The English market town of Keswick, Cumbria, promises your family an affordable country vacation that is a pleasant departure from your everyday stressful life in the urban areas. You can even bring your dog along as there are dog friendly cottages in Keswick that would welcome your adorable furry friends and would treat them like family as well.
Keswick
North of Derwentwater and located in the Lake District, Keswick is a popular day trip and holiday destination for groups and families. To cater to visitors, the town has cafes, shops, coffee and tea rooms, restaurants, and pubs. Accommodations vary from guest houses, hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages, camp sites, and hostels.
There are also a lot of activities worth checking out in Keswick. Here, you can find the ‘Theatre by the Lake,’ public parks, cinemas, museums, gardens, stately homes, swimming pools, the fells, and the lakes.
Fellwalking
A budget-friendly holiday idea is walking on England’s passes, valleys, and highest mountains. The Lake District has some of the country’s most accessible and scenic walking trails. Whether you fancy an energy-charged mountain trek or a short stroll, there is always something for the family.
When walking through the Lake District’s mountainous areas, you have to take a few precautions as the weather can quickly change. You need to dress properly to address temperature changes and you also must wear supportive and comfortable footwear with excellent grip.
Mountain Biking
In Keswick, there are a lot of minor roads, lanes, bridleways, and tracks where you can ride your bicycle through amazing scenery. One of the best places to bike through is in Whinlatter Forest. The forest’s Altura 19-kilometer bike trail is popular and is graded red. This has been followed up by a 7.5-kilometer blue grade trail, the Quercus Trail, which is also increasingly become popular among cycling enthusiasts.
Museums and Art Galleries
Keswick’s sparkling lakes, rugged mountains, and splendid landscapes have provided many an artist with inspiration. Thus, it is not surprising that Keswick is a center for the arts as the town was home – for almost a century – to the School of Industrial Arts. Another budget-friendly holiday idea in Keswick is visiting art galleries and museums.
If you want some art education, you can visit the newly re-opened Keswick Museum & Art Gallery. You can also visit the popular Cumberland Pencil Museum. If you dig industrial history, a mine tour at the Honister Slate Mine is a must. Within the mine is a subterranean climbing facility and a Via Ferrata.
Evening Activities
Evenings in Keswick can be inexpensive and enjoyable for the family. At night, you can dine out at any of the town’s cafes, bistros, restaurants, and pubs.
You can also enjoy seeing a movie at the cinema, which shows the latest films. The cinema also holds special viewings under the Keswick Film Club’s advocacy. The popular ‘Theatre by the Lake’ is a must-visit place by Derwentwater. The theater has a yearly program of entertainment and arts. There are also bars and a coffee shop in the theater.
A Bit of Everything
You might think that Keswick, being in the Lake District, is all about natural wonders. You and your family would be pleasantly surprised that the town can offer the comforts of home in a rural setting.
