Keswick - a beautiful English Gem with plenty to do (Keswick in general)

Member Name: kate2009

Product:	Keswick in general
Date:	07/06/09 (53 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: So much to do, beautiful scenery

Disadvantages: The weather can play up - but thats England for you!

Ahhh - keswick, the perfect place to realise just how truly beautiful our country is - in spite of the English weather!

Placed between the awesome Skiddaw Mountains and Derwentwater Lake, the town is situated in an idylic location in the Lake Distric National Park.

The name Keswick is said to mean 'Cheese Farm,' due to it being used as a base for a cheese market hundreds of years ago. In fact, Keswick's origins as a market town date back to 1276, with the market still continuing today - 700 years later!

I have personally found some real bargins at this market - last month I bought a good fleece for £5. You wouldn't find a bargin like that in your average shop! There are also meat and cheese stalls, second hand book stalls, tools for sale and art and photography stalls to name a few.

The Market Place is the real heart of Keswick, which is surrounded by shops and hotels. In the centre of the Market place you will find the Moot Hall, an ancient foundation which currently hosts the Tourist Information Centre. If you go around the back of this building, up the stairs, you will find a toilet and further up the stairs, fabulous photographs of the Lake District for sale - well worth a look.

Close to the market, just a short 7 min walk away, you will find Hope Park, which offers facilities in a open garden setting. This includes crazy golf, and mini golf, which is perfect for families. Sometimes huge trampolines are available in summer for children and adults alike to enjoy. All of these facilities must be paid for, but the cost is usually reasonable - for instance £3.00 each for mini golf. There is also an outdoor cafe at Hope Park which sells snacks and refreshments. Hope Park is an important part of Keswick's beautiful appearance which has won it several national and European awards and has helped to attract a huge amount of visitors.

Keswick is only a small town, and yet it has a large range of shops to suit everyone. I love looking in all of the quaint art shops and antique shops. And there are a vast range of outdoor camping and clothing shops - because there are so many outdoor shops, you can get some great deals because they are all in competition with each other. It pays to shop around.

There are also interesting museums in Keswick, numerous art and craft galleries and a cinema to visit. I recommend a trip to the famous 'pencil museum' - the history of all things lead - you can even purchase art materials at the end and have a go yourself.

Another must see is the Theatre by the Lake, which is ideally situated close to Derwentwater. Why not go and see a play on the evening, whilst enjoying the coffee shop or a drink at the bar inside the Theatre? For tickets and more information on what's on at the Theatre call -017687 74411.

Just one min from the theatre is Derwentwater Lake - a beautiful spot whereby you can hire a rowing boat or pay to go accross the lake on a larger motorised boat. Well worth doing.

Of course, if you are a fit and active person - go for a walk. I like to go hill walking - last time it was Cats Bells, a very scenic walk overlooking the lakes, the time before that it was Skiddaw - which was a bit more challenging. I recommend you buy a map and plan your route properly before going, taking all of the relevant walking equipment needed.

There are a HUGE amount of bed and breakfasts and hotels available in keswick, as well as campsites. Most are of a realy good standard. Why not check out www.tripadvisor.co.uk for more information and traveller reviews on these?

For more information on Keswick and what to do and where to stay, I recommend that you look at the following website:

www.keswickplus.co.uk or alternatively, contact the Keswick Tourist Information Centre Tel: 017687 72645.

My opinion on Keswick is that regardless of your age - young or old, there is plenty to see and do in Keswick and I advise anyone to visit it.

Summary: A must see place which will make you proud to live in England