Is it better to stay in Keswick or Ambleside?

Choosing between Keswick and Ambleside depends on whether you prefer a slightly more relaxed, scenic base (Keswick) or a central, bustling hub (Ambleside). Keswick offers better pedestrian access and proximity to northern fells and Derwentwater, while Ambleside is ideal for central access to Windermere, shops, and cafes, though it can suffer from heavy traffic.

Is Keswick a good place to stay in Lake District?

If you want to be at the heart of it all you'll likely want to base yourself in Keswick, I would say this is one of the best area to stay in the Lake District. Here you'll find tons of restaurants, pubs, shops & all that you could want.

Which is the best town to stay in the Lake District?

Ambleside

Ambleside is one of the best towns in the Lake District, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Nestled near the northern shores of Lake Windermere and surrounded by breathtaking fells, it's a haven for walkers, hikers, and anyone who loves the outdoors.

Is Ambleside a nice place to stay?

Ambleside is the ideal location for an unforgettable family trip. The town itself has a lot of history, as well as culture and traditions that will make anyone fall in love with it. It's a charming place where you can enjoy the peaceful ambience and explore the town on foot.

Should I stay in Ambleside or Keswick?

In my opinion Keswick is the nicer of the two. The town centre in Keswick is largely pedestrianised, whereas Ambleside will have cars going through it all day. There's plenty of walks from the door, and Derwentwater is going to be a very short walk if you stay in town.

Traveling to UK's Lake District: Everything You Need to Know

Is there much to do in Ambleside?

A mile inland from the northern tip of Windermere lakeshore, Ambleside is a bustling town of outdoor equipment shops, bookshops, gift shops, cafes and restaurants and a cinema. Nestled in the valley between various fells, it's the start and end point for many classic lakeland walks.

Why is Keswick so popular?

Keswick is famous for its stunning location in the Lake District, serving as a hub for outdoor activities like hiking and watersports, its rich literary history linked to poets like Coleridge and Wordsworth, its historic pencil industry (now the Pencil Museum), and landmarks such as the Castlerigg Stone Circle, making it a popular tourist destination.
 

Where should I go for the first time in the Lake District?

To start in the Lake District, base yourself in a central, accessible hub like Ambleside (great for transport & walks), Windermere/Bowness (popular, lake activities), or Keswick (mountain access & market town), then explore nearby areas like Grasmere (Beatrix Potter), Ullswater (scenic), or the Langdale Valley (classic hikes), using the excellent bus network to connect your adventures.
 

Is there much to do in Keswick?

There are a number of attractions in the town that visitors can enjoy. Some of the most popular attractions in Keswick include the lake, the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, and the Castlerigg Stone Circle. There are also a number of walks and hikes that can be enjoyed in the town and the surrounding area.

Where to base yourself in Lake District?

Grasmere is the perfect spot to base yourself if you're travelling by public transport only. There are frequent trains to Windermere and from there, it's a 35 min. bus journey to Grasmere.

Is Keswick a nice place to stay?

Keswick is a charming market town just off the northern shore of spectacular Derwentwater, in the sometimes overlooked northern Lake District.

Is Keswick a pretty town?

About Keswick

Not only is the pretty town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery - under the protection of famous fells like Skiddaw and Blencathra - it's right next to the lake of Derwentwater, and offers a huge amount of things to do.

Are there many shops in Keswick?

Yes, there are a lot of shops in Keswick. This traditional market town has a wide range of local shops and boutiques selling a wide range of products such as woollen jumpers, cakes, gifts, and art. Keswick is also home to a multitude of branded outdoor clothing and camping shops in the town centre.

What was filmed in Keswick?

TV and Film Locations Near Keswick

• Mission Impossible 7: Dead Reckoning Part 1 (2023) ...
• Swallows and Amazons (2016 film) ...
• Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) ...
• 28 Days Later (2002) ...
• Without a Clue (1988) ...
• The A Word (2016 - 2020) ...
• Supernova (2020) ...
• The Witcher Series 2 (2021)

What was filmed in Ambleside?

More recently, scenes from the film adaptations of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales have used Windermere and Ambleside for their shooting. Other modern movies using film locations in the Lake District include 28 Days Later, Snow White and the Huntsman and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Is Ambleside a walkable town?

Walking around Ambleside in the Lake District offers a plethora of benefits, making it an enticing activity for both locals and visitors alike. Physical Health: The hilly terrain provides an excellent opportunity for cardiovascular exercise, strengthening muscles, and improving overall fitness levels.