I travelled to Los Angeles (LA) from 31st May to the 5th June 2017 primarily for a family function, a family reunion of sorts. Even though LA is 10 hours away from London I decided to only go for 6 days as I did not want to spend too much time in the States. My perception of the states I must admit has been coloured by the recent political situation. However I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed LA and I wish I stayed a little longer.
The Essentials Flights: I flew with Air New Zealand, it was a direct flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles JFK airport for £467 including a checked in luggage. Accommodation: We stayed at an Airbnb Apartment in West Hollywood for £380 for 5 nights. It was a beautiful 2 bed apartment with two bathrooms so we essentially had a private bathroom, the apartment was centrally located being a short walk to Beverly Hills and a 10 min taxi ride to Hollywood Boulevard. Transport: We used Uber to get most places and the most we paid was about £7. We also had a family member who took us around. But I recommend hiring a car to as you can’t freely move around without a car.
I am going to split my trip to LA into small post so here we go ………………………………………
LA PART 1 Runyon Canyon Park
The first thing activity we did was visit Runyon Canyon Park. Having developed a taste for hiking from my trip to the Lake District in England (which you should certainly check out) I asked a few people the best hike to do and most recommend Runyon Canyon Park as it is an easy hike and the way up is scenic. The hike indeed was very pleasant and we completed it in just over an hour. We decided to go against the flow (unintentionally I should add) and did the hike the harder way, by that I mean we walked up the recommended route down and walked down the recommended route up but even with that the hike was fine. So if you do intend to visit, wear appropriate footwear, carry a bottle of water, have a good camera ready and use the recommended correct route; start on the hiking trail on the right hand side of the entrance.
Pictures From The Hike
Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USARunyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAThe Family at Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USARunyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USARunyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAHollywood sign from Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAView from Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAView from Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAView from Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAPadlocks on Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAMe at Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAMe at Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAMy sister and I at Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USAMy Sister and I at Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USARunyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USARunyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USARunyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, USA
Overview
Runyon Canyon Park was a nice opener to the trip and it was a great introduction to LA, I truly recommend going on the hike if you can, even take a picnic as there are areas you can sit down at the base, midway or on top of trail to relax soak up the environment and eat some food.
What next?
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The holiday to Glenridding in the Lake District of England happened during the holidays Easter of April 2014, the trip lasted 4 days and 3 nights.
The weather
For April the weather was surprisingly pleasant. It is no secret that British weather is temperamental at best, during the 4 days we were there it only rained once.
Cost of trip
We hired two cars to drive to Glenridding; the cost of the car hire and the cost for accommodation meant we paid £150 each.
Where I stayed
I went on the holiday with five other people, we decided it was best to hire an apartment and luckily we found a lovely apartment in Patterdale hall, an old stone building, the interior had been updated and was clean and fresh.
Patterdale Hall, Glenridding, Lake DistrictPatterdale Hall, Glenridding, Lake District
What I did
Aira Force Aira Force is a waterfall situated within the Ullswater Valley which also flows into Ullswater Lake. The grounds on which Aira Force is situated is owned by the National Trust and it is well looked after.
We did the recommended walk around the waterfall, the walk is a circular route of 1.99 miles / 3.2 km, the walk took us in 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. We had walkers of varying abilities in our group, with I being one of the less able but I found it comfortable and pleasant.
Aira Force Waterfall, Lake DistrictAira Force, Lake DistrictAira Force walking path, Lake DistrictStream at Aira Force, Lake DistrictMe at Aira Force, Lake District
Visit to Pooley Bridge
Pooley Bridge is a little village on the Ullswater Lake, the drive from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge was approximately 30 minutes. There isn’t much to do in this little village but we were lucky to stumble across a church hall sale in the quaint St Paul’s church. We spent an hour or so looking at the interesting items and antiques with a few purchase made.
The highlight of going to Pooley Bridge was finding the Pooley Bridge Inn where we had a really good meal.
St Paul’s Church, Pooley Bridge, Lake District
Walk from Penrith to Howtown
I decided to challenge myself by going on a walk from Glenridding to Howtown the distance is 7 miles / 11 km, until this trip I hadn’t done any mountain or hill walking but we completed the walk in 2 hours 30 minutes, I was very thrilled with myself and the walk left me feeling exhilarated.
View from a mountain walking to Howtown, Lake DistrictA farm i passed whilst walking to Howtown, Lake DistrictWalking to Howtown, Lake DistrictView from a mountainwalking to Howtown, Lake DistrictMe on a mountain on walking to Howtown, Lake DistrictMe on my walk to Howtown, Lake DistrictThese boots were made for walking, Lake DistrictView walking to Howtown, Lake District
Visit to Windermere
Windermere lake is the largest natural Lake in England so we decided to drive to Windermere to spend some time in the town and by the lake. Unfortunately it appeared everybody else had the same idea as us, we couldn’t find a parking space but worse than that, it was far too busy and we knew finding a quiet spot to unwind would be impossible.
Staying in Glenridding on the quieter Ullswater Lake was nice and relaxing, Windermere by contrast was far to busy.
We didn’t stay in Windermere but drove around until we found a quiet little picnic area in Orrest Head with beautiful views of the Windermere Lake we ate our lunch and relaxed.
Ullswater Steamer
Do not be deceived by the name, the Ullswater steamer is not a steam boat, however the boats are still lovely. The boats sail up and down Ullswater Lake from Glenridding Pier to Pooley Bridge Pier. A round trip around the lake took 2hours 15mins at a cost of £10.20. The ticket allows you to hop on and hop off at other towns along the way.
Ullswater Steamer, Lake DistrictGlenridding Pier, Lake DistrictView from Ullswater Steamer, Lake DistrictMaking waves on the Ullswater SteamerOn the Ullswater Steamer, Lake DistrictMe on the Ullswater Steamer, Lake District
What I ate
I had a good meal at Pooley Bridge Inn, I had the Fish and Chips, this is the only place where I have been able to eat the batter as it was nice and light.
Apart for the meal at the Pooley Bridge in we cooked all our other meals ourselves.
Pooley Bridge Inn, Pooley Bridge, Lake District
In and around Glenridding
Further pictures of some of the sights in and around Glenridding.
On the way to Glenridding, Lake DistrictFog over Ullswater, Lake DistrictMountains around Ullswater, Lake DistrictMountains around Ullswater, Lake DistrictGlenridding, Ullswater, Lake District
My Ratings of Glenridding
My ratings are out of ten and are my own personal views therefore feel free to disagree.
People/Friendliness = 7/10
It was very difficult to tell who was a resident or a tourist but they local people I met were lovely and welcoming.
Attractiveness = 9/10
The Lake District is beautiful, the scenery is unspoilt which is a testament to the good work the National Trust has been and is still doing to preserve parts of the area. Whilst walking around the mountains and forest/woods I kept feeling like I would encounter fairies and elves.
Food = 7/10
Whilst nearly all out meals were home made, the meal I had at Pooley Bridge Inn was very tasty. Plus Cumbrian Cheese and Chutney is amazing.
Affordability = 7/10
I found the trip very affordable, everything was reasonably priced for example the Ullswater Steamer was only £10.20.
Vibe = 8/10
The vibe is peaceful and relaxed, the Lake District was a lovely break from the chaotic city of London that I live in.
Overall = 8/10
I really enjoyed my holiday to the Lake District, thanks to this holiday I gained a new interest in walking and will be looking to include one walking holiday to my travels every year.
If you’ve enjoyed my review or not leave a comment.
Or if you want any advice for your trip leave a comment and I will be sure to do my best to help you.
Travelbyjaed 