Just beginning to think about a spring 2015 trip beginning in Amsterdam ( one week) followed by a week in Lake District. We've spent time in Keswick and environs but would be open to suggestions. I read about a ferry from IJmuiden to Newcastle upon Tyne. Any info or suggestions would be appreciated.

I would just fly from Schipol to Manchester (one hour) and catch a train to Windermere. Ambleside (bus from Windermere) is my choice in Southern Lakes.

good idea Alec.

When in spring would you be travelling, lynsu?

Easter Sunday falls on 6th April in 2015 so the school hols will probably start about 3rd April and end round about Friday 17th April so the lakes are likely to be very busy round about this time. I would start to look at accommodation quite soon as it will fill up quickly especially after christmas and if possible avoid being in the Lakes over Easter itself.

We're thinking about the middle of May? Is it late to book now? We would probably look for a small B&B.

I think there's still plenty of time to book accommodation for next May.

This website will get you started http://www.golakes.co.uk/

The ferry is necessary if you're bringing your own car. otherwise fly into Newcastle or Manchester.

This is a lovely b&b next to Hill Top (Beatrix Potter's farm/house)

http://www.buckle-yeat.co.uk/?Buckle_Yeat

We just thought the ferry would be fun! Would it be more of an inconvenience than fun??

I suggest flying into Manchester (MAN), as train connections from Newcastle (NCL) for the Lakes are none too good.

Ferry won't be fun! Quite boring and long (overnight), uncomfortable when the sea is rough and you still have to get from Newcastle to the Lakes.

Oops!!
Re thinking! Guess we'd do the flight from Amsterdam to Manchester and pick up a car there. Have to think about getting home too. Is Manchester an international airport or we need to get to London to fly back to states?

Fly into Newcastle, pick up a car, travel west visiting Hadrian's Wall then continue to the Lake District.

Return the car to Manchester Airport and fly home, either non-stop or via a connecting flight to the US.

>>Is Manchester an international airport or we need to get to London to fly back to states?<<

Yes - MAN is a major international airport. An easy airport to get in out of and convenient to the Lakes.

ps: I don't mean 'major' like LHR or LAX but certainly a well connected airport.

Is easy jet as bad as Ryan air? We just flew them to sicily and the baggage restrictions were shocking! Is easy jet as strict?

all the budget European airlines have luggage restrictions (as do most in the States).
Having said that, IMO/IME I would always choose easyJet over RyanAir

I think all budget airlines are strict on their luggage limits but here is the easyjet website info on it

http://www.easyjet.com/en/planning/baggage

mid May should be fine, though if you are hoping to see tulips in Amsterdam it might be a bit late - earlier in the month would be better.

http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/plan-your...l-information/

Ryanair used to have even more restrictions on luggage than Easyjet but my most recent experience of them was a lot better - you are now allowed a carry-on bag AND a handbag or computer bag. However, they are very strict on luggage weights and sizes as are Easyjet. anyway, I shouldn't worry about Ryanair - they don't fly from Amsterdam, whereas Easyjet has two flights from AMS to MAN most days.

KLM fly about four times a day to MAN, and luggage allowance is 20kg in the hold.

Thanks for all of your help!