Cornwall or Lake District?

I've been to both areas a few times and would pick Cornwall hands-down. What you really should try to see is the Minack Theater -- it will pop your eyes out.

We did a trip in the Lake District and a trip to Cornwall and Devon another year. Both trips started out with time in London. I would love to go back to Cornwall and Devon and explore that area some more. I would choose Cornwall.

I also vote for Cornwall and would also include the western bits of Devon. The west country has stone circles, tiny fishing villages, lots of ruined castles, some larger towns should you need them, good food, and is way more interesting than the Lakes District. Lakes District is good if you want to go hill-walking, but otherwise is pretty, but not spectacular scenery IMHO.

Another vote for Cornwall. The Lake District is very pretty and peacefull but not very unlike similar places in the the USA. Cornwall, particularly at its southern extreme, offers a new experience. We would return, given the opportunity.

I agree with George. Within a 45 to 60 minute drive from where I live there are lakes & countryside similar to the Lake District, so it's really only the romance of the place that drew me to it initially. But Cornwall is unique. My husband's family had a family reunion in Cornwall in 1995 in St. Erth and it was such a revelation to see his family name on so many head stones in the church grave yard, going back to the 1500's.

I have to agree with everyone, you should go to Cornwall. On the way to Cornwall you could stop at a few villages in Somerset and Devon...in Somerset is the smallest church in England that still holds services....in Devon..Lynton/Lynmouth, Clovelly....Cornwall..Tintagel, Newquay, St. Ives..all of these are on the north coast there are so many beautiful villages in Devon and Cornwell between the north and south coast. There is so many beautiful fishing villages along the south coast. Buckfastleigh has a beautiful abbey the Buckfast Abbey. Then on your way back to you could also have lunch in Dorset at the smallest pub in England...they have great food.

Thanks to all who have replied. It certainly seems like those who have responded see Cornwall as the better option. Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

I was recently in France and was talking to someone who lived in the Lake district. They are currently experiencing a terrible drought. Lakes and wells are drying up. "We don't know how to live with all the sunshine." Something else to think about.