If you could spend one week during Springtime in the Lakes District, where would you choose to stay, and why? I'd like to turn your dream into my reality!

Coniston is my favourite lake. A little off the beaten track. The lake is very beautiful. Lots of good walking country around and John Ruskin's house (ferry across the lake) which has THE most wonderful views

I don't know about staying there, but drive to and hike around Ullswater. We did this in May and it was phenomenally beautiful. Kind of a hard hike by my standards, but then I felt incredibly sheepish when the 87 year olds whizzed by me with canes (not kidding).

Assuming England ... <BR> <BR>Have not stayed at Sharrow Bay, but it is in an ideal spot (quiet shore of Ullswater, right on the lake). Famous for afternoon teas - monstrous and quite unhealthy. Ullswater is nice. The view from Helvellyn is tops, but, as jhm says, it takes a bit of walking to get there! <BR> <BR>Someone I met who had stayed there preferred Leeming House, but that is a minority opinion. <BR> <BR>I have stayed at Michael's Nook on Grasmere. The first time I visited was just to eat, and it was really fantastic. Second time also very good - never as good as the first visit, though, is it? Grasmere is not quite as nice as Ullswater. <BR> <BR>I would like to try Swinside Lodge, a small and stylish guest house in the north, but my party would include smokers, which they don't allow!! <BR> <BR>PS Rush hour in the Lake District does not involve cars - just thousands of hikers streaming off the hills for a hearty supper (no kidding) <BR> <BR>Italy - Bellagio, though I'll try Il Sole di Ranco on Maggiore next time (2 v.good reports on board last year). Austria - Schloss Fuschl, the first really nice hotel I stayed at, and a very fond memory (which means I daren't go back!)

I would choose somewhere in the Northern Lakes as they tend to be less touristy and the scenery is much more beautiful. <BR>We always stay in Keswick which is a great place to stay for a base to visit the smaller villages in the Northern Lakes which are all accessible by local transport from Keswick, that is if you aren't planning on hiring a car. <BR>If you've ever read Beatrix Potter books she based them all around here, you can even visit sites where she got her ideas from!! <BR>Check out <BR>http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/ <BR>For more information. <BR>Hope you have a great time, wherever you go.

There are some useful comments here, but also some rather peculiar ones...! <BR> <BR>Both Sharrow Bay and Michael's Nook are fine spots. In fact, the Lake District has some splendid hotels - check out http://www.linthwaite.com http://www.holbeck-ghyll.co.uk and http://www.borrowdale-gates.com for some of my favourites. <BR> <BR>Why Keswick is described here as 'less touristy' is beyond comprehension. IMHO, it's the most touristy part of all, along with Bowness. <BR> <BR>For one of the most useful sites on the area, make sure you take a look at http://www.cumbria.uk.com <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

My favourite place in the Lake District is Derwent Water - foresty and mysterious and quiet (well, it was in 1988!) compared to some of the other lakes, particularly Windermere. We were there just on sunset and the pink colour over the lake was glorious.

John, we honeymooned in the Lake District 2 years ago and enjoyed Dale Head Hall, a B&B on Lake Thirlmere south of Keswick. The setting was wonderful as was the food, and we were there in late April when the area was almost deserted. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

ttt