I am lucky enough to have a good friend who lives very near the Lake District and so I try and visit once a year. It is a world away from London - both in terms of the 5 hour car ride and the complete change in pace. It is a place to relax, walk and slow down. The perfect stop to recharge the batteries and take in some fresh air.
I love Keswick the most but maybe it’s due to visiting a few times, knowing where things are and being on the lakes. A trip around the lake is beautiful whatever the weather and I have been out in rain and sunshine and the scenery and calmness is wonderful. The trip is around £10 and takes you around the lake. (https://keswick-launch.co.uk/). For the hikers or walkers reading you can depart the boat and take to the track for a walk around and explore the area. I have not done this but there are always plenty of walkers around and the tourist information has details of the best walks or check out local walking groups prior to visiting ( https://www.meetup.com/topics/walkers/gb/c9/keswick/ ) (https://www.keswick.org/visitor-information/contacts)
The market town of Keswick has a range of pubs and restaurants offering a good range of locally sourced food and drinks and there are tea shops, a fabulous market and a range of shops to browse and pick up local goods. If your looking for a gift for loved ones or work colleagues be sure to check out the local produce and craft market specialising in Made in Cumbria products which takes place on most Thursdays of the year and the traditional market on every Saturday.
I would recommend anyone who is visiting the UK for a holiday tries to see the lakes as part of the trip. Trains run from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District which is the south end of the lakes and take under 3 hours but try and book in advance as train travel in the UK is not the cheapest.
There are a range of bed and breakfast places around the Lake District catering to all needs and wants when it comes to accommodation. I have shared some pictures from my last visit to the lakes and I’m sure I will be back again soon but if anyone has a good recommendation to check out whilst I am visiting please let me know.