Lake District
 

We are arriving at Gatwick and are going to the Lake District for 4 nights. How long will it take us to drive to the Lake District? Are we better off to fly to Manchester or ? and rent a car there? <BR> <BR>We would also like some recommendations for nicer b & bs in the area. <BR> <BR>Ira Hodson

If you have a choice, Manchester would be the better choice. We stayed in Windermere years back, about 10, and drove to Windermere with no problem. It was January and we did run into a little snow, but I don't think the drive was more than 4-5 hours. Incidentally, had the best sauteed trout (my gold standard) ever in a little pub in Windermere.

Gatwick is at least 4 hours fairly hard driving to the Lake District.Manchester is barely 1 hour, fairly easy driving, so the airport choice seems obvious, air fares being equal. You did'nt ask but recommend the Ambleside/Grasmere area in the Lake District, as a good central base, with lovely pubs and hotels.

Visited Lake District last year in September. Weather was a bit rainy but not cold.....Recommend flying to Manchester and driving. London traffic terrible and motorways north also congested......Stayed at a small hotel south of Ambleside.....You are in for a treat. The Lake District is one of the most magical places I have ever visited.

Visited the Lake District in November two years ago. It was fairly cold, but not too bad, and the main benefit was that there were few tourists. The place is a mess in the summer. October sounds perfect. <BR> <BR>There are a slew of B&Bs. We stayed in one in Windermere that was also a pub. It was great, except for the fact that they had a disco on that Saturday night, and I wasn't feeling well, and so wanted to go to bed early. The music didn't really allow that. Can't think of the name, but it was on the top of a small hill, and had parking (this is key-parking is hard to come by). I wouldn't bother with reservations.

We stayed at the Linthwaite House Hotel in Windermere. It was about a mile out of town and had nice lake views from its position on the hillside. Very quiet, beautiful grounds, great service. Ask about a suite - We upgraded to one after the first night- it was only about $20 more (in 1993) than a regular room and easily twice the size. I don't remember the rate we paid but it wasn't outrageous - it seemed about right for what we got. Check out their website. www.cumbria1st.com/lin_thwaite/