded!
there are loads of other places closer at hand which should be less crowded - what about the Norfolk Broads, or the coast up by blakeney?
Lincoln?
York?
Cambridge?
The costwolds [though could be busy at that time of year]
Whatever you do ,please book your accommodation for that weekend.
Let us know what you decide!
There's not just the traffic on the way, but as it's august bank hols, when you get there it will be crowded!
there are loads of other places closer at hand which should be less crowded - what about the Norfolk Broads, or the coast up by blakeney?
Lincoln?
York?
Cambridge?
The costwolds [though could be busy at that time of year]
Whatever you do ,please book your accommodation for that weekend.
Let us know what you decide!
Jul 24th, 2006, 02:13 PM
#7
KayF: Listen to annhig and select a less "popular" destination. Since you are living in the UK, you can visit the Lake district over a nice weekend in Sept and leave the August BH to those who don't mind sitting in traffic queues all weekend. And even if you can't spare three days in September -- in just a normal 2-day weekend you will see more w/ MUCH less hassle than in 3 days over the BH.
You will soon learn about BH's. Two places it is really a bad idea to visit are the Lakes and Cornwall/Devon. Miles long tailbacks and EVERYTHING full to the rafters.
Go somewhere less stressed over the weekend - any of the places annhig suggests will be a LOT easier over that weekend.
You will soon learn about BH's. Two places it is really a bad idea to visit are the Lakes and Cornwall/Devon. Miles long tailbacks and EVERYTHING full to the rafters.
Go somewhere less stressed over the weekend - any of the places annhig suggests will be a LOT easier over that weekend.
Jul 25th, 2006, 09:30 AM
#8
Original Poster
Wow, everyone was very definite about skipping the Lake District for the holiday weekend. We have decided to go another time when traffic won't be so bad.
Now the Norfolk Broads could be interesting - are they? (That's not referring to tarts with short skirts and too much make up???) Any particular places to visit or base ourselves? We like bookshops, secondhand places, nice cafes, markets and villages/towns with character and history.
Thanks for your help with this.
Kay
Now the Norfolk Broads could be interesting - are they? (That's not referring to tarts with short skirts and too much make up???) Any particular places to visit or base ourselves? We like bookshops, secondhand places, nice cafes, markets and villages/towns with character and history.
Thanks for your help with this.
Kay
Jul 25th, 2006, 09:38 AM
#9
I think Norfolk would be a great choice - but even there you'll want to book as soon as you make your final decisions.
Look at a map and pick just about anywhere in the triangle of Norwich/Sheringham/Great Yarmouth. Waterways/canals, lovely villages, coastal scenery, windmills, antiquing, waterfowl, and so on.
Look at a map and pick just about anywhere in the triangle of Norwich/Sheringham/Great Yarmouth. Waterways/canals, lovely villages, coastal scenery, windmills, antiquing, waterfowl, and so on.
Jul 26th, 2006, 01:00 PM
#10
Kay - glad you've decided to postpone your visit to the lakes til a less busy time. The other advantages of going out of season are that it's cheaper, the locals are glad to see you, and the walking is more pleasant.
Norfolk BROADS - now why haven't the tourist board thought of that angle? Anyone got any idea what we could do with cornish PASTIES?
Think of the poor locals in the Lakes and Cornwall/Devon over bank holidays, trapped in our homes cos' of you emets.
Seriously, there are some beautiful places around the north norfolk coast - Blakeney being my favourite, but also Wells next the sea [guess where that is!] Norwich itself - like janisj says, grab a map, borrow a guide book from your local libary, and get going.
Don't forget the trip report - we want to hear more about those broads.
Norfolk BROADS - now why haven't the tourist board thought of that angle? Anyone got any idea what we could do with cornish PASTIES?
Think of the poor locals in the Lakes and Cornwall/Devon over bank holidays, trapped in our homes cos' of you emets.
Seriously, there are some beautiful places around the north norfolk coast - Blakeney being my favourite, but also Wells next the sea [guess where that is!] Norwich itself - like janisj says, grab a map, borrow a guide book from your local libary, and get going.
Don't forget the trip report - we want to hear more about those broads.
