Windermere - what’s it like at the minute?

[Cauliflower82]

Family of three, five month old and his parents booked a week in Windermere for September prior to Covid - we booked the trip last year. Is is still safe to travel? We plan on taking our own food and just doing local walks. We’re staying at Fallbarrow. My only concern really is our baby - we don’t want him being exposed. Our plan is to clean the lodge when we arrive while another walks the baby for an hour or so.

What do you think? Thank you

More info.
I probably should have added, is it super busy, etc. Our holiday is mid/late Sept

Windermere is no different to anywhere else in the country, the touristy bits are busy but plenty or room to find a quieter bit. If you take the baby out and about where you live then taking them out and about in Windermere shouldn't be a problem. Also a lot can change between now and September.

No, we don’t really take baby than many places other than picnics and walks. He’s never been in a shop or restaurant or anything like that. Crazy really, isn’t it 😬. But yeah you’re probably right - we won’t actually be doing anything different as we’ll probably steer clear of Bowness I imagine.

It's fine in Windermere ,I live here , and will be quieter in September anyway ,just avoid Bowness if you want to . Plenty of lovely quiet places around .

Why are you going to clean the lodge? It will already have been cleaned.

You maybe need to relax a bit.

Why are you going to clean the lodge? It will already have been cleaned.
This.
We're going on a cottage holiday this month, two small DCs, no plans to clean more than they will have. You're more at risk as adults than your baby is. He needs to know what shops and cafes are like, to see other people, hear the noise etc.
When babies are born in prison the prison staff take them to the supermarket etc. so they can get used to crowds and noise. It's an important part of development.

Thanks everyone. Tbh I probably do need to relax a bit - it’s just a little tough when it’s your first baby and he’s so very very much wanted (years of infertility). I just want him to be safe. He’s been out and about lots, every day pretty much, but just outside. He’s been to the doctors too I guess for his immunisations. Maybe a tiny little shop might be something to put on the list as I really don’t want to cause any issues for him.

Thank you though folks - I’m thinking it’s a good idea to keep it booked (and hopefully it’ll go ahead).

I would go for a big supermarket TBH. More noise, people and lights, easy to socially distance. Trolley for baby.

Oh no, I won’t be putting baby in a trolley. Baby steps here 😂 I know, I’m expecting backlash from you but I’m starting small. Baby can stay in his carrier for now.

As above its easy to avoid Bowness and other busy places.
We went to the Motor Museum yesterday you have to book on line and only allow 15 people in at a time. The Cafe is excellent if some want to look and some don't, it has some nice outdoor seating next to the river.
You could do this route in reverse.
www.donthibernate.co.uk/route-9-the-lakes/

Perfect ☺️ Thanks very much for this. Great idea!

@Cauliflower82: Just wanted to say, I fully understand why you want to clean the lodge yourself, despite it having been cleaned prior to your arrival.

It's about your own peace of mind.

I'm not long back from a short holiday and I packed cleaning stuff - and I don't have a baby.

I felt so much more relaxed once I'd wiped down all frequent touch surfaces with my wipes - including the TV remote (which I then wrapped in a new sandwich bag for the length of our stay!).

Do what you need to do for your own peace of mind and have a lovely holiday.👍

It won't be that busy in September, not tourist wise anyway. Don't avoid Bowness as that's where you're staying! It would be a real shame. Try to relax and enjoy your stay

Definitely avoid Bowness-on-Windermere. We’re quite local and wanted to go to one particular shop on Saturday and the whole place was heaving, with absolutely no social distancing and queues to get into restaurants. We didn’t even get out of the car in the end.

We went to the other side of Windermere on Monday and it was still busy but social distancing was possible.

Not sure why my phone gave Bowness it’s long name there 😂

Thank you everyone ☺️

I really appreciate all the good tips. I’m hoping in September it will be quieter but I will be ‘staying alert’ nonetheless.

@Wingedharpy thanks for that ☺️ there’s always a poster or two ready to pounce and I appreciate the honesty and empathy 🤗