Three Lake District Towns, One Base
Stay near Penrith and you’re within easy reach of the Lake District’s three most popular towns without actually having to stay in any of them. That means you get the buzz of Keswick, the charm of Grasmere, and the waterfront of Windermere — then come home to a quiet village, a decent pub, and nobody else’s holiday noise.
Here’s how to do each as a day trip from our cottages near Penrith.
Keswick: 30 Minutes
Getting There
The A66 from Penrith to Keswick is one of the great drives in England. It cuts through the northern fells with Blencathra towering to your right and the Helvellyn range to your left. On a clear day, you’ll want to stop and take photos. Resist until you get there — the road is fast and stopping is awkward.
What to Do
Keswick sits on the shore of Derwentwater and has the feel of a proper small town rather than a tourist village. The main square hosts a market on Saturdays (and Thursdays in summer). Highlights:
- Derwentwater launch — a circuit of the lake by boat, with stops where you can hop off and walk. The Friar’s Crag viewpoint near the landing stage is worth seeing even if you don’t take the boat.
- The Dog & Gun — Keswick’s Michelin-starred pub. The food is exceptional: Cumbrian ingredients treated with real skill. Book ahead.
- Pencil Museum — sounds odd, is surprisingly good, especially with children.
- Castlerigg Stone Circle — just outside town, free to visit, and more atmospheric than its more famous Wiltshire cousin. The mountain backdrop is extraordinary.
- Cat Bells walk — if you want a fell walk from Keswick, Cat Bells (2-3 hours round trip) is the classic. Take the launch across to Hawes End and walk up from there.
Eating
Beyond the Dog & Gun, Keswick has a good range of cafes and pubs. The Pheasant Inn at Bassenthwaite (10 minutes north) is worth a detour for lunch.
Grasmere: 40 Minutes
Getting There
Head south through Ambleside or take the A591 via Thirlmere. The Thirlmere route is quieter and the reservoir views are gorgeous. Grasmere is a small village so parking can be tight in summer — arrive before 10am or after 3pm for the best chance.
What to Do
Grasmere is Wordsworth country. It’s small, pretty, and knows exactly what it is.
- Dove Cottage — Wordsworth’s home from 1799 to 1808. The museum alongside it is well done and the cottage itself is evocative. Even if you’re not a poetry person, it’s worth the visit.
- Grasmere Gingerbread — the famous gingerbread shop by the church. There’s always a queue. The gingerbread is dense, spicy, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. Buy extra for the drive home.
- Grasmere lake circuit — an easy walk around the lake (about an hour), flat and pretty. You can extend it to Rydal Water for a longer outing.
- Helm Crag — the “Lion and the Lamb” — a short, steep fell walk from the village with a distinctive summit. About two hours round trip.
Eating
The Jumble Room is a Grasmere institution — unpretentious, colourful, and the food is genuinely good. Book for dinner if you want to make an evening of it (just factor in the 40-minute drive home).
Windermere and Bowness: 45 Minutes
Getting There
The A6 south then the A591 through Kendal is the quickest route. Alternatively, go via Ambleside for the more scenic approach. Windermere (the town) is on the hill; Bowness (on the lake) is where most of the action is.
What to Do
Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and Bowness is its main hub. It’s busier and more commercial than Keswick or Grasmere, but there are good reasons to visit:
- Windermere Lake Cruises — various routes from Bowness pier, including to Ambleside and Lakeside. The views of the Langdale Pikes from the water are magnificent.
- Blackwell Arts and Crafts House — a beautifully preserved Arts and Crafts house overlooking the lake. The design is stunning and it’s far less crowded than the National Trust properties.
- Orrest Head — a 20-minute walk from Windermere station to one of the finest viewpoints in the area. The panorama takes in the lake, the Langdale Pikes, and the Coniston fells.
- Ambleside (10 min further) — a good town for outdoor shops, cafes, and the starting point for walks up to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
Eating
Bowness has plenty of options but can be touristy. Ambleside is generally better for food. Fellinis vegetarian restaurant and Zeffirellis are both good.
The Case for a Penrith Base
Staying in any of these towns means dealing with their traffic and tourist crowds every day. Staying near Penrith means you choose when to dip in and when to enjoy the quiet of the Eden Valley instead. You get the best of both worlds.
Maple Cottage and Fern Cottage in Great Strickland put you within 30-45 minutes of all three towns, with walks from the door and a village pub for evenings when you’d rather not drive. Rittson Cottage in Eamont Bridge offers the same convenience with a riverside setting. Book direct with Cottage Collection for the best rates — no middleman, no booking fees.