Hello! I'll be in the UK for 4 weeks in August. I will be spending one week in each of Edinburgh, Bath & York. After York, I'm trying to decide between visiting the Peak District or the Lake Distrist. Any opinions on which area is better?? I always hear great things about the Lake District, but I haven't heard much about the Peak, which I can't understand why because it looks like a beautiful area. I've been leaning toward the Peak District and perhaps staying in Buxton for a week while visiting different towns in the area. Any suggestions on other places to visit/stay? If not the Peak District, then how about the other? Thanks! :-)
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1518 posts
Being from Seattle myself...I was much more impressed with the Peak District's scenery. The Lake District seemed well trod by weekend touristas. It is still very lovely. One of the great Estate Houses Chatsworth is near the east side of the Peaks and is worth seeing as it is probable one of the best example of the Georgian era. It is still occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire who have employed several hundreds of people to maintain the wonderful house, village,farm and green house,gardens,and gardens. There is one interesting road in the Peaks that winds though a steep canyon with little villages clinging to the sides. Check out hikes and itineraries on the National Trust UK site. The Trust also offers Overseas Visitor Passes for 7 and 14 days that can save a lot of money on addmissions.
Posted by
343 posts
I love both, and having to choose is like figuring out which of my two children I love more. :-) However, I think the Peak District wins out, but just barely. It is less traveled, it offers some glorious vistas (but then so does the Lake District...sigh), and it has the little towns I love (Eyam and Bakewell) as well as Chatsworth House and the view from Froggart's Edge. The Lake Distict has sailing and boating as well as the stone circle and some lovely towns and B&Bs. If there is a way to fit in both...do it!
Posted by
OP
Seattle
49 posts
Thank you both for the suggestions! I agree...it's really hard to choose! I think I might just have to see if I can adjust my itinerary so I can spend 2 or 3 days in the Lake District as well. :) Maybe knock off a couple days in Edinburgh.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1862 posts
Unless you are planning serious hiking, I think two full days in the Peak District is probably enough time. Will you have a car? If so, you might consider extending your time driving between Edinburgh and York. Lots to see in the Borders region and Northumbria - it's full of ruined castles and abbeys and the scenery is also very pleasant.....Or you could add time after Bath for heading into Cornwall and Devon.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
Jonna, I love all the places where you are visiting. And as you say you could knock off a few days in Edinburgh... You could also knock off a few days in Bath and York...unless of course you have a very lot of day trips planned.?
Posted by
Mission Viejo, Calif., USA
1010 posts
We took trains out to Bath and to York. We just spent one day in Bath and one in York, while staying in London for ten nights. It was more than enough. You need not spend more than one day there, in our opinion.