There are so many interesting places to visit in Keswick and the surrounding areas that we are sure you will find something to keep everyone in the family happy. The following are just a few of the most popular attractions.

Thornthwaite Galleries are the perfect place to browse on a rainy day - pictures, pottery, ornaments and woodwork to suit every taste.

Cumberland Pencil Museum boasts the World's largest pencil, and you'll learn about pencil making from its origins to the present day.

At Cars of the Stars Motor Museum you can get a close up look at Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Batmobile, Mr Bean's mini and Del Boy's Reliant Robin as well as many other famous vehicles from popular television shows and Hollywood films

Whinlatter Forest and Visitor Centre is the ideal place for a family day out and is just a short drive up the Whinlatter Pass behind Thornthwaite - or for the more energetic, a half hour stroll up through the forest. You'll find adventure play and picnic areas, excellent hill trails and mountain biking routes, and a café serving wonderful food.

At Trotters Animal Farm children can ride ponies, bottle feed baby animals, ride a tractor and meet Monty the Python.

Local activities

The Lake District is renowned for its walking opportunities and our visitors are always impressed by the spectacular scenery of the Northern Fells. Whether you prefer a 15 mile hike through the mountains with your rucksack and trekking poles, or a gentle meander around one of our beautiful lakes (or anything in-between) you certainly won't be disappointed. Using Thornthwaite as a base you are quite literally spoilt for choice. Fell walkers are within easy reach of all the Derwent, Buttermere and Borrowdale Fells where you can climb Skiddaw, Blencathra (Saddleback), Great Gable, Scafell and Helvellyn, or, if you're looking for a great high level walk away from the crowds we can point you in the right direction for those, too.

For the slightly less adventurous there are Catbells, Latrigg, Lord's Seat and Rannerdale Crags. Lake lovers and those who delight in leisurely strolls can try the shores of Derwentwater, Buttermere, Crummock Water or Loweswater which all offer their own unique beauty, and a personal favourite of ours, but worth the half hour drive is Ullswater where you'll find a pretty undulating path which meanders along the edge of the Lake.

If walking has never been 'your thing', no problem. A very high percentage of visitors to the Lake District aren't walkers either. For those of you who want to do more than shop and eat fabulous cream teas in cosy little shops (which of course you can do, too), how about trying one of these activities:

Climbing - there are some excellent climbing crags in the Northern Lakes for the real experts, but don't worry if the most serious climbing you've ever done is up the stairs to bed - there's a climbing wall in Keswick with experienced instructors so everyone and anyone can have a go.

Mountain biking - bring your own bikes (you can lock them in the garage) or hire them from the local mountain biking shops in Keswick. You do not have to ride them up mountains! There are many tracks and quiet roads ideal for cycling excursions.

Photography and birdwatching are also popular pastimes here, especially now that we have nesting Ospreys in Thornthwaite Forest.

If you've got a family to entertain, why not take a trip to Hope Park for a game of Pitch & Putt or Crazy Golf, or have a game of tennis or bowls in Fitz Park. If it rains (as it sometimes does in the Lakes!) you could have a splash about in Keswick's Leisure Pool.

If you still need more to keep you busy why not try:

golf - sailing - canoeing - windsurfing - paragliding - fishing - horesriding - quad biking !!!

For further information or to make a booking contact
Kate Danchin, 3 Lanty Close, Brigham, Cockermouth, CA13 0UZ
Tel: 01900 822001
E-mail: enquiries@hollybankcottage.co.uk

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