From Wikitravel

Keswick is in Cumbria at the north of the Lake District.

Keswick sits under the shadow of England's 4th highest mountain Skiddaw, surrounded by hills and sheepfarming land and on the shores of the Derwent Water lake.

One of the major tourist hubs for the Lake District, Keswick has long been a favourite for serious walkers. A thriving town of outdoor equipment shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, Keswick is a great place to collapse at the end of a long walk and eat a hearty meal. It also has a few attractions to occupy visitors on a rainy day when heading up into the hills is not the thing to do.

[edit] Get in

Trains to and from Keswick were axed back in the 1970s so you either have to drive, or get a bus.

There is a regular bus service from Penrith train station to Keswick.

Driving is fast - M6 North of Manchester is usually fairly free flowing (and goes through some spectacular scenery) and the A66 from Penrith is dual carriageway some the way to Keswick.

Drive from Manchester takes around 2 - 2.5hrs depending on how lead-footed you are!

Parking space is at a premium on busy days. There are a couple of pay and display car parks in the town centre, and another at the lake front.

[edit] Get around

Buses run all over the Lake District from Keswick and these can make a good way to get out to or back from a days walking destination.

Alternatively there are 'launches' (water taxis) that run on Derwent Water which can be great for getting deep into the picturesque Borrowdale valley.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

Walk... walk.. walk...

If you're fit enough then Keswick should be used as a base to explore the local area. It may seem like hard work, but the feeling of strolling along the fell-tops and world class views on a clear day is hard to top.

If you can't walk then at least drive around from Borrowdale. A trip over the Honister Pass to Buttermere is well worth the effort returning over either Newlands Pass or Whinlatter Pass for spectacular views

Keswick is the little known home of famous "Derwent" pencils and on a rainy day a visit to the pencil museum can help pass a few hours!

[edit] Theatre

The "Theatre by the Lake" is an attractive theatre close to the main mooring point for Derwent Water. It is open all the year round and is particularly popular in the summer months when it runs in repertory. The main theatre puts on three productions during the summer which run on consecutive nights throughout the season. Similarly there is a small studio theatre which also runs a three production repertory system. It is professional theatre of a high standard and has Dame Judi Dench as one of its patrons. The theatre building is modern and comfortable with good refreshment facilities and a small shop.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Outdoor gear. All the big high-street outdoor shops are represented in Keswick, so you'll be spoilt for choice if you need any clothing or equipment for walking, climbing, or camping (Just don't forget to spend some time using it!)

[edit][add listing] Eat

Pretty much all of the pubs in the area offer traditional pub food at lunch and dinner time. With so much sheep farming in the surrounding hills, roast lamb is a favourite local dish. Cumberland sausage is a speciality throughout Cumbria For something a little lighter, try Cafe Bar 26 or Good tast, both on Lake Road or The Sqaure Orange on St Johns Street.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Keswick The Dog & Gun, Oddfellows and the Bank Tavern are the most popular of Keswicks traditional pubs, all offering a good range of real ales. The modern and stylish Cafe Bar 26, Sweeney's and The Square Orange offer a welcome change to the traditional, as does the newly opened Grove Bar on the main street.

Live music is very popular in Keswick. Oddfellows on the main street has music every night of various quality. The Square Orange on St Johns Street and Cafe Bar 26, Lake Road have music every Thursday, both worth a visit. Sweeney's, Lake Road has live music every Friday and Saturday.

The Loft on the main square is the town's only night club with the vibe of a bad school disco with alcohol. However, a late night drink is available at other venues such as the locals favourite, The Queens Back Bar or Rumours, the local dive bar.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Keswick has a number of affordable bed-and-breakfasts around. Stanger Street and Bank Street just east of the bus station are good places to start or try the Moot Hall in the town centre. During high season or weekends, reservations are strongly recommended. Try the Keswick tourist board site for finding accommodation [1].

• Keswick Youth Hostel, Station Road, Keswick, CA12 5LH 0870 770 5894. In a nice setting in the town by the river [2].

• Borrowdale Youth Hostel, Barrow House, Borrowdale, Keswick, CA12 5UR, 0870 770 5792. In a 200 year old mansion house about 2 miles out of town. Walk, Bus or Lake Ferry from Keswick [3].

[edit] Get out

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