family cycling holiday - lake district or new forest?

[elephantpoo]

Hi,
"We" are me, DH, DD (10) and DS (7).
We would like to book a cycling based holiday for the last week of the summer hols, and can't decide between the New Forest or the Lake District. We have limited knowledge of both areas. We'd be looking to do a 5 - 10 mile ride each day (maybe more if not too physically demanding), but with alternative rainy day attractions on standby. As an aside, we are in Devon, so the New Forest would be nearer, but DH (and me) dream of the Lakes (but maybe without the DC in tow)
WWYD? And any areas you'd specifically recommend?
Thank you:-)

Hi, Lake District is beautiful place (we live near by) and there is some great cycling to be had but it can be very busy in season especially in central areas. There are relatively few roads so can be a challenge to find quiet roads and while there are some traffic free trails there are not extensive networks, although there is great off road routes and mountain biking. Both on road and off there are plenty of hills so you'd need to be ready for that. For me it depends upon your kids, their cycling experience, stamina and whether you're looking to do a cycle tour or a selection of day rides. There are some quieter and flatter parts of the Lake District in the Western valleys and along the West and Northern Coast of Solway Firth. Eden valley is quieter too with more options suited to younger cyclists. Hope that helps a bit.

Go to Holland. It's flat.

(disclaimer; hates cycling)

I have done both. With children I would choose the New Forest. Loads of flat, paved cycle routes to choose from, plus a nice short drive from you as a bonus! The lakes are beautiful though. If I had to go to either to cycle again I would choose the New Forest.

I live and work in the New Forest and work in a cycle shop. Before I make any comments on cycling in the New Forest, am I in danger of contravening any Mumsnet non self promotion rules of engagement?! If so, I have nothing more to say on the subject!! :) And I'm a bloke so I'm possibly breaking all the rules in the book!

Thanks for the replies!
familyonabike-sounds like the lakes is the place for us in a few years, when the DC are a little more capable. Hopefully me and DH can escape to the lakes in the meantime to check it out.
gallicgirl-ha! Sounds like my kind of cycling. May actually be an option for next year........we want to do a cycling abroad trip-could be good.
RayABlokeIUsedToKnow and bicyclerepairman - choice made - we are going to the New Forest. Can't wait! Taken the DC out every day over the half term to kick start our "get ready for cycling holiday" regime!
Thanks again :-)

You'll have a great time, new forest is fab for cycling. I love the area around Brockenhurst. We normally base ourselves there. It's so nice cycling along and seeing deer and ponies.

Loads of wet weather type attractions as well. The otter place in the new forest is good. Also marwell zoo near Southampton and the old boats at the quay in Portsmouth are worth a visit.