lake district trip

Phoenixboy · Post by **Phoenixboy** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 9:42 am

planning to head up to the lake district first week in july.
am going to combine some driving and general exploring for the week.
any suggestions for best area to stay, and possibly any recommends on small hotels with parking.
am sure its all good for site seeing, but was hoping for some pointers from people that know the area, as have never been.
thanks .

tee.gilding · Post by **tee.gilding** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 10:07 am

I went up to the Lake District last September and stayed in Grasmere at the Daffodil Hotel. It's a big hotel, but it's pretty nice, and the zed was nicely sheltered despite the inclement weather we had while we were there!
Some stunning roads around the area, so definitely a place worthy of a drive in a Z4!

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 10:27 am

We’ve used Ambleside as a base & found it a good location with pubs/restaurants nearby, it’s a superb area for driving and taking in the scenery

Rob

obewan · Post by **obewan** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 11:32 am

Both good suggestions above
Do want want the 'real' Lakes or the commercialised bit?
North or South?

Wild Boar outside Kendal is excellent and not a bad base. Not far from Bowness/Windermere
Low Wood Hall at Nether Wasdale is also good (stunning views from the dining room - not too central though
Muncaster Castle has rooms (that used to be the servants quarters/stables I think) you can spend the day there and are allowed to wander the grounds after the public have left - Ravenglass and the 'Lil Ratty' (small gauge railway) is close by.

Slightly further out of the Lakes is a lot cheaper. I.e. where I am (30 miles from M6 J36) is about 25 mins to Coniston, Bowness Etc
There is a Premier Inn at Ulverston and a few B&B's

Feel free to PM me if you want more info or opinions

Metal Licker is in Cumbria as well, he will have some ideas

Mad Professor · Post by **Mad Professor** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 1:08 pm

West lakes in nice and quiet way from tourist tatt
SWMBO rented a house there in Eskdale
Ravenglass and and Eskdale railway passed by her house
Bower house hotel in Eskdale was always nice with good reasonable pub food
Wasdale head hotel in at Wastwater nearby also very good

Phoenixboy · Post by **Phoenixboy** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 1:10 pm

thanks for the suggestions guys.
not too bothered about the full on commercial side, but would possibly have a day on that.
more interested in some good drives with options to stop for a snack and a walk around the lakes.
going on my own, so no mrs or kids to entertain.
more about a mixture of driving a bit of walking around the lakes, with some opportunity for some good pictures.

obewan · Post by **obewan** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 2:07 pm

Hardknott, Wrynose and/or Kirkstone pass it is then

A box to be ticked, but seriously, not for the feint hearted

Based on what you've said above, personally I'd head for the NW/Keswick area
It will still be busy BUT Bowness/Ambleside/Coniston will be manic in July

Top quiz question - How many lakes are there in the Lake District

One!
Bassenthwaite

All the rest are Mere's or Waters

metal licker · Post by **metal licker** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 2:54 pm

As obewan said it ain't the best time of year for driving in the lakes
Hardknott, Wrynose and/or Kirkstone pass are the one's not to miss you can also add in Honister pass as well

If we're staying in Ambleside we usually stay at Rothay Manor its 5 min walk to Ambleside town centre and 5 min walk to the Ferry terminal but its not the cheapest hotel around. There's also a great restaurant in Ambleside called the Old Stamp House well worth a visit !
Been to the Wild Boar but just for the savoury afternoon tea which was excellent

Phoenixboy · Post by **Phoenixboy** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 2:55 pm

much appreciated, will start looking at booking accomodation soon.

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 6:54 pm

Top tip, take some walking boots.

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:07 pm

We went in Mrs smartbears mini clubman, took it along the passes mentioned above & wont forget them in a hurry

: 9886533A-A701-40D7-9423-8D57C9178204.jpeg (212.91 KiB) Viewed 739 times

Rob

mr wilks · Post by **mr wilks** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:19 pm

Buttermere , Honister pass & Wastwater well worth visiting .
Bowness & Windermere are both forgettable experiences (or go out of season ) yet minutes away are the Langdales & Coniston that are so much better
Personally Re the passes i would avoid Hardknott

done it , wouldn't do it again unless i was in someone else's car , its punishing on vehicles to the extreme especially in summer when its busy & few chances to actually stop & enjoy it .
Worth a detour through the Ribble valley / Bowland Fells on route & if you got chance some of the Dales

all are easily done from the Lakes area

Phoenixboy · Post by **Phoenixboy** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:30 pm

Thanks guys.
Will be making a list of places to see and roads to drive.
Should be a good week

Dave1971 · Post by **Dave1971** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 8:41 pm

My wife and I have stayed at this place a few times now. It's out of the way but close enough to places like Coniston, Hawkshead and Ambleside. Now the ferry is running again it's a doddle to get the Windermere if you have a masochistic streak.

https://www.yewfield.co.uk/accommodation

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