Lakes or Peak District?

[YellowMelloww]

Looking at a Mon-Fri break, 2 adults and 1 child. Torn between staying in the lakes near Keswick, which is a favourite of ours, or the same sort of accommodation in the Peak District, between Buxton and Matlock. The peaks holiday is about 200 quid cheaper but we don't know the area at all and unsure what to do around there. I know of the Monsal trail, which I've always been keen to cycle. The lakes place we have stayed before and loved so know what to expect!

Any recommendations for this area or the peaks or should we stick to what we know?

I prefer the Peak District, and would recommend Heights of Abraham, Chatsworth, Crich Tramway, Gulliver’s Kingdom, visiting Bakewell and Poole’s Cavern. And yes, the Monsal Trail is definitely worth doing too.

Peak District

I think the Lakes are much prettier, the scenery in the Peaks is a lot more meh. But if you've been to the Lakes loads, why not go somewhere new?

I know them both, and they are not really comparable.
I love the Lakes for high level hillwalking and outdoor activities.
The Peaks, particularly the southern “white peak” is a bit tamer, but plenty of days out. The Monsal Trail is about a half day trip, out n back with a refuelling at the old bookshop cafe at Hassop.

We absolutely love the lakes and go at least once year for a week. We've done different things every time we've been and couldn't never imagine getting sick of it.

Very interested to hear more about the peak District though.

How old is your child, and would they be joining in any outdoor activities you do- would they cycle themselves or do you need a bike trailer for example. I live in the Peaks so know a few things.

Personally I would give North Wales a try, loads to see and do a generally the weather is better

Peak District has Chatsworth House, Bakewell is a nice little town, go to the Bakewell Pudding café tarts are not from Bakewell! There's Hadden Hall for a look round and outdoor swimming at Hathersage. Around Matlock is the heights of Abraham and Gulliver's kingdom, seem to remember a zoo around there too

Keswick is lovely though. Friars chocolate shop mmm, trip on the launch, the theatre, the world's biggest pencil as well as the obvious scenery.

I lived in both Keswick and Bakewell for a year when I was younger. I love Keswick more but probably more to do with a child in the Peak District.

I'd go to the Peaks.
Lots to see and do.
We have so many beautiful areas in the UK, it seems a shame to only ever spend time in one of them.

Bonus if it is cheaper as well.