Does somebody here know the Lake District? I'm leaving for Lake District next week, but I have no idea what to see. I don't even know where to stay. Right now I'm looking at Gosforth or Barrow in Furness. I will rent a car, so I will be quite mobile, but I have to be back at my room every evening (unless single night rooms are easy to find).
Anybody?
Both of those locations are very much on the edge of the lakes, meaning long journeys to get to the better areas.
Keswick or somewhere nearby would be my recommendation.
Thats novel, its normally us mortals that want to travel to Iceland for better images Jón.
I've only spent a night in the Lakes (youth hostelling) but I know a guy that was walked many of the fells in the Lakes. He is camping in Wales right now but if you get no help I could probably put you in touch with him when he returns?
As Paul says Gosforth is quite near the coast and some 40 or 50 miles away from the more scenic spots, although only a stones throw away from what I concider is the most dramatic of the lakes..Wastwater, lying in the shadows of Scafell and Great Gable it is the deepest and most breathtaking of all the lakes, in my opinion.
Keswick is the obvious choice to see all the great sites within driving distance, although I always stay in Windermere.
I once purchased 3 pamphlets titled " Classic Drives" published by lakeland leisure drives, readily available for a couple of quid from any tourist shop, they come with maps and suggested routes over a few hours.I found them invaluable in finding some wonderful vistas.
Example
If you do stay in Gosforth you must do the Hardnott and Wrynose passes, they are very hairy but the scenery is fantastic.I know, I did them last week and have loads of pics to process yet.
Hope this helps a little,
Paul.
peecee, is that Derwent Water from Suprise Point? I stayed just below there but it was pouring down as we passed 'the bridge'.
Yes, I neglected to put it in the description but it is there on the print one. Beautiful view, I have tried to reshoot many times but the weather that day was perfect, I have a few taken this year with my wide angle but not sure if they are anywhere near the original.
I suggest an early view is best, less people about LOL.
Trouble is, I have never been yet and found it void of people, but in fairness I always have my disabled father with me and he won't get up at 6.00 am :)
Should I take a train or drive? I will be arriving 19:45, so I know I need a room for the night, I guess I can find a hotel near the airport. How long does take to get to the Lakes with train? I have too many questions.
i went every year for my summer holidays when i was a kid, lots of hill walking, if your into that you must go up Skidaw and Helvelen (spelling??)
here is a link to a site with lots of info on the area. Please send me some photos or a link to some when you get back it has been ages since i went, Have a great time!
Should I take a train or drive? I will be arriving 19:45, so I know I need a room for the night, I guess I can find a hotel near the airport. How long does take to get to the Lakes with train? I have too many questions.
I would drive, but it depends which airport, if it is one of the southern airports it is 250 miles, Manchester is about an hour or so from the south lake towns. I don't know of train schedules, you could stay in youth hostels throughout, I believe you can book on the web, there are lots of B&B about so you should have no problems.
Heres the rail timetable - one hell of a journey. Driving from stanstead will be half the duration.
Station Timetable Train Company Travel By
STANSTED AIRPORT dep 23:59
LONDON LIVERPOOL STREET arr 00:48
LONDON LIVERPOOL STREET dep 00:48 Tube*
LONDON EUSTON arr 06:46
LONDON EUSTON dep 06:46
PENRITH arr 10:12
PENRITH dep 10:30 Bus
KESWICK (BUS STATION) arr 11:05
Duration: 11:06
It is a decent drive - 4 or 5 hours on Britain's beautiful motorways, though you manage it a bit faster if you set off from Stansted at 8pm as you would miss the worst of the traffic - I guess that you would arrive around midnight. Probably also cheaper than the train (especially if more than one of you is travelling together and if you plan to hire a car anyway). You definitely need a car when you get there.
I second the pack of three driving tours as being good at giving you different aspects of the area, but only if combined with a few walking tours.
Book in advance, especially if you are arriving late. We stayed at the Gilpin lodge, which was expensive, but probably the best hotel I have ever stayed in. I think that it has just earned a Michelin star. However, the views are what you travel for, and it is a beautiful part of the world wherever you end up staying.
Book a hire car on line if you can, from one of the firms at Stansted. I remember Ryan Air being delayed by a couple of hours once, so I arrive at about 2 in the morning. As the car was booked, then the poor people at the rental desk had to stay up and smile at me.
There are a lot of beautiful places in England, but most of them are not too close to railways or cities. Depending on your time of arrival and confidence with the language etc. I'd recommend booking a car to pick up from the airport, then driving Northwards and getting off the main roads (get a map). Stop anywhere you like and ask around for a bed & breakfast. I've only done it once (and we were heading West), but it worked perfectly.
