Coniston, Ambleside, Grasmere

When looking for a place to stay in the Lake District I was really confused about which would be the best place to stay. Everyone seemed to agree that Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside (the main villages in the central lakes) were usually too crowded and much too touristy. I saw recommendations for Keswick, but it seemed a bit far north from where we wanted to be. In the end, I chose a cottage in the village of Coniston, which most people suggested was not too busy, but had the necessary amenities (meaning a good pub and a reasonable supermarket) . I used this agency, and was very happy with their service. The cottage - Three Springs - was as cosy as pictured on their website, and provided all we needed for our stay with a 2-year toddler.
We particularly enjoyed the welcome tray, the rustic cottage kitchen, and the nice views from the living room and upstairs main bedroom (from where we could see rabbits in the garden every morning)

Speaking of rabbits, our first stop was the Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness. We were waiting for a friend to join us, and thought S. would probably enjoy this while we waited.  We particularly found this notice amusing ...

:: Sara mesmerized by Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle

:: having lunch at Lucy's (Ambleside). Very nice food, highly recommended.

:: Sarah Nelson's famous gingerbread

:: in the Wordsworth garden behind the church at Grasmere

:: Grasmere

:: at Baldry's tearoom (Grasmere). The bottom plaque is particularly true

:: tea and orange drizzle cake

  :: views from Grasmere

:: dinner at the Black Bull Inn in Coniston. Good food, reasonably priced and fantastic beer (according to A.)