tongsa

Following hubby (who goes on work) to London in July. Would like to add on a week at either the Lake District or other English countryside, and the toss is between Lakes or Wales. Have two kids under 12 - any suggestions on where and how? Would ideally like to rent cottages by the week, and drive around with one or max two bases and do outdoorsy stuff. Very initial stages right now so any inputs are welcome. And, also, any suggestions on a reasonably priced serviced apartment for 4 in Central London? Thanks in advance!

cferrb

When I was about 11 years old we spent Easter holiday in Colwyn Bay in northern Wales. My grandparents rented an apartment for the four of us. Colwyn Bay was lovely, and we spent a lot of time in Caernarvon and Conway (both have updated spellings, I'm not sure what they are). Each town has an old castle that I suspect your children will enjoy. I think Rick Steves has a segment on Wales that would give you some information.

janisj

It is quite late to be finding cottages in the Lakes for this July --so I'd just go w/ an agency and let them tell you what is available.

http://www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk/
http://www.lakelandcottages.co.uk/
http://www.heartofthelakes.co.uk/

Or others . . .

Would be a bit easier in parts of Wales since it is popular, but not <B><i>POPULAR</i></B> like the Lakes.

But I am just a bit confused --you mention adding a week (singular) --- but then talk about cottages (plural) and two bases.

"<i>any suggestions on a reasonably priced serviced apartment for 4 in Central London?</i>" . . lots, but what is your budget? "reasonably priced" could mean almost anything.

bellini

Both the Lake District and North Wales have their own unique attractions. The Lakes are probably more about getting out on the Fells (mountains) and taking boat trips on lakes like Derwentwater or Windermere. North Wales has mountains (Snowdonia), coastline and beaches (Llandudno rather than Colwyn which is now rather depressed) and castles such as Conwy, Caernarvon, Criccieth or Harlech. Then there's the little railways of Wales: Portmadoc to Blaenau Ffestiniog for example.

irishface

I vote for North Wales--beaches, mountains, castles, little railways, a slate mine. Besides the castles mentioned above, Beaumaris is lovely, complete with moat and walls. Conwy's town walls can be walked. Penrhyn Castle (not medieval but a 19th century tycoon's dream) is open to the public and has an interesting collection of toys that the kids might enjoy. Llandudno is a Victorian town with a decent beach and cable car to the top of a prominence(Great Orme, if I remember correctly) with a good view.

tongsa

Thanks for the suggestions - Agree on the timing for the Lakes though...and hence tending towards Wales. 7-9 days should be adequate, right? Or as a friend suggested, shall I do Ireland too?

Janisj - I meant a week-9 days in all to be spent across a max of two bases so perhaps dividing that time across two halts and doing day trips. If its possible to cover what's suggested staying put in one place, that would be great too! Guess, I should hit 'preview' before 'submit' next time!

'Reasonably-priced' - aha - honestly not sure - would anything from 250/350 pounds be it?

Thinking aloud - train to Wales from London (but to where) and then a car to drive around...

'and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep or get cracking on this trip!'

bellini

London to Chester. One night in Chester- Roman remains, walls to walk around, lovely cathedral. Easy drive from Chester along north wales coast.

annhig

Definitely north Wales in July - unless you like being in bumper to bumper traffic jams.

have a great trip!

tongsa

Oh, and just browsing the forum, scratch out Ireland, should I be doing the mid+North Wales?
Thanks Bellini...just need to focus!

janisj

Bellini's suggestion is good. Train to Chester - explore that day, next morning collect a rental car and head into Wales.

tongsa

Am leaning towards (through cottages4u) for something in Ffestiniog or Transwydd or Betsy-Coed. Any suggestions, thought better to stay in the Snowdonia foothills vs Conwy/Caernorfan? of course this late, have limited choice...7 days is what I finally have. Plenty to do it seems and keep all happy.

Any specific reccos on car hire or the usual names good enough? And, does it make sense to take the train to Bangor from London Euston, and explore Chester separately on a day trip?

Thanks,