Lake or peak district?

[illmonkey]

Looking at getting away to a cottage with a fire to relax in at the end of Feb, lots of walks, pubs etc

Peak is only 100 miles away, Lake is 200 miles away. Is it worth the extra distance? It'll probably be for a week, so 200 miles at either side wont be overkill.

Any suggestions for areas in either, or even properties?

Thanks.

[OliverTwist]

keswick

[PaulHogan]

c) North Yorkshire Moors

[Nobby Diesel]

Peaks....and get over to High Cup Nic, if you fancy a good walk with stunning scenery.

[fadeaway]

Both are great. Personally I prefer the Lakes as you can get a better sense of big wide spaces. Sort of like Peaks if don't want to go too far, Lakes if I don't mind the trip, and Scotland if I really have time for the journey!

As you've got the time, I'd suggest the Lakes. You can save the Peaks for weekend trips.

[illmonkey]

fadeaway said:

Both are great. Personally I prefer the Lakes as you can get a better sense of big wide spaces. Sort of like Peaks if don't want to go too far, Lakes if I don't mind the trip, and Scotland if I really have time for the journey!

As you've got the time, I'd suggest the Lakes. You can save the Peaks for weekend trips.

I think that's a good idea. We'll have 9 days, as we'll take a working week off, plus weekends.

We could get away to the peaks for a long weekend later in the year.

OliverTwist: That has been a place we're looking at.

Tonker: There will only be 2 people! We may rattle around in that place a little.

[Amateurish]

Personally I prefer the Lakes and would go there for a longer trip. That said, the Peaks are wonderful as well but maybe not quite on the same scale.

Try www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk for some property rentals - more on the rustic side.

[illmonkey]

Still undecided, and places are getting booked up. Everything in the lakes seems £150 more than in the peaks. Is it really worth it?

[mybrainhurts]

illmonkey said:

Still undecided, and places are getting booked up. Everything in the lakes seems £150 more than in the peaks. Is it really worth it?

No..

Nice bit of the Peaks was on Top Gear last week...May in the Insignia...Castleton and Edale.

[Naughty Magpie]

OliverTwist said:

keswick

x 2

Totally gorgeous place & lots of walks, good pubs, fresh food, excellent camping (if that's your thing), beautiful hotels & GREAT scenery.

[58warren]

I'd recommend the Old Vicarage in Ambleside. Lovely place with an underground pool added fairly recently.

[illmonkey]

Should have updated before, but I've finally booked somewhere now!

After looking at over 500 cottages across the peak and lakes we found one that was perfect. Albit £100 more than most, I just wanted it booked.

Staying in Ambleside, so close to Keswick and Kendal, top of lake Windermere. Should be plenty to do.

Thanks for all of the advise, will be sure to note it down for when we are there.

Edit: If anyone can recommend some nice restaurants in the area or activities to do. Thinking about doing a boat on Windermere. Possibly even a balloon ride if its good weather and cheap enough.

Edited by illmonkey on Friday 15th January 08:53

[58warren]

Ambleside is a great place to stay. Some good pubs and restaurants, plenty of shops. For a different day out, head up to Grizedale Forest. There is a sculpture park in the forest and new works are being made all the time - often with a resident artist. You never quite know what you will find there - it's a fascinating place to visit and you can also hire mountain bikes for some good riding in the hills.

Skiing is also available in the Lakes if sufficient snow is still around. They have a basic lift system with a few different runs. Should be ok at the moment but not for much longer in the season.

You also have to go to 'The Drunken Duck' for drinks and dinner. Book ahead though as it's very popular. About 10-15 mins drive out of Ambleside on the road to Hawkshead.

[GreatGranny]

58warren said:

You also have to go to 'The Drunken Duck' for drinks and dinner. Book ahead though as it's very popular. About 10-15 mins drive out of Ambleside on the road to Hawkshead.

Went there last year, great food and beer but not my idea of a typical Lakeland Pub. very much a gastro type place with prices to match.

Try to go into the Golden Rule in Ambleside. Doesn't look much from the outside but a great place.

The Glass House seems to get good reviews but never been myself. http://theglasshouserestaurant.co.uk/

and don't forget to call into the Apple Pie Eating House adjacent to the Glass House.

I can also recommend the Black Bull http://www.conistonbrewery.com/black-bull-coniston... in Coniston for food and beer, very good.