The adventures that await you

No matter the age or diversity of your group, you are sure to have a wonderful time both in Arabella House, Keswick and the wider Lake District area. In our opinion, the best activity by far is getting out walking, enjoying the fresh air, and possibly even trying some of the Wainwright Walks. 

At Arabella House:

We have placed handbooks, guides and maps in the various living areas in the house. Once you have arrived, settle yourselves in and then why not have a browse and plan your days out. Make use of these books throughout your stay, then pop them back before you leave so the next guests can make use of them.

For rainy days in the house you will not be short of space to relax and have fun despite the weather!

There is plenty of space to gather with your group in any of the living areas to eat, drink and chat comfortably. 

The living areas have smart TV's and large comfortable seats with an abundance of cushions and throws so you can all snuggle up and catch up on the latest films or binge watch those series on your lists. 

There are board games in the second living area for all ages to get involved and spend some much needed time together. 

Or why not sneak away from the group and run yourself a deep bubble bath; or cosy up bed with a good book.

In Keswick:

The Lake:

Take a stroll to the lake to enjoy some peace by the water, a wild swim, hiring a row boat, taking a launch around the lake, feed the ducks and geese, or if you're feeling even more energetic you can walk the whole way around the lake!

Click here for more information on taking a Launch and exploring the lake (Derwentwater).

Click here for walking around The lake - Derwentwater - it is 10 miles and likely to take a full day, so be sure to be prepared for the weather, and take food and drink with you. 

If you don't feel able to do the whole of the lake walk, but want to explore part of it; we sometimes do the first part of the walk, and stop at Marymount or Lodore Falls for food and drink, and then either get the Launch or a bus back. The Launch is just opposite Lodore Falls, and the bus is at Ashness bridge. We recommend you book a table for food, and check the buses and Launch are running before you decide to do this!

Walking:

There are many walking routes in and around Keswick to be enjoyed by all ages and abilities, including some accessible walks for wheelchair users.

Our favourite online resource for finding local walks directly from the house or just a bus route away is the official visitor website for Keswick, click to access this.

Our favourite books for walking the local area and wider area are the small pocket 'top 10 walks' books. We have put these in the living room, please feel free to make use of them during your stay. Just pop them back before your depart, so the next guests can enjoy them too. 

Spa:

Lodore Falls was recently renovated, and has a very impressive indoor and outdoor Spa, with a variety of packages available. Be sure to book in advance.

Shopping:

Take a potter around town and pick up some beautiful and unique gifts for birthdays and Christmas. Our favourite shops are:

Fine Design (the very last shop on your way down to the lake!) where we have bought many pieces of art, lighting, rugs, throws and pottery to fill the house. Treeby & Bolton where we have bought mugs, art and other accessories for the house. The Orchid House and Alternative, where we have bought vases and other accessories; again these are placed around the house. And we love the The Lake District Florist for gifts, accessories and fresh plants and flowers. 

Why not take some time to look at local art, possibly even be inspired to take some home with you? You will find pieces in all the above shops, as well as Cookhouse Gallery and Northern Lights Gallery. Our favourite lake district artists; Jeff Sudders, original paintings and prints can be found in Cookhouse Gallery, and Richard Fisher's prints can be found in Fine Design (for only a couple of pounds!).

Eating & Drinking:

Here you have an abundance of choice and you may prefer to explore all options, depending on your taste buds! 

If you're looking for good coffee and sweet treats, our absolute favourite is Java Cafe.

If you're looking for delicious cocktails, mocktails, cider and the most incredible tapas style food, the place to be is The Square Orange.

Another favourite of ours for cocktails and burgers is The Round. 

And for a little more sophistication, we love The Fellpack. 

There are several Fish & Chips take aways and restaurants in Keswick; our personal favourite is The Old Keswickian.

For Children & The Young at Heart:

If you turn left out the from door, walk up the hill and turn left again at the crossroad, you will find a large children's play area to your left. And to your right you will find Boules, mini golf and tennis. It is also lovely to walk along the river here, and if it is deep enough you could even swim or float down the river on a rubber ring!

As you head towards Derwentwater lake, you will find crazy golf and pitch and putt. Behind the golf there are some incredible, ancient trees and a bird hide.

For more information on all of the above click here.

Visit the Kong Adventure centre for indoor climbing and other indoor activities.

The wider Lake District:

You may wish to visit some of the other towns in the Lake District. Our favourites are Ambleside and Bowness. 

The National Trust website has a lovely list of walks and activities; explore these under their lake district section.

There are many more Spas to discover outside of Keswick, our favourites being Brimstone Spa and Low Wood Bay.

Wainwright Walks:

Alfred Wainwright was awarded an MBE for his achievement of documenting routes and beautiful pictorial guides of 214 fells in the lake district. 

Many people set themselves the challenge to complete all his documented hikes, including ourselves!

We use his books and an online resource, wainwright routes, to plan our walks.