Posted by John Lambert on January 15, 2004 at 17:44:17 from 24.84.34.215 user John.
In Reply to: Airport to Lakes posted by Bob Forbes on January 15, 2004 at 16:40:04:
Bob Forbes,
My wife and I flew from Vancouver to Manchester last August, then rented a car from Manchester Airport and drove to Windermere in the Lake District. If we were to do it again, we would still fly to Manchester, but go to the Lake District by coach. There is a National Express coach station at Manchester Airport. The bus takes less than three hours to get to Windermere. The roads in that part of the world are not at all like our roads. We also got lost half a dozen times. Once in the Lake District, there are many half day and whole day tours as well as local buses which will take you to any part of the District. In the long run, to let someone else negotiate those narrow roads is cheaper and much, much more relaxing. I suggest you draw up an itenary of the places you want to visit (including, of course, Coniston) and take local buses; you will probably see a lot more. If you want to stay at a particular place, just take a later bus back to your hotel. I would never rent a car in England again. It's expensive, driving on the left side of the road can be murder if you're not used to it, the narrow roads can be hair-raising and the price of fuel is out of this world compared to U.S. prices. National Express have their own website which will tell you anything you want to know about bus travel in England. You can also book online for a reduced fare. Hope this helps.
John