Best home base in the Lake District?
Dec 22nd, 2009 | 05:22 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
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Best home base in the Lake District?
We plan to spend about 3 nites in the lake district in the second half of may. we will have a car. rick steves suggests Keswick as a good base and as a nicer area to explore than ambleside. I have also read about grasmere on this site. Kendall?
We will be coming from northern wales. we want lovely green scenary, nice walks/easy hikes and lakes. I think we would prefer to stay outside of a city, but have restaurants, etc. a short drive away.
what do you suggest for a home base?
are the wolsey lodges special? the book says you are treated more as a family member.
Do you advise spending 4-5 nites if we can arrange it? our other planned stop is northern wales.
after the lake district, we will be heading to london. Instead of driving into london, i thought it would be easier to drive partway and take a train into the city. what city would you suggest? leeds? manchester?
We will be coming from northern wales. we want lovely green scenary, nice walks/easy hikes and lakes. I think we would prefer to stay outside of a city, but have restaurants, etc. a short drive away.
what do you suggest for a home base?
are the wolsey lodges special? the book says you are treated more as a family member.
Do you advise spending 4-5 nites if we can arrange it? our other planned stop is northern wales.
after the lake district, we will be heading to london. Instead of driving into london, i thought it would be easier to drive partway and take a train into the city. what city would you suggest? leeds? manchester?
Dec 22nd, 2009 | 06:57 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
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There are no cities in the Lake District, so you need not worry about accidentally choosing one. Kendal is on the edge of, but not really in the Lake District, so you can dismiss it. Keswick is good if you want to stay in a small town, Grasmere, if you want to stay in a village. Your choice.
I’d find 4 or 5 days good - you could see most of the Lake District. And if it does not hold your interest, it’s a short drive to Carlisle (interesting cathedral and castle) and on to Hadrian’s Wall.
I looked at the Wolseley Lodges brochure a number of years ago. I’ve never read so much pretentious twaddle in all my life. They are just up-market B&Bs. If that’s your style, go for it.
I have no idea about dropping the car. I suspect, if I couldn’t drop it in the Lake District, I’d just drive to Heathrow. But if you can find a not too large urban area with rental depots at or near the train station, that may be ok. I once dropped a car at Leeds - I wouldn’t do that again. You might look at Preston.
I’d find 4 or 5 days good - you could see most of the Lake District. And if it does not hold your interest, it’s a short drive to Carlisle (interesting cathedral and castle) and on to Hadrian’s Wall.
I looked at the Wolseley Lodges brochure a number of years ago. I’ve never read so much pretentious twaddle in all my life. They are just up-market B&Bs. If that’s your style, go for it.
I have no idea about dropping the car. I suspect, if I couldn’t drop it in the Lake District, I’d just drive to Heathrow. But if you can find a not too large urban area with rental depots at or near the train station, that may be ok. I once dropped a car at Leeds - I wouldn’t do that again. You might look at Preston.
Dec 22nd, 2009 | 08:28 PM
#3
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,023
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"<i>the book says you are treated more as a family member.</i>"
Wolsey Lodges are just nice B&Bs - you aren't their long lost cousins.
"<i>Instead of driving into london, i thought it would be easier to drive partway and take a train into the city</i>"
Not necessarily - it mostly depends on who you rent from and where they have locations. That probably won't be in the Lake District. And you don't want to be driving into any big cities just to drop a car near-ish a train station.
How many days do you plan on taking between the Lakes and London? One day w/o any stop-overs? Then some options include Carlisle and then taking a train down to London - OR - driving to MAN and then taking trains to London (or even flying down) - OR - driving to LHR, dropping the car there and then taking public transport into town.
My personal choice would be to take 2 or 3 days for the drive to see some of the Peaks, the Cotswolds and other scenic bits and then drop the car at LHR.
Wolsey Lodges are just nice B&Bs - you aren't their long lost cousins.
"<i>Instead of driving into london, i thought it would be easier to drive partway and take a train into the city</i>"
Not necessarily - it mostly depends on who you rent from and where they have locations. That probably won't be in the Lake District. And you don't want to be driving into any big cities just to drop a car near-ish a train station.
How many days do you plan on taking between the Lakes and London? One day w/o any stop-overs? Then some options include Carlisle and then taking a train down to London - OR - driving to MAN and then taking trains to London (or even flying down) - OR - driving to LHR, dropping the car there and then taking public transport into town.
My personal choice would be to take 2 or 3 days for the drive to see some of the Peaks, the Cotswolds and other scenic bits and then drop the car at LHR.
Dec 22nd, 2009 | 11:37 PM
#4
Joined: May 2003
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Kendal is considered the gateway to the Southern lakes - I certainly wouldn't dismiss out of hand. The rule of thumb is that the Northern Lake District (including Keswick) has the wilder, more dramatic scenery whilst the Southern area is more chocolate box pretty.
Ambleside is also a possibility.
