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Why not check out Ciao's own Ladyfuscia at http://www.myspace.com/akolayd She can really play.
Member since:06.02.2001
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Beneath the beautiful Skiddaw Mountains and the placid shores of Derwent Water nestles the picturesque town of Keswick. Indeed you look you cannot help but be impressed by the imposing majesty of the surrounding countryside which ever way you look.
To get to Keswick by road perhaps the easiest way is via the M6 to junction 40 (Penrith) and then a short journey of perhaps 20 minutes down the A66. If you travel by rail then go to Penrith and from there a local bus into Keswick.
On arrival at Keswick you will find that there are plenty of car parks which are well sign posted but beware the one at the local supermarket which imposes a charge of £5 if you stay for more than three hours, and as there is so much to see believe me you will.
Walking through the town I found much to my surprise that I didn’t see any fast food outlets such as Burger king or Kfc although I suppose that someone may correct me on this. That said there is a diversity of place to eat both in and out. I found a little shop selling beautiful homemade Cornish pasties, which simply melt in the mouth, not what I expected to find in the Lake District.
There are a multitude of small shops within the town selling many different items. As will be expected many cater for the fell walkers and campers that are attracted to the area. A small jewellers shop I found had a beautiful display of gold items such as crucifixes and rings inlaid with amber, which really took my eye. Also there are a multitude of craft shops and art galleries, which are well worth a visit, but they can be expensive.
Walking on and out of the town centre towards Derwent Water you pass through the beautiful Hope park where you may wish to partake of a locally made Ice cream while admiring the floral displays or if it is to your taste partake in a game of golf on a nine hole miniature course. I believe the cost for this was £3.50.
A little farther on is the magnificent newly built Theatre by the Lake offering a season of plays through out the summer and various shows throughout the year. I would have loved to have stopped and taken in a show but unfortunately I didn’t have the time.
The next stop is Derwent Water itself, be prepared for the breath taking panorama that unfolds itself in front of you, it is truly awesome. I would suggest that it must be seen throughout the seasons to truly appreciate the grandeur of the Lake and countryside.
The only true way to explore the Lake is by boat, and this is admirably taken care of by the aptly named Keswick launch. In effect this is water born bus, which circumnavigates the Lake, calling at a number of local beauty spots. The kids loved the ride it cost us £10 for a family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) the full journey taking approximately 50 minutes. Be advised though that on a day with even a light breeze it is not advisable to sit in the bow of one of these launches as our kids and a number of Japanese tourists found out due to water breaking over the bow and everyone sitting near. There is an enclosed cabin, which I expect would seat perhaps 20 people if the weather were poor. The lake is crystal clear and you can in some of the shallower reaches see fish from the launch. Back in Keswick not far from the main street is a museum called the Cars of the Stars which feature such celebrity vehicles as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mad Max’s car, and Mr Beans mini, oh yes and one for the ladies a pink Rolls belonging to Lady Penelopie. Admission is £3 for adults and £2 for children.
There is also a museum called the Cumberland pencil museum showing the history of pencil making at Keswick. Graphite mined locally together with locally grown wood are turned into pencils today here. Again I didn’t have time to visit but next time it’s at the top of the list.
A day out here is wonderful but to explore fully this delightful little town then I would advise a longer stay.
Have always wanted to go to the Lake District, a wish I really must look into fulfilling. Jane x
junkboxjules 30.07.2002 23:33
We went to Keswick for a week in May. My Mum grew up there and booked up a large country house for 13 of us to stay there for a week for her 60th birthday. Keswick is truly a beautiful place, my son enjoyed the Cars of the Stars Museum and was delighted because he got to sit in FAB1, Lady Penelopes car. Julie
MagicWend 28.10.2001 00:46
AAh the Lake District is so beautiful, and I have been to
Keswick once but it is breathtaking. Gr8 op. well worth vh just for the memories it evokes. I'm a fellow geordie from Consett, so probably live pretty near you and your huge family. You obviously don't have a television in your house
Barry.
Wendy.
p.s. you will need 2 packets of sauce to feed them bairns mind!
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Advantages: Very Relaxing, Gorgeous Setting Disadvantages: Very Expensive - initially for accomodation and then once inside the park for activities, no nightlife
very helpful by (100%):
