Keswick hotels that make a great base for exploring England’s Lake District.

The Lake District of England has inspired countless poets and painters, most notably Keats, Shelley, Wordsworth, John Ruskin, and Beatrix Potter.  Most of the region now belongs to the Lakes District National Park, a 35-square-mile patch of paradise where you can hike, boat, fish, or just drink in the beauty of nature.

The scenery here is unsurpassed, and most of the Keswick hotels make the most of it with floor-to-ceiling windows, lake front terraces, and balconies. 

Keswick is an old market town that was first chartered in 1276.  It’s located on Derwentwater, one of the most beautiful lakes in the region.   And the hotels in Keswick range from simple B-and-Bs to stately country house hotels. 

Those who are looking for the latter will enjoy the Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa.  It’s right on the shores of Lake Bassenthwaite in a 400-acre deer park.  Built in the 16th century, the house has a large, wood-paneled central hall with a fireplace where guests can warm up after a brisk hike.

Amenities like flat-panel TVs, DVD players, Egyptian cottons linens, and robes and slippers make the 43 rooms here warm and inviting.  For something really special, reserve a room with a balcony overlooking the lake.  After all, you only go around once.

With ten treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy room, a swimming pool, an indoor waterfall, and an outdoor garden with hot tub, the new spa is the best in the area.  Active travelers can find plenty to do and the staff are happy to arrange anything from fishing  lessons, to motorcycle tours, to skeet shooting. 

The dining room is top-notch.  And Chef Kevin Dowling relies on fresh local ingredients, including trout.  You’ll need to make reservations well in advance and dress appropriately.  In addition to dinner, the kitchen will make you a gourmet picnic to go.  The British Automobile Association gives Armathwaite Hall five stars.

The Lodore Falls Hotel was constructed using the local Lakeland slate around 200 years ago.  With Derwentwater on one side and Lodor Falls on the other, it has a location that’s perfect for hiking or just relaxing.  You can see the lake from most of the public areas and many of the rooms. 

Some rooms overlook the falls, which cascade more than 100 feet into a rocky ravine.

The hotel’s boat launch makes it easy to get out on the lake, and there are plenty of other diversions as well.  The Keswick Golf Club is free to Lodore Falls guests on weekends.  And there are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, squash, and a gym.  After a long hike, afternoon tea in the lounge is a great was to recharge.  If you worked up more of an appetite, you can also get British classics like fish and chips or bangers and mash.  For dinner, the restaurant is well regarded.  

The third country house hotel in Keswick, Derwent Lodge, looks out over Skiddaw mountain and the Cat Bells.  It was built in 1780 in the Georgian style on 1.7 acres of lake-front property.  There are only eight rooms here and they were recently updated with amenities like flat-screen TVs, tea-making supplies, and broadband Internet access.  On sunny, summer days, the terrace is the spot for light meals or dinner.  When the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can eat in the lounge.   Since you can rent water sports equipment at the marina next door, Derwent Lodge is a great choice for people who want to spend time on the water.

Those who prefer the cozy hospitality of a bed and breakfast should stay at the Grange Country Guest house.  The 1850 Victorian has ten rooms, each with a private bath and a lot of original charm.  Many of the rooms look out over the fells, and WiFi access is a nice feature.  Before dinner, have a drink out on the terrace.  The included breakfast features local bacon, eggs, sausage, and fruit.

Not far from Keswick’s market square, The Edwardene is another good bed and breakfast.  It has 11 comfortable rooms, and the innkeepers go above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your stay.  The location is walking distance to restaurants, pubs, and shops.  And The Edwardene provides good value for money.