With the sun expected to rear its welcoming head this weekend, spontaneous Mancunians should pack up the car, pull a sicky and spend a week at the Lakes.
Come Sunday morning weather experts are telling us spring will finally have sprung and what better way to make the most of it then heading for Britain’s finest post-glacial paradise.
As the Easter break, finally, comes to an end for most schools this weekend, there are affordable breaks on offer for those with a variety of budgets.
The Lake District sits within a two-hour drive from Manchester, whereas Kendal and Windermere can be reached on the direct line from Piccadilly via train.
For those looking to keep it cheap, the Cumbrian countryside is inundated with campsites and pitches are unlikely to be sold out given the recent weather.
Fisherground campsite in Eksdale costs just £6-per-adult with the added charge of £2.50 for a vehicle, and £1 per-night per-dog.
It sits on the Ravenglass and Eksdale steam railway with some great walks easily accessible and, should the rain return, well then you can pop down to the Eksdale Mill in nearby Boot.
For a similar price, Baysbrown Farm in Ambleside or Eden Valley campsite offer walks further off the beaten track, but there are literally hundreds of sites to choose from.
Understandably, if you are not already the owner of some decent camping gear then the trip becomes a little more expensive, but a sleeping bag and tent can be seen as a useful investment and can be found relatively cheap for reasonable quality.
Youth hostels are the obvious, drier, step-up from campsites, but for those looking for a little less walking and a little more relaxing, the Lake District has a host of B&Bs to meet everyone’s needs.
Windermere is a popular location, where many-a-stay can be found overlooking the impressive lake, offering day and boat trips aplenty with neighbouring Bowness.
The World of Beatrix Potter can capture the imagination of both young and old, Brockhole is a great place to pick up gifts and souvenirs, while choose your favourite from a range of cafes offering tea, scones and clotted cream.
This early in the season plenty of B&B and hotel deals that will not break the bank can be found with the ease of a Google search.
Windermere alone boasts upwards of 20 to choose from, with family-run Green Gables Guest House hitting the cheaper end of the scale at £27-per-night and stylish The Boundary coming in higher at £100.
Picture courtesy of Breizh33, with thanks.
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