We'll be visiting Ireland & England in July. After few days in each London & Cotswolds as well as Beachy Head & Cambridge, we have 3 days left & can't decide beween Moors & steam railroad or Lakes District & boatride/hike. We love photography and walking. We'll have a car. Opinions?
Posted by
Derry
175 posts
Hi Wendy, I have stayed in Keswick in the Lake District. You can hike, rent a boat, play miniture golf, take bus rides around the area and go to plays at night. What a wonderful area to rest and enjoy. I can also highly recommend the "Berkeley Guest House." Located walking distance to everything. OK I'm Jealous!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Whitby's a good five hours from London, maybe four from Cambridge. No matter how you cut it, that's almost one full day, out of a precious three, driving back and forth through a not particularly scenic part of England. That having been said, the moors are great ad that section of the coast is terrific.
To me, the Lake District has the same congested feel as the Cotswolds, but it's a lot closer.
Go for the drive.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
That's a tough choice. One thing to remember is that you can go back! I really liked Yorkshire. I toured Howard House and Rivaulz Abby and loved it. I did some nice easy walks in the Dales. Someday I want to go to Whitby. ; )
Pam
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
Wendy, This really is a tough choice and you will go back. I love both places. I'd go to the Lake District. The scenery is breathtaking and a lot more hilly than I imagined before I went there. I'd stop just to photograph the road ahead. We stayed at at Keskadale Farm from Ricks book and in Keswick. Also Ann Tylers in Hawkshead. Having said that, if I had only 3 days and I was in the part of the country where you will be, I'd go to Cornwall or Wales. I'm also very jealous
Posted by
seattle
40 posts
We also stayed at the Berkley House in Keswick- on a bank holiday three day weekend no less- and LOVED it. Some hikes start from the town and you can also walk from Berkely House to the boats that takes you to other starting points. Can't wait to go back.
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
I think the Lake District is better than North Yorkshire Moors. In July, I recommend going to the north part of the Lake District (Keswick), because the Lakes in the southern Lake District have big crowds of people.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
Here is another vote for the Lakes District and Keswick which is a charming little town. We stayed at the Grange which had beautiful views of the hills. Ate at Dog & Gun Pub and loved the Catbells High hike. Lots of cute shops in Keswick and we attended a Sunday church service at a lovely old Anglican Church. Nearby in other towns are the Wordsworth home and the Beatrix Potter "Hilltop" Farm which was a memorable visit.
Posted by
Lock Haven, PA
44 posts
Go to the Lakes. Try Ambleside instead of Keswick as you will have more options for hiking since you are then in the middle of the north part of the Lake District. There is great hiking in the Lakes, but be prepared. It is not like most hiking in the US, such as waymarked trails, etc. For serious hikers it is a dream.
There is more variety of scenery in the Lake District than in North Yorkshire.