have travelled to the lake district twice now, and I would classify it a 'sexy place'. I also have another trip there in October 2001 (this month) for two weeks, and I really can't wait!. Around the lake district, you can escape the hustle and bustle of life, relax, unwind and take in all of the natural beauty, and believe me, their is lots of that. The main reason I have written this opinion is to show the independant backpacker how to travel the Lake District, at a low cost.
Travel:
The cheapest way to travel to the lake district is by coach. National express, for example, do a bargain fare from
Milton Keynes for £35 return. The coach stops off at all the major stops (windemere, keswick, grasmere etc) If you are looking to take your bike, then obviouslly a train is best for this. www.thetrainline.com have some special priced Virgin tickets if you book in advance. The coach takes around 5-7 hours to reach windemere, and the train takes around 3 1/2 - 4 hours. Useful sites to visit for fares and times: www.gobycoach.com (national express) www.virgin.com/trains (virgin trains) www.thetrainline.com (virgin trains.
Accomodation:
The cheapest way to sleep in the lake district, is by going into youth hostels. There are different prices, depending on your age, but the average stay is £14 per night for an over 18, and £7.50 for an under 18. There are hostels situated all around the lake district, but I stronglly reccommend staying at Windemere YHA, as it is fab!. Don't worry about going alone, because you meet many people there!. The first time I went alone, I felt like a loner, but that soon changed. Usualy, the YHA staff are very freindly, and go out of their way to help. Also, the hostels are generally very clean and tidy. Useful websites for info: www.yha.org.uk (YHA home page)www.backpackers.co.uk (independant YHA). Before you can go to the YHA, you need membership, which can be obtained from your local YHA, or from the website.
Getting about:
If you take your bike, fantastic!. That is the cheapest way to get around. SIngle bus journeys are usually quite expensive, so if you are gonna get a bus, buy an explorer ticket. This allows you to travel the whole of the Lake District, on bus, for about £7, which is fantastic. The most popular way to get around, is by foot, and the area is so beautiful, you won't care how long it takes!
Where to go:
Visit Windemere/bowness: This is a beautiful lake, and has many attractions around it, like a resturant, shops, inns etc. You can hire a boat on bowness, which is usually quite expensive though. Also visit the Windermere tourist info centre, as their is loads of info their, on what to do. For your shopping, windemere town centre has a supermarket
Visit Coniston: Probablly the most beautiful part of the lake district, mystical and magical. Hire a boat, for about £5 an hour, from the little shack their, and explore the famous lake, where mr campbell crashed his bluebird. Explore the high peaks of the mountains, and after, go to the local pub for a drink or look around the local village
Visit Grasmere: Another one of my favourite stops!. Fantastic climbing mountains, beautiful village, shops, woodland and a good resturant/pub. Also, visit dove cottage, famous for William Wordsworth.
Visit Keswick: Loads of charity shops/other shops here, and still a beautiful town. Probablly the best place for souvineers!.
There are many other beautiful places in the lake district, like Cockermouth, Whitehaven etc, you just have to explore, and find them!.
How much money should one take?
That depends!. For a two week independant stay, you are going to need about £40-£60 for travel, £80 for accomodation, and then money for food and spending. To cover everything, I usually take £250, and I still have money left over!. YOu really don't need to much, as their is not much to spend money on!
When should I go?
Anytime!. Although you will find most of the shops closed in November-Febuary, the natural beauty always stays open!.
For any more information, go to www.google.co.uk, and type in Lake District. Here you will find pics, places of interest etc!.
Have fun exploring if you do go!
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My parents live near the Lakes so I know them well and enjoy going there. Nice op.....maeib
Clare_1 07.10.2001 14:33
Great op - really detailed, loads of info and sounds great. Might go there one day but I always get bored with scenery - I like city breaks meself. Never mind, maybe i will change, this op certainly helped me on my way! Clare
adsalamon 07.10.2001 13:19
good op. ive only been once and that was on an a level geography thingy. i wouldnt call it natural though, it made how it is today by man......damn them geography lessons.
adsalamon
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Advantages: Very Relaxing, Gorgeous Setting Disadvantages: Very Expensive - initially for accomodation and then once inside the park for activities, no nightlife
very helpful by (100%):
