I'm looking for suggestions for a not-too-crowded town to stay in for two nights in mid-August roughly between Oxenholme and St Bees with train or easy bus access. It must have a laundry within walking distance as I won't have a car. Cartmel was recommended to me but I don't see that there is a laundry in town. Thank you.
Posted by
Lake District, England
11458 posts
I'm positive Grange over Sands has a launderette (I can picture it in my mind's eye)- train from Lancaster, and the hourly X6 bus from Kendal.
Ulverston has two- Brogden Street and Croftlands (where I used to live). However Croftlands Launderette closes in 3 weeks time. It's a housing estate on the edge of town.
Same bus and train lines, as Grange.
Ulverston, especially, would be a very nice place to recess for two nights, not that I'm averse at all to Grange.
Ulverston also has the bus 6 from Windermere, and the X12 to Coniston.
From Grange you get up to Cartmel on the 530 and 532 buses, but it's walkable (preferably downhill, back from Cartmel!) . 5 August is Cartmel Show day, and 29+ 31 are horse racing days.
By all means go to Cartmel for the day, but it's a bit limiting for overnight due to the bus times. Even Cark and Cartmel station is a bit of a stride away.
If you were coming in the top way through the central lakes then Cockermouth has one. From there it is bus 600 to Whitehaven, then the 32 to St Bees.
Whitehaven, 4 miles from St Bees, also has a laundrette, tucked away in a back street in the town centre.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8477 posts
Checkout The Laundry Shop, 29/30 Longpool, Kendal LA9 6ER. It appears to be close to the train station.
Posted by
9863 posts
We stayed in Keswick several years ago and found a good launderette close to city center,
There is a website for all the launderettes in Britain.
Posted by
OP
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1411 posts
Thank you for your suggestions. I've booked in Grange and hope to walk to and/or from Cartmel. I'll have a respite and can do laundry before starting the Coast to Coast in St Bee's.
Posted by
Lake District, England
11458 posts
Just for information, I've been in Barrow in Furness this afternoon. Right in the town centre is the Crellin Street Launderette.
Another option for you.
That would be very useful for anyone changing trains at Barrow on the way to St Bees, with an hour or two between trains.
I couldn't see opening times displayed, but they were open on a Sunday afternoon. Amazingly so was the town hall, a grand edifice to when Barrow was in its heyday.
At the other end of the car park to the launderette is the Olympic fish bar. Not for the first time I had a good fish supper in there last night, between trains, for £8.80. At lunchtime I think it's still £5.50 for fish and chips.
Posted by
OP
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1411 posts
Thank you, isn31c, for the additional option. It's a tough decision and I probably would enjoy both Grange and Barrow. I did confirm with the B&B I've booked in Grange that there is a laundry service there. I also like the idea of walking to and/or from Cartmel from Grange. I may save Barrow for another trip.
Posted by
19 posts
Last year we stayed in Windemere about two blocks below train station in a nice apartment called "The Retreat"
1 Derby Square. which had a small washing machine but no dryer. Very nice unit on 2nd floor just off Main Street and close to train & busses. Took Mountain Goat tour of Lake District which leaves between unit and train station.. Great small van tour with great driver and guide. very reasonable price . let me know if you want more info!