I love Janis's comment on Wolsey Lodges. Yes, they have an 'upmarket' reputation (as does Sawdays), but my favourite way to stay in the Lakes is to use a farm bed and breakfast. They offer really good value - and if they are good enough for Prince Charles they are good enough for me. I can't think of a better way to enjoy the beauty of the area.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/1806555.stm
www.sawdays.co.uk
www.luxuryinafarm.co.uk
www.golakes.co.uk
Another idea about your car. On your last day leave earlyish and drive across the Pennines (gorgeous drive, wonderful scenery) and head for York. Drop your car off in York and spend a few hours exploring this city. It is compact with lots to see although many feel the Minster is worth any amount of travelling to visit. You could see a lot of the city in a short time.
www.visityork.org
www.yorkminster.org
There is a very good, regular train service from York to Kings Cross and if you pick a fast train it will get you there in less than 2 hours. But if you have a lot of luggage this plan might not work!
One practical issue - the end of May is a half term holiday (a week or just over) for the majority of school children in this country. Most schools will close for week commencing 24th May. Also the 31st May is a Bank Holiday. The effect on you is that EVERYTHING will be much busier during this half term week and the Bank Holiday - trains, tourist attractions, restaurants etc, and the Lakes are a VERY popular place to holiday in.
Plus accommodation will get booked up quickly - it is traditionally known as the first time in the year that the weather is decent enough to have a week in the English countryside! So if your holiday could be w/c 10th and 17th May you would find things much quieter. I'd get your accommodation sorted as quickly as possible though.
Lastly, if you enjoy reading you might like to read The Maid of Buttermere by Melvyn Bragg.
Ambleside is also a possibility.
I love Janis's comment on Wolsey Lodges. Yes, they have an 'upmarket' reputation (as does Sawdays), but my favourite way to stay in the Lakes is to use a farm bed and breakfast. They offer really good value - and if they are good enough for Prince Charles they are good enough for me. I can't think of a better way to enjoy the beauty of the area.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/1806555.stm
www.sawdays.co.uk
www.luxuryinafarm.co.uk
www.golakes.co.uk
Another idea about your car. On your last day leave earlyish and drive across the Pennines (gorgeous drive, wonderful scenery) and head for York. Drop your car off in York and spend a few hours exploring this city. It is compact with lots to see although many feel the Minster is worth any amount of travelling to visit. You could see a lot of the city in a short time.
www.visityork.org
www.yorkminster.org
There is a very good, regular train service from York to Kings Cross and if you pick a fast train it will get you there in less than 2 hours. But if you have a lot of luggage this plan might not work!
One practical issue - the end of May is a half term holiday (a week or just over) for the majority of school children in this country. Most schools will close for week commencing 24th May. Also the 31st May is a Bank Holiday. The effect on you is that EVERYTHING will be much busier during this half term week and the Bank Holiday - trains, tourist attractions, restaurants etc, and the Lakes are a VERY popular place to holiday in.
Plus accommodation will get booked up quickly - it is traditionally known as the first time in the year that the weather is decent enough to have a week in the English countryside! So if your holiday could be w/c 10th and 17th May you would find things much quieter. I'd get your accommodation sorted as quickly as possible though.
Lastly, if you enjoy reading you might like to read The Maid of Buttermere by Melvyn Bragg.
Dec 23rd, 2009 | 03:53 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 1
We had about 4 days in the Lake District last year and stayed at http://www.denehurst-guesthouse.co.uk/
We would highly recommend it, the owners are friendly and helpful, our room was very comfortable, especially the bed (like snuggling into a soft white cloud) and there was a choice at breakfast which is unusual in a B&B. It's about a 10 minute walk to Windermere and the same the other way to Bowness where the lake is. There was lots of info on things to do in the area, both in the lounge and in each room. Ken and Cindy told us about a little cafe with fabulous cakes, set beside a rushing river, which we would never have found on our own.
I would suggest either leaving the car at Heathrow and then catching the tube into central London or perhaps Oxford and catch the bus or train into London from there. There is a lot to see in Oxford itself and it's not far to Blenheim Palace if you have time to see that before you drop the car off. If you are dropping at Heathrow and find you have spare time, drive to Windsor first and have a look at the castle and the town then drop your car off afterwards. Don't underestimate the traffic though, it can get very heavy in all parts of the UK.
Kay
We would highly recommend it, the owners are friendly and helpful, our room was very comfortable, especially the bed (like snuggling into a soft white cloud) and there was a choice at breakfast which is unusual in a B&B. It's about a 10 minute walk to Windermere and the same the other way to Bowness where the lake is. There was lots of info on things to do in the area, both in the lounge and in each room. Ken and Cindy told us about a little cafe with fabulous cakes, set beside a rushing river, which we would never have found on our own.
I would suggest either leaving the car at Heathrow and then catching the tube into central London or perhaps Oxford and catch the bus or train into London from there. There is a lot to see in Oxford itself and it's not far to Blenheim Palace if you have time to see that before you drop the car off. If you are dropping at Heathrow and find you have spare time, drive to Windsor first and have a look at the castle and the town then drop your car off afterwards. Don't underestimate the traffic though, it can get very heavy in all parts of the UK.
