Camping Inspiration: Keswick and the northern Lake District

In the northern lakes is Keswick, which sits on the banks of Derwentwater.

This busy market town, whose fortunes were founded on graphite and slate mining, lies between the towering presence of Skiddaw’s hills and the serene beauty of Derwentwater.

Keswick has a wide range of shops, restaurants and even a Saturday market which began in 1276.

MUST SEE
With launching direct from the site, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water – canoe, hire a boat, miscellaneous water sports etc.

But it’s not necessarily all hard core. You can enjoy what they prefer to call “family walks” around Derwentwater, a total distance of eight miles.

From Keswick you can catch a bus for Penrith, Carlisle, Lancaster, Windermere, Grasmere etc.

Alas, gone is the Cars of the Stars Museum, but the equally esoteric Cumberland Pencil Museum, on Main Street is still there thankfully.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Cumberland sausage has been a local speciality in Cumbria for around 500 years.

STAY AT
KESWICK CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE
Crow Park Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5EP
01768 772392
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

On the shores of Derwentwater, there’s plenty here for active families. You can take your pick from numerous lake and hillside trails or take a boat to the water, which is popular for canoeing and kayaking. Keswick is within walking distance offering shops and places to eat.