The English Lake District covers 880 square miles of glorious fells and waters, and attracts more visitors than any other National Park. Over the years numerous authors and artists have been inspired by the area’s quiet charm and breathtaking landscapes. The pretty village of Braithwaite is a short drive from Derwent Water, roughly two miles west of the market town of Keswick. It is therefore an ideal base from which to explore the delightful surroundings of the northern part of the Park.

Although most of today’s visitors come to this compact corner of England for the fell walking, or for more gentle rambles by the water’s edge, there are many other recreational pursuits to enjoy and numerous places of interest to discover.

A boat trip on Derwent Water is highly recommended, as is a visit to Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake.

There are also boats for hire on most of the lakes. Derwent Water is the nearest. The Nichol End Boat yard at Portinscale is only a mile or so away, along with The Derwentwater Marina and Platty.

You can hire rowing boats, sailing dinghies, windsurfing boards and Canadian canoes. Instruction is also available.

Motor boats are available from the Keswick landing stage.

Hard tennis courts and bicycle hire are available in Keswick. And there are several good golf courses and hacking stables nearby.