Snowdonia, Wales or Lake District, England?

Posted by Mrs. T for Travel on 10/21/17 11:46 PM

Here is the itinerary that we're think of after flying from the US
London for 2 nights, then take the train to crewe station where we'll rent a car. From there we'll head to Betws-y-coed or Beddgelert for 3 nights. We'll stop to visit Bodnant Gardens on our drive to Keswick in the Lake District of northern England, where we'll stay for 3 nights. We'll then head to Lawers Scotland for 5 nights, before sending out final 2 nights in Edinburgh.

My question is: Betws-y-coed / Beddgelert or the Lake District, England?
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Posted by JS

Bay Area

10/22/17 05:23 AM

3551 posts

While I have stayed in Wales particularly the 2 villages u mention they are charming, & picturesque but I believe a significant driving detour in your itin. To me it does not warrant the time, expense, and driving involved.
With your xtra time nr Lake district u might consider Hadrians Wall and the adjacent Vindolanda archaeologic sight and museum. You will be amazed as I was at what this site has to offer the traveler.

Posted by selkie

10/22/17 02:32 PM

1221 posts

I loved Betws, touristy and all. Nothing wrong with your base camp for exploring actually having people and resources and all, and there are lovely riverside walks right from the town park and soccer field, But yeah, one of those parts of the U.K. where the roads are twisty and narrow and it takes longer to get places because if you actually drive the posted limit you have good odds of rolling the car down a mountain.

So I’d probably think Lake District in the name of more efficient route planning

Posted by Rebecca

Nashville, TN, USA

10/25/17 09:22 PM

3853 posts

You need the Rick Steves Great Britain guidebook. Covers what's in London (and what is outside of London, side trips) plus the Lake District, Wales & Scotland. It will help you plan your trip. You can order it from this website.
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/britain-guidebook

Other people's opinions and experiences are great to hear, but you can decide what interests you by reading the parts of Rick's guidebook that you need.

Posted by Mrs. T for Travel OP

10/26/17 01:51 AM

62 posts

We really just want to be in the most naturally beautiful areas we can find. I don't really want to stay in touristy areas in Wales or Scotland. We've mainly been looking on Airbnb for places to stay. I would like a pub or restaurant to eat dinner at listen to music at night and nature related activities during the day.

Posted by Anita

Long Beach, California, USA

10/26/17 03:37 AM

3398 posts

I've been to all of those places and, in light of your itinerary, I would choose the Lake District. There are some lovely places to stay, the scenery is stunning, and there is lots to do. Most of the inns in Keswick are quite similar. If you are looking for a pub to stay in like your post indicated, I would recommend The Tower Bank Arms in Sawrey. It's right next door to Hilltop, Beatrix Potter's Farm. If it's high season the small town is quite crowded with tourists but if you are there off season it's quiet. The pub is classic with an old, wood-beamed bar, and rooms upstairs. Their food is really good. It's a little out of the way but that part of the Lakes is gorgeous and you are within 15 - 20 minutes of the main villages of the area. Just a suggestion!