I'm heading off to Europe next week and just putting my trip together. (I know.)
I'm thinking of heading up to the Lake District either later this month or early November.
I'm not looking to take hikes but perhaps a tour around the area. Good time? Bad Time? Everything, except the scenery, closed down for the winter? I won't have a car and will be relying on public transit.
It will be chilly and late fall/winter will be setting in but, at least to me, the Lake District is always beautiful! The latest I've been there in the fall was the 3rd week of September and fall was setting in, the heather on the fells was turning orange, and the leaves were turning. You'll most likely have plenty of rainy periods but if you don't mind that it should be fine. Some of the touristy stores will have shorter hours but everything you need will be open. Restaurants and pubs still serve the locals and the tourists crowds will be blissfully thin. If you're lucky you'll have a dusting of snow on the fells which is the loveliest thing to see!
The bus system in the Lakes is quite good and you'll be able to get anywhere you need to go.
You are thinking of going at what is on average the wettest time of the year. Daylight hours are also more limited. You may like to check this link to see how the weather is panning out before making a final decision.
http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Windermere/forecasts/latest
To get to the Lake District from London - use the trains. www.nationalrail.co.uk
From London Euston > Windermere. (You will need to change once). Pre-book in advance as the nearer the date of travel, the more expensive the train prices. Book with Virgin Trains. https://www.virgintrains.co.uk
Changed my mind....will go next spring instead.
