Lake District Advice?
 

Hi! Friend and I are hoping to spend a long weekend in the Lake District. Can anyone suggest a good site to base ourselves out of for the weekend? Would rather take train than drive (we're living in London), so we're hoping to find a town that is relatively accessible by rail/bus. We'd prefer off-the-beaten-track and rural settings to tourist havens, as we need a break from city life! Also, can anyone suggest good, affordable B&B's? Many thanks in advance! Dani

DK-- I have no idea where you are arriving from--The closest airport is Manchester-- If you are staying in Grasmere, the closest train station is in Windemere.....<BR><BR>If you can rent a car at the Windemere train station, you will have access to the rest of the lakes district much easier.....It is known for it's walking tours and if you really want off the beaten path,you will need a car...<BR><BR>The only BnB that we stayed at was in Grasmere and it is called Michaels Nook- but it is not super affordable....<BR>It is a 5 star Manor House and the rates include full bkfst and 5 course gourmet dinner ( that is Incredible)<BR><BR>Here is the website on the Manor House:<BR>http://www.travellady.com/Issue57/michaelsnook.htm<BR><BR>Someone else may be able to suggest one that is a little more reasonable as this is definitely on the high end....<BR><BR>But we loved Grasmere ( Home of Wadsworth,Dove Cottage( a really neat houe to inspect with a terrific tour guide on premises) and it's base to get to all the other Lake towns for a days drive in any given direction...It is definitely rural and has some great walks in the area....<BR><BR><BR>Windemere is a little more touristy, but fun ,nevertheless....<BR>

I'd recommend Keswick - a little further north so less accessible but a good centre for walking in Borrowdale. The lake, Derwentwater, is very beautiful- a 3-4 mile walk all around the lake is lovely. We stayed at The Edwardene Hotel 26 Southey St Keswick- derick and margaret Holman tel 017687 73586. www.edwardenehotel.com They are a very helpful couple and Margaret is a chiropodist so can ease those sore feet when you return from fell-walking. Places to eat: Salsa Mexican Bistro. Live music at The Oddfellows Arms pub in the main street. Train to Windermere or alternatively to Carlisle, then bus or hire car.

Grasmere is a lovely village. Keswick is much businer, but does have a wonderful stone circle nearby! We stayed in a little B&amp;B near Hawkshead,( I think it was in Near Sawrey) nothing special, but the village/hamlet did have a couple of nice pubs with really good food. Some nice walks nearby, Tarn Hows was easy but lovely - good for second or third day-itis, Buttermere, easy but gorgeous, Langdale Pikes, not so easy but stunning, the walk along Ullswater with the boat back is also fun. <BR><BR>When we went, we took the train from London to Windermere and then rented a car at the train station. <BR><BR>There are B&amp;B's all over the Lake District. Maybe take a look at some books, pictures, web sites and decide which walks/sights/drives you want to do and then put them on a map and look for places to stay right in the middle. To get you started, here's a website I found which seems to be pretty good: www.lakedistrictletsgo.co.uk <BR><BR>Have a nice trip! <BR>

DK: We have stayed on two occaisions at The Old Vicaredge in the village of Ambleside. It is beautiful. The building was, in fact, a vicaredge in years past. Decorated in Victorian clutter, but tastefully done. Rates are about 35GBP. It is beautifully situated in a garden setting , a short walk from the center of the village and adjacent to the church it used to service. <BR>Ambleside is a quiet village, quaint, with some good restaurants and central so it is easy to get to anywhwere in the Lake District (about two miles from Windemere). More comfortable and homey than luxerious. The owners are very friendly. We loved it. <BR>The website is at &quot;www.oldvicarageambleside.co.uk&quot;. Click on the picture of the Vicarage for more pictures of the inside. Unfortunately, you will waste a lot of time going from place to place and miss a lot if you do not have a car. Have a great trip.

DK: Of course, that should be The Old Vicarage. Sorry!

DK- Beatrix Potter's former home is now an inn just outside Windemere on the lake. It's called Lindeth Howe Country House (www.lindeth-howe.co.uk/) Have a look. It's 2 1/2 miles from the local train station &amp; they say they can arrange pick up &amp;/or rental car.