Discover the Wonders of the Northern Lake District

Nestled in the heart of Cumbria, the Northern Lake District is a haven of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From its serene lakes and majestic mountains to its charming villages and historic sites, this region offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. The lakes tucked away in the National Park’s north west are probably the most peaceful. With no motor boats, they are great choice to go for a swim, a kayak, a canoe, a paddleboard, or just a peaceful lake shore walk.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or a peaceful retreat, the Northern Lake District promises an unforgettable experience.

In no particular order we have put together a list of links to places you might like to visit – things to see and do in this wonderful part of the world.

Keswick. Sitting by the shores of Lake Derwentwater, is one of the major tourist visitor towns in The Lake District. With its vast array of bars, restaurants, outdoor adventure & clothing shops and attractions there is much to see and do. Why not take in a show at the celebrated Theatre By The Lake, a film at the Alhambra Cinema, enjoy a visit to the Pencil Museum, a trip around or across the lake via a Keswick Launch or simply enjoy the Tuesday or Saturday markets.

Cockermouth. Lying just a couple of miles from The Old Homestead is the market town of Cockermouth. The town was built at the junction of two rivers; the River Cocker, flowing out of the lakes Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater meets the River Derwent flowing from lakes Derwent and Bassenthwaite to the sea at Workington.

Just outside Cockermouth, at Papcastle, the Romans built the fort of Deventio at a meeting place of the roads from Maryport, Carlisle and Penrith. Cockermouth Castle was built in the 13th century, but little of that remains because of the efforts of Robert the Bruce. The castle is privately owned, and not normally open to the public except during the Cockermouth Festival in July.

Cockermouth can also boast of being the birthplace of William Wordsworth (1770-1850), the mutineer Fletcher Christian (1764-1793), John Dalton (1766-1844) a scientist and astronomer Fearon Fallows (1789-1831) to name but a few.

And if it’s not the history for which you visit the town then perhaps a guided tour around the Jennings Brewery is your pleasure?

 The Great Outdoors. If getting out into the countryside is your pleasure then The Lake District National Park is certainly the place for that. Just a short journey from The Old Homestead are the Northern Fells – many of Wainwright’s favourites; Skiddaw, Blencathra, Grizedale Pike, Catbells, Grassmore, Whiteside, Red Pike, High Stile, High Crag and Haystacks – to name but a few. All have fabulous walks up, around or over them.

There’s also five of the ‘Lakes’ within a very short distance, namely; Buttermere, Crummock Water, Loweswater, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake. Take a picnic and enjoy one of the circular hikes or simply find a great vantage point and relax. If you’re into sailing or canoeing then why not hire some equipment from Derwentwater Marine, or try fishing (in season) – see http://www.lakedistrictfishing.net.

For the golfer there are nearby courses at Cockermouth, Keswick and Whitehaven.

Nature and the Environment. As you would expect of a National Park, wildlife is abundant and The Lake District is famous for its Red Squirrel numbers and its regular nesting Ospreys. But that’s not all there is, see http://www.cumbria-wildlife.org.uk for a somewhat more comprehensive list. Just a short trip from The Old Homestaed there is also the Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve and a couple of miles beyond that there is a great day out to be had at The Lake District Wildlife Park.

Eating Out. There are probably hundreds of places to eat out within a 20 minute drive of The Old Homestead but we do have a few favourites – all of which we would recommend. Firstly there’s The Pheasant Inn near Bassenthwaite Lake, then there’s The Kirkstile Inn near Loweswater, followed our Cockermouth selection of; The Trout Hotel, The Bitter End and The Wheatsheaf Inn at nearby Embleton though this is just outside Cockermouth, and finally Armathwaite Hall overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake.