United Kingdom’s district of Lakes and Mountains
Often referred to as Little Switzerland, The Lake District is an inspirational area of outstanding natural beauty in Cumbria, in the North West of the United Kingdom. Keswick is the main centre for the North Lakes region and enjoys surprisingly easy access from the busy M6 motorway. This small town is buzzing with the hotels, cafes, pubs and restaurants, striving to meet the needs of increasing numbers of tourists and day visitors. From the magic of Beatrix Potter characters to sightseeing, climbing, sailing and boat trips on the Lakes themselves; a kaleidoscope of Lake District adventures await visitors to Keswick.
Drawing the crowds
The town of Keswick is full of surprises with quirky, exciting features. These serve as fascinating diversions from nearby Derwentwater and the other lakes which make up the Lake District National Park. See, for instance, the optical illusions at the town’s Puzzling Place. Plus, as you might expect in an area that is an outdoor lover’s paradise; there are adventure centres, some with indoor canoeing, kayaking and wall climbing. The Theatre by The Lake is in an idyllic, waterside setting. Open all year, Keswick loves its own professional repertory theatre. On the subject of large draws, don’t miss out on another one at the Cumberland Pencil Museum. Among the displayed items, you can see, at 26 feet long, the world’s largest colouring pencil. These features and others, when added to Keswick’s eclectic mix of B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, shops, pubs and bars; make it an ideal holiday base. From here it’s easy to explore other Lake District regions, as well as the undoubted attractions of Keswick itself.
Local characters
It is a 40-minute drive along the A 591 road to Bowness-on-Windermere. At 11 miles in length, Windermere itself is the largest natural lake in England and this lakeside town has an appealing resort-type atmosphere. There are steamer trips along the lake which stop off at little coastal villages. The kids, though, won’t allow you to return to Keswick before visiting the World of Beatrix Potter. See their faces as favourite characters such as Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail and Peter Rabbit appear to leap from the page in an interactive display that will grab their attention – and yours. There’s no shortage of real-life characters either in this Borrowdale area and many still remember one in particular; Millican Dalton. He gave up on life in London and came to this region where he lived in a cave and taught rock climbing. More famously, William Wordsworth, best known for his Daffodils poem, was born in nearby Cockermouth. Another Lake Poet was Robert Southey. He lived near Derwentwater and not far from Keswick.
All aboard for a walk on the wild side
Surrounded by mountains, rugged peaks and deep valleys, the North Lake District area around Keswick is a paradise for walkers, hikers and rock climbing mountaineers. Walks around Derwentwater, Skiddaw, Latrigg and Walla Crag can start by using the local bus service which leaves from the centre of the town. Just walk to the bus stop from your hotel. A more appealing way to explore the area, for many, is by motor boat. The joy is that you can hop on and off, much like a bus service, but without the traffic. Then, wander, lonely as a cloud, around places such as Catbells. This is a popular short walk which is rewarded by stunningly impressive mountain and Lake views. For others, the gardens that inspired so many Beatrix Potter books and characters are another favourite port of call. The round journey takes less than an hour. Sit at the back of the boat to avoid the spray. If you have a dog … they’ll prefer a front seat.
An accommodating area
Keswick’s hotel choice is impressive and caters for short and long-stay visitors. There are ever- increasing numbers of overseas visitors, plus those visiting from throughout the United Kingdom. Via the motorway system, Keswick is a convenient spot for a short break. It is also popular with visitors who are keen to enjoy last-minute late deals. Approximately 16 million people visit the Lake District each year and in Keswick they are used to catering for a full range of preferences. The visitor, for instance, may choose a relaxing stay, a couple of minutes walk from the town centre, in the country house setting of The Keswick Hotel. Alternatively, Keswick Lodge is a friendly town centre pub with guest accommodation. There are also many good quality B&Bs such as Keswick Park Hotel. This particular establishment is also located close to the town centre. Apartments and camping and caravan sites add to the accommodation options that are available year round and in this most attractive corner of Cumbria. Such is Keswick’s popularity as a Lake District base that the sight of endless No Vacancies signs is not an unusual one.