Hi there. You folks have given so much great advice about my past posts, so here's another query for you! We would love another day in the Lake District (only have one night and two days there right now), but something else must give. Don't want to give up any more time in London (currently 6 days - including surrounds), or Edinburgh (currently 3 days/4 nights including surrounds). Have 2 days/2 nights planned for the Cotswolds, but wondering if a drive thru some villages and one night around the centre may be enough to get more time in the Lake District. We love natural beauty and hikes, but also love quaintness of villages, etc. Help! Thanks so much!
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
If you are travelling between London and the Lake District, then the Cotswolds are off-route, so why not stay closer to a direct route and drive through the villages around Rutland Water? Thatched cottages, old churches, pretty gardens and fewer tourists than the Cotswolds, so it's a win win situation! Plus Rutland Water itself with the old Normanton Church, which you can walk round or hire bikes and take a trip on the Rutland Belle boat.
Nearly Stamford is where the period drama Middlemarch was filmed and Oakham and Uppingham are also worth a visit. Hambleton is as quaint as any Cotswold village.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Park at Bourton on the Water and take the bus 855 to Stow on the Wold.
Walk 2 (Meadows and Mills) is an easy 4 mile walk (2-3hrs) downhill back to your car via Lower Slaughter.
http://www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/walking/downloadable-walks/northcotswoldwalks/
These are some of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds.
Posted by
OP
BC, Canada
92 posts
Thanks for the tips! Should mention we will be approaching the Cotswolds from Northern Wales on our way to Bath, and ultimately end up in London for our last 6 days before taking the train back to Manchester to return home. We have had lots of good tips on what routes to take and sights to see on the way from Caernarfon. Also lots of advice from these great forums!
Posted by
OP
BC, Canada
92 posts
Unfortunately Jennifer, we won't be in the area around Uppingham at all for this trip. Maybe on a future holiday!
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2776 posts
I feel that you will be really short changing yourself if you cut your time in the Cotswolds. IMO the Cotswolds are much more beautiful then the Lake District. There are so many beautiful quaint villages in the Cotswolds, to name a few......Stanton, Ebrington, Painswick, Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold. There is a national trail that goes thru the Cotswolds...The Cotswold Way...its 102 miles long starting in Chipping Campden going south to Bath. You can just hike sections, one section start in Chipping Campden to Broadway which is 6 miles or go onto Stanton which would be 10 miles. My friend and I hiked the trail Sept 2014, beautiful views that most people will never see. You said you love natural beauty, hikes and quaintness of villages, Cotswolds have all of that.
Posted by
OP
BC, Canada
92 posts
Thanks Robin Z for the thoughts. I think we've figured out a way to keep the time we have - reworking the route, we'll give up Liverpool. I love the Beatles, but I think we have enough city time built into the itinerary and much prefer the country and natural beauty anyhoo. We could consider a Beatles walk in London for Abbey Rd. and plan on Liverpool our next holiday! As well, I would love to include some walks as suggested "next time"! Thank you!