Keswick in the North Lake District

Keswick on Derwentwater

The North Lakes area extends from the Cumbrian coast in the west to the M6 to the east. Keswick is in the geographical centre of this area.

Of all the Lake District towns, Keswick boasts the most spectacular of settings - nestling between the Skiddaw fells and the northern shores of Derwentwater The old medieval town is situated ideally as a base from which to tour the western, central and northern lakes. There is a full range of accommodation for the visitor in Keswick and the surrounding picturesque, peaceful villages to satisfy every need.

Keswick retains the attractive appearance of a traditional small market town, the Saturday Market stalls still being set around the historic Moot Hall which dominates the pedestrianised town centre. The tourist information centre, a first port of call for most visitors, is conveniently placed in this fine old listed building.

Despite it's small size, the town contains a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions far wider than you might expect. Three very individual museums, a highly successful theatre, cinema, art and craft exhibitions or for the very active, a leisure pool, indoor climbing centre and other sports facilities.

There are two large recreational parks within a few minutes walk of the town centre, adding to the town's reputation for well kept open spaces and floral displays. Close by is the lakeshore and the launch and boat landings, with a marvellous panorama of Derwentwater and the mountains opening up from here and the nearby Friars Crag.

Shopping, by necessity or for pleasure in Keswick can be a delight, with a range of small individual shops, and a real mecca for those interested in outdoor activities.

The North Lakes area offers many walking and cycling routes, with a large number of routes direct from the town of Keswick itself. The are splendid climbing opportunities, and water activities aplenty on Derwentwater.

After an invigorating day out exploring, the local delicacies of Cumberland sausage, tattie hot pot, Borrowdale tea loaf, rum butter and plum bread are all names to tempt the taste buds into the many eating places, while the full range of accommodation - bed and breakfast, hotel, self-catering or camping - in Keswick-on-Derwentwater (to give the full name!) and the surrounding picturesque, peaceful villages will satisfy every need.

>