A week near Ulverston and a week where else?

[Fredflinstoneswife1]

We have two weeks in England In August, coming from Northern Ireland, and staying 5mins from Ulverston. The first week is already arranged, but I am trying to decide on an area for the second week. We have two boys aged 3 and 5 and a baby. Ideally, we would like somewhere within 2.5hrs drive of Ulverston, somewhere with some things for the children to do, I usually like nice scenery, pretty historic towns with good independent shops.

I'm looking for recommendations for areas really?! And I would value any input.

I am wondering what the Haworth Hebden bridge area would be like, or York, or Durham?!

Thank you so much!!

York would be great. All the viking stuff. It was a very long time ago but I spent a weekend there with my parents cos I was doing vikings at school. My husband has promised we will go again soon.

York is s beautiful city! But can I also suggest Dumfries in Scotland. Its a lovely area with lots of outdoor things to do.

Yorks lovely there’s the Viking centre, the chocolate factory,dig, the shambles

York is nice enough but I would go for seaside with children. Whitby is lovely. There’s a fabulous beach, boat trips, a steam railway trip onto the North Yorkshire moors, fish and chips. Our children loved Whitby and spent hours paddling and digging sandcastles.

I think York is too long for a week especially a city with 3 young children.

What about the area around Skipton? Bolton Abbey, the animal farm by Catgill Campsite, Skipton castle, lovely little Yorkshire villages, Thornton Hall Country Park, Billy Bob's diner with amazing playground, Brimham Rocks

There is also the area around Whitby/Scarborough although that's 3 hours away

We had a week just outside York when DC were that age and had a lovely time. We couldn't do the main York museums other than Jorvik because it was still covid times and you had to book everything way in advance but we also took trips to Knarseborough and Mother Shipton's cave and this place which I loved - https://dreamerygardens.co.uk

If you are in ulverston you are pretty much in the Lake District so there is plenty to do in summer weather!

You could go to Beatrix potter world in Bowness, go on a boat on one of the lakes, Penrith and Kendal are little market towns with lots of summer holiday events and both have a castle.

There is Brockhole in Ambleside with a big park, mini golf, zip lining and gardens and water sports by the lake. Then Grizedale forest for walks near Keswick or go ape, the lakes aquarium, Castlerigg stone circle, Lakeland Maize maze and loads of other attractions.

You are by walney beach by Barrow-in-Furness (10 minute drive) which has big sand dunes and there is Birkrigg stone circle in Ulverston and Haverthwaite railway with steam trains but I’m guessing you know this?

If you drive out a bit further towards Yorkshire then there is Ingleton waterfalls and caves which is about a 45 minute journey and a good day out.

You are also only about an hour drive from Morecambe bay but apart from the beach there isn’t much there nowadays 😏.

There are so many traditional pubs and great restaurants as well. It gets busy in Bowness and Windermere but there are lots of lovely pubs on the outskirts with amazing food.

The Drunken duck is great and the Watermill at Ings is on the way to Windermere with its own Brewery, The Masons arms at strawberry bank and Wheatsheaf at Brigsteer have amazing views and food and if you want incredible scenery then head up Kirkstone Pass and there is a pub at the top.
If you visit Kendal then Alexanders at castle green hotel has lovely views and fab food and is just on the edge of town so apart from hotel guests it’s usually not too overcrowded.

Sorry I just realised by your title that you were looking for somewhere out of the area for the second week so probably know about all my suggestions!

Skipton was an excellent suggestion or you could go through the north lakes towards Carlisle or to Scotland as you are pretty much on the border?

I would love to do the seaside! However we are on the home exchange platform and will be looking to stay in a home rather than just airbnb, and I imagine demand for whitby would be high. I might try it anyway though.

Thank you for the York and Skipton input! I am torn as to which I should aim for. I have been to York for a few hrs years ago, didn't get to see a lot. So I don't know either area.

If anyone can give me ideas for places to go with children in the Skipton area I would be very glad for it!

Also for those who think York - should we stay in the city or are there any particularly nice villages/towns nearby?
And I am wondering the same about Skipton.. are there any specific nice towns/villages to stay in or do we just stay in Skipton itself.