UK: Lake District accommodations
 

Any recommendations for places to stay - moderately priced or cheap - in Ambleside or Grasmere? We're going May 12.

Can't stay in Keswick - it was first choice - as it is all booked up because of its jazz festival.

Recommendations of other Lake District towns are welcome too, these just sounded nice to me, centrally located and with a bit of country urban activity.

Topping this as I'm still hoping for a reply.

Elizabeth,
You are going to one of my favorite places on earth. The last time we went (2 years ago) we stayed in that area at Michael's Nook, which is a fantastic but very expensive place. Quite some time ago we stayed at places in Rydal Water, which is on the road from Windermere to Grasmere, as I recall. If you can, check some guide books to see what's recommended in Rydal. I'm sure the last time I looked there were some reasonable B&Bs there. Most of the Lake District towns have gotten so crowded in the past few years -- you may be going early enough to avoid some of that, I hope. Windermere used to be a crowded spot, but now all those villages along the road (including Ambleside, Grasmere) are, too. That's why I suggested you take a look at Rydal Water. I'm not sure that this is helpful, however at least I've topped your message. Have a great time.

Elizabeth:

We liked Fair Rigg Guest House, located at Bowness-on-Windermere
LA 23 3JB. Can see at www.smoothhound.co.uk or go to www.tripadvisor for a review. This is a nice B&B with a good breakfast. It is an easy walk into town. There is a hop on and off bus that you can take to all the little towns. We did this one of the days to avoid the bother of parking the car.

We did very much enjoy Keswick and it is an easy drive from Fair Rigg Guest House. There is affordable and easy parking not far from the lake and it is an easy walk into town. Don't pass up the pencil factory it is interesting. It is very easy to spend an entire day in Keswick especially if you like to walk around the lake.

Have a lovely time.

Sandy

Elizabeth,
We just booked for two nights in May at the Grey Friar Lodge in Clappersgate-Ambleside. The rates? 28 -58 pounds per person.
44 (0) 1539 433158
http://www.cumbria-hotels.co.uk

Elizabeth, check out laterooms.com. We will be in the Lake District a day before you. While we already have rooms that I booked back in NOvember at the BW Burn How in Bowness, I was just checking out the laterooms website and they do seem to have some good rates for that time period.