jent103

Julia - I felt the same way before I went to Ireland this summer. I was scared to death to get behind that wheel! But we started off on a main road, I got my bearings, and things were fine. Now, I wasn't driving immediately after an overnight flight, so there is that to consider. But if it were my honeymoon (which I realize it's not), I think I'd rather hire the car and go to some lovely, wonderful place, instead of sticking with the (nice, but not as special) b&bs in the bigger towns. To me, the little bit of stress would be worth it - especially once you factor in trying to figure out bus schedules to get to Ambleside or Grasmere, while hauling your luggage.

That said, I do totally get where you're coming from, and I'm sure you'll have a great time either way.

janisj

to add to jent's points -- the first time you are drenched by a rain squall while standing on the side of the road waiting for the next bus -- you'll understand why we suggest a car.

A twee B&B in Windermere or some other town is great for a couple of old married geezers . But for a honeymoon for twenty-somethings, staying in the very nicest off-the-beaten-path place you can find would be my choice.

Cimbrone

Oh Julia, you don't want to spend your honeymoon in Kendal. It's not really the Lakes District at all. I'm telling you that Rydal is lovely AND well-connected by bus to lots of nice walks and villages. Did you look at the White Moss House?

If you want to stay in a town, go with Grasmere. I found it to be the most picturesque of all the towns some of which can be surprisingly dismal in places. Much of Ambleside, for instance, is row upon row of gray b & b's. Not very appealing. There was one inn in Grasmere that seemed very nice. I'm going to look for it and get back to you.

Kendal would be like staying in Yonkers and pretending you're in the Catskills. Or something like that. Don't do it. A country inn is really the way to go.

Cimbrone

It was either the Grasmere Red Lion Inn or The Traveler's Rest that I noticed in Grasmere. The Traveler's Rest gets awful reviews on tripadvisor, but the Red Lion Inn looks quite nice. If you can ignore the "Best Western" sign on the outside...

mirolex

I'd like to add a strong suggestion to consider a rental car. Driving is a little different, to say the least, at first, but you adjust quickly. We found it cheaper for our whole stay than return rail tickets just from London to Liverpool, and certainly more convenient. You could always take the train to Liverpool or Manchester & pick up a car there. Too bad there's not an agency that has left-hand drive cars; so much easier for us! = D

JuliaB77

So, I'm going to throw a curveball here. Jared and I have been talking about all your feedback (for which I can't adequately verbalize my gratefulness), and we're moving back to square one. London is a definite yes (we have our plane tickets). But we might be throwing the whole Lake District part out the window for a closer, easier version - Bath - per NanBug's suggestion (and thinking about how much I enjoyed my prevoius trip).

We did look at White Moss, to answer your question Cimbrone - and as we look at these hotels, I think we're leaning more towards something modern and less country B&B... which is probably harder to come by in that area.

Fortunately, we have plenty of time to think through (and rethink) these plans.

We've only scratched the surface in terms of Bath hotels. The Queensberry Hotel? The Bath Paradise House?

Opinions on this option overall??
THANK YOU

NanBug

Hi again, Julia.

Glad you're thinking about Bath!

I forgot to mention -- check out Mad Max's tours out of Bath, they're supposed to be good. I've never tried them, but they run daytrips to Salisbury/Stonehenge, Lacock, etc. and a whirlwind tour of the Cotswolds.

They're supposed to be fun and informative, and it would sure cut down on the stress of driving.

Sorry, I can't help you out on the hotels.

caroline_edinburgh

I think it's a good decision too - more relaxing, and more chance of good weather ! I'd love to visit Bath now the Roman spa has reopened.

moolyn

Julia, as much as I love the lake district, I think you are wise to be thinking of someplace closer and easier to get to and get around in without a car. Save the lakes for another time.

Mimar

Yes, the Queensbury Hotel is very nice and well-located; it's a collection of old houses just up the street from the Assembly Rooms and around the corner from the Circus. There's a luxe hotel in the Royal Crescent -- for a honeymoon splurge.

Though, since you've been to Bath before, I thought of Brighton. Lots going on there, sure to be a spa or two.

JuliaB77

As I'm researching, I'm finding that I didn't really do much on my last trip to Bath... which is good, I think. For the purposes of this trip at least.

Thank you again for all your suggestions and feedback!