Derwent Isle opening days!

Derwent Isle is the largest and most northerly of the four islands on Derwentwater. In medieval times it was owned by Fountains Abbey. It came into the King's hands in 1539 and was sold in 1569 to the German miners of the Company of Mines Royal. After several other owners it passed to Joseph Pocklington in 1778, who built a large house on the island. Various other buildings were erected, including a Gothic chapel-boathouse and a Druid Circle.

The Island is now tenanted, and is not normally open to the public, though occasional trips are offered from the landing stage nearby to visit the island and house. For 2011 the dates are 22nd July, 5th August and 12th September. You need to book 3 days in advance at the National Trust Kiosk by the lakeside in Keswick - telephone 017687 73780

Keswick Museum & Art Gallery.

When in Keswick why not pay a visit to the Keswick Museum & Art Gallery. It is close to Fitz Park and the Sports centre. The museum is full of local history and has lots of Industrial Art on display. They desperately need donations so when visiting please drop a couple of pounds into the pot.

1st Sprinkling of snow!

Well if you did not realise it winter is definitely here, Skiddaw had it's 1st dusting of snow over the weekend. Keswick is a magical place when snow is on the mountains.

To look what the weather is doing in Keswick checkout the viewcam.

Christmas is coming!

Photo courtesy of www.edensound.co.uk

There is always lots going on in the Lake Disrict, but just up the road from Keswick is the Rheged centre, its a great day out for kids and adults.

Santa will be visiting the centre between 27.11.10 - 24.12.10 from 10-4 each day. The cost of visiting Santa is £5, so great value.

Winter Short Breaks!

Weekends Breaks Friday -Monday (3 nights)
Starting from Friday 5th November - Monday 14th February (Christmas & New Year excluded)
£200 includes all bedlinen & towels.

This means for 2 couples £100 per couple for 3 nights!

Recent find!

Picture courtesy of Herdy.co.uk

Whilst visiting a shop back home in Nottinghamshire, I came across this great product range called Herdy, on reading the label and noticing the beautiful face on the sheep, I knew it was the beautiful Herdwick sheep that you find in and around the fields in the Lake District.

The company Herdy have some great products and very reasonably priced and the good thing about them is that they donate part of the sale to the protection of the near one extinct Herdwick sheep. so go on and pop down to there shop in Kendal or buy online

Brysons

Photo courtesy of qype.co.uk

I stable in Keswick Main Street in Brysons bakers, they produce fabulous bread and pastries and there Plum bread is to die for toasted. They have a cafe upstairs which is always busy and a coffee bar downstairs. Well worth a visit!

Apartment photo's

We were ip in Keswick at the weekend and decided we should renew some of the photo's as we have bought a newer and much improved camera. Remember to check up to date availability click here.

Walks around Keswick!

(courtesy of visitcumbria.com)

Obviously a big attraction of going to Keswick or anywhere in the Lake District is the walking. We always enjoy the Old Railway Walk when visiting Keswick it takes you from Keswick town Centre through to Threlkeld (4 Miles). It's a great walk even with pushchairs, it takes you along the old railway track over the river Greta and through woods. We always end up in the Horse & Farrier at Threlkeld and then catch the bus back to Keswick. For more information on this walk click here.

Local Artists!

(Picture courtesy of Viridian Gallery)

Since first starting to go to Keswick 10 years ago I realised that it has many artists there and for good reason. One of my favourite artists Venus Griffiths is exhibiting at Viridian Gallery in Keswick for the next couple of weeks, so if you are in keswick in the next few weeks please have a look.

Jennings Jazz Festival

Its the 19th annual Jennings Jazz festival this year. I have never been but from the website it looks like a great weekend with lots going on.

The date for the festival are Thursday 13th May - Sunday 16th May.

Fell Tops is still available for W/C Friday 14th of May for a week at a cost of £400.

The Lakeland Pedlars!

For a great cup of tea and a piece of cake Lakeland Pedlars is the place to go. There is not much room, but always a great welcome. Situated behind the main street in Keswick town centre near the Police Station.

For more information check out there website

Weather!

(courtesy of George Fisher)

I don't know about you but the weather plays a huge part of your holiday. I know with Keswick you do not expect sunshine all the time after all that is why there are so many weatherproof jackets & trousers sold in the Lakes.

I came across a great way of checking out the current weather situation in Keswick as well as feasting my eyes on the fells.

The webcam which is situated on the George Fisher building!