Hi All
I am planning now my trip to England.
Though I would like to visit both Lake and Peak districts, I can do only one of them.
If you have been in both regions and like them both, please tell me which region you prefer and why

a LOT will depend on when you are visiting. The Lakes are a hugely popular tourist region. So on Bank Holidays and in the height of summer (mainly late July and August) they will more crowded - accomodations book up far ahead and especially on holiday weekends the traffic is VERY heavy.

But at other times - either would be a great place to visit. For a first timer though, probably the Lakes have more "bang for the buck".

What time of year are you coming over and how long for? Also, what are your main interests? Will you hire a car?

I love the Lake District, primarily for the scenery and mountain walking. It certainly is beautiful but as Janis said, it can get very crowded and the main tourist towns are rather too touristy for my liking. We tend to visit out of season to avoid the crowds. Saying that, even in the height of summer it doesn't take long to get away from the crowds if you like to walk in the hills.

The Peak District is more my home patch - I can see the hills at the edge of it from where I am now, just a glimpse through the houses. The scenery is still beautiful though different from the Lakes, from the more rugged moorland of the Dark Peak to the gentler landscape of the White Peak further south. It doesn't tend to get quite so crowded as the Lakes but there is still plenty for the tourist to see. If you are interested in historic houses, you can visit Chatsworth and Haddon Hall.

I can't say I prefer either one, as I love them both but it realy depends what you like to do and when you will come over.

Thanks Janisi and Maria
It am looking for scenery but don't like overcrowded places. It will be in July and now I think that Peak District will be better choice for me. (I am also a fun of "Pride and prejudice&quot
I plan to stay there for 3 nights. Do you think that it is easy to explore withour a car and what town is preferable to stay? We come from York and then return to London.

I would look at staying in Buxton.

This is a very nice town with a good example of Georgian architecture. Close to Chatsworth House also - it is worth the trip and if you go, walk back across the bridge and take a picture of the house from the other side of the river - it's looks beautiful from this vantage point IMO.

The Peak District is the busiest National Park in the UK - it is bordeed by - Manchester, Stoke, Bimingham, Sheffield etc etc - and believe me there are many reasons to get out of those places at the weekend. The landscapes are similar to those that inspired the Brontes - moody!

The Lakes is incomparable - its beauty is in its subtle landscape - Canada and the US have huge ranges but the Lakes hills are beautifully formed. Its very possible to find quiet corners - my top of the list is the walk round Derwentwater.

The Peak

We loved the Peak District - if you like, you can see our pictures at http://tinyurl.com/3clrcv

Lee Ann