The market town of Keswick is situated in the North Lakes and is surrounderd by the spectacular Skiddaw Mountains and the beautiful Derwentwater.
Shopping & eating
The town hosts markets every Saturday and most Thursdays throughout the year. Here you can buy a wide range of locally produced goods, food and drinks - everything from award winning scotch eggs to artisan chocolates and local gin!
If the market does not provide with you what you need, Booths supermarket will not let you down!
The town boasts many fantastic pubs and restaurants featuring a wide variety of cuisines.
If you want shopping there are art galleries, antiques and gift shops and a wide range of outdoor stockists in the town, and at Fitz park there is a large play park that the children can let off some steam in.
Activities
There is excellent walking for all abilities in the surrounding hills, mountain biking, open water swimming, water sports and lake cruises on the beautiful Derwentwater, with a ferry for walking drop-offs and pick-ups.
Castlerigg Stone Circle, which dates back to the Neolithic era, is just a short walk and is beautifully set with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castlerigg-stone-circle/
A trip around Derwentwater combined with a boat tour is a must .
It is a lake you can swim in the wild any time during the day and get spectacular views while enjoying the water (just be aware of the boats, early morning is best!). Mountain bikers will be spoilt for choice with the trails that surround the area. If bike hire is required with a bit of additional support (!) check out
www.facebook.com/eventurebikes/
A short drive out of Keswick is Whinlatter Forestry Park which is a great day out for walking, biking & adventure for the whole family - www.forestryengland.uk/whinlatter
Other fabulous activities to try on those wetter days:-
www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk/
www.derwentart.com/en-gb/c/about/company/derwent-pencil-museum
keswickmuseum.org.uk/about/keswick-museum/
www.lakedistricthotels.net/lodorefalls/spa