We are heading to the U.K. for three weeks this coming May. As part of our itinerary, we are trying to decide between the Lake District or the Isle of Man. Which would be better to visit? We would have 2.5 days for either one.
Posted by
Yorkshire
1344 posts
Hi Georgia -
You don’t say where you will be coming from, or what attracted you to the Isle Of Man in the first place, so I can only answer in terms of ‘if it were me…’. Given that 2.5 days won’t give you enough time to comprehensively see either place, I’d go with the straight logistics of heading to the Lake District and avoid the time spent on a ferry to - and from- the Isle of Man.
If it is just scenery you are after I think you’ll find the Lake District has more than enough to keep you occupied. You could do worse than head to Rick’s preferred destination of Keswick, but if driving there yourself, avoid the motorway and follow the A591 through Windermere via Ambleside, Grasmere, Castlerigg stone circle etc en route to Keswick.
Let us know if you need further info.
Ian
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34011 posts
I see you have been to Italy. Have you been to any other parts of the UK previously?
What drew you to the Isle of Man - are you motorcyclists? What drew you to the Lake District?
With 2 days and 4 hours (3 nights?) I assume that this bit is between two other bits? Where will you be coming from and going to bookending the Lake District / Isle of Man?
Are you hikers, walkers or riders? How many will "we" be?
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8002 posts
The 2 of us did a quickie visit to the Isle of Man five years ago, in June, flying there from Manchester. We rented a house on the southern shore, with a great view out to sea. A big bicycle race (British National Championships) started in Douglas the next morning with great fanfare, which was fun. With a car rented on the island, we toured all over, with lots of mountainous driving. If you want a stark landscape, helpful people, and a getaway in May without tons of other visitors, Isle of Man should meet all your desires.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3898 posts
Lake District. Plenty there to keep you busy. We loved Keswick.
Posted by
8332 posts
We spent three days in Keswick in the Lake District. The area is very scenic and great for hiking and enjoying nature.
Posted by
3124 posts
I'll just toss in a contrary thought about Keswick in the Lake District. I was only there for part of a day as my interest was the Castlerigg Stone Circle, but I felt Keswick was too touristy for my taste. This was on a weekday in the month of May. I'm sure the Lake District has much, much more to offer, so I'm not voting against it at all.
For me, 2.5 days wouldn't be enough to experience the Isle of Man. If I chose to travel there I think I'd want to allow at least 4 nights, thus 3 full days.