Kay
Dec 23rd, 2009 | 09:35 AM
#6
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,023
Likes: 50
Morgana's suggestion of York is also good. You can see most of the highlights of the city in 3 or 4 hours (3 or 4 days would be better of course) and perhaps the rental agency might hold your luggage for a while after you drop the car.
I totally missed the "2nd half of May" bit. What are your specific dates? If its the last week - the Lake District will be totally <B><u>slammed</u></B>. If you have flexibility - definitely hit the Lakes before May 24.
I totally missed the "2nd half of May" bit. What are your specific dates? If its the last week - the Lake District will be totally <B><u>slammed</u></B>. If you have flexibility - definitely hit the Lakes before May 24.
Dec 23rd, 2009 | 09:36 AM
#7
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,239
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You should consider Bowness or Windermere itself for the best choice of hotels and restaurants, within easy reach across a range of price levels. Although it may be busy, most places will be in the Lake District.
If you don't want to drive all the way to London (and who would) from here, then the logical choice is Manchester. You'll be able to drop off your car as all the main rental agencies are there and you'll have a great choice of hotels and restaurants(on a much larger scale than the Lakes)to suit your budget. The city is full of history and lovely buildings both old and new. Not to be missed!
A train then to London is easy and fast into London Euston from Manchester Piccadilly.
If you don't want to drive all the way to London (and who would) from here, then the logical choice is Manchester. You'll be able to drop off your car as all the main rental agencies are there and you'll have a great choice of hotels and restaurants(on a much larger scale than the Lakes)to suit your budget. The city is full of history and lovely buildings both old and new. Not to be missed!
A train then to London is easy and fast into London Euston from Manchester Piccadilly.
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Jan 4th, 2010 | 05:49 AM
#8
Joined: Jan 2010
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I agree that you shouldn't just dismiss Kendal. On the contrary, it has a lot to offer, but it does lie just outside of the Lake District National Park.
If you are looking at just a few nights, then you will need to look at a B&B or hotel as self-catering accommodation in season (which includes May) will typically be for a minimum of 7 nights. Self-catering can be an affordable option, though, particularly depending on the size of your party.
Consider the follow places: Kendal, Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, Coniston, Hawkshead, and, as you mention, Keswick. If you're coming from N. Wales, this list is in approximate order of accessibility.
A few suggestions for these places to consider:
Kendal Cottages - http://www.kendalcottages.com (opening this year)
Monties B&B, Bowness - http://www.montiesbedandbreakfast.com
The Angel Inn, Bowness - http://www.the-angelinn.com
Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere - http;//www.holbeckghyll.com
The Coach House, Windermere - http://www.lakedistrictbandb.com
The Coach House, Ambleside - http://www.ambleside-accommodation.co.uk
Gold Rill Hotel, Grasmere - http://www.gold-rill.com
White Moss House, Grasmere - http://www.whitemoss.com
Grasmere Hotel, Grasmere - http://www.grasmerehotel.co.uk
Oaklands Guest House, Coniston - http://www.oaklandsconiston.co.uk
Keswick Bridge, Keswick - http://www.keswickb.com
Low Briery, Keswick - http://www.keswick.uk.com
I'm not all that familiar with Wolsey Lodges but, from what I can tell, the B&B owners just pay to be members of the group (presumably with some degree of quality control), but I don't see anything that special in that.
If you are looking at just a few nights, then you will need to look at a B&B or hotel as self-catering accommodation in season (which includes May) will typically be for a minimum of 7 nights. Self-catering can be an affordable option, though, particularly depending on the size of your party.
Consider the follow places: Kendal, Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, Coniston, Hawkshead, and, as you mention, Keswick. If you're coming from N. Wales, this list is in approximate order of accessibility.
A few suggestions for these places to consider:
Kendal Cottages - http://www.kendalcottages.com (opening this year)
Monties B&B, Bowness - http://www.montiesbedandbreakfast.com
The Angel Inn, Bowness - http://www.the-angelinn.com
Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere - http;//www.holbeckghyll.com
The Coach House, Windermere - http://www.lakedistrictbandb.com
The Coach House, Ambleside - http://www.ambleside-accommodation.co.uk
Gold Rill Hotel, Grasmere - http://www.gold-rill.com
White Moss House, Grasmere - http://www.whitemoss.com
Grasmere Hotel, Grasmere - http://www.grasmerehotel.co.uk
Oaklands Guest House, Coniston - http://www.oaklandsconiston.co.uk
Keswick Bridge, Keswick - http://www.keswickb.com
Low Briery, Keswick - http://www.keswick.uk.com
I'm not all that familiar with Wolsey Lodges but, from what I can tell, the B&B owners just pay to be members of the group (presumably with some degree of quality control), but I don't see anything that special in that.
