The Local Braithwaite & Keswick Area...

Bridge End is located in the peaceful village of Braithwaite, just 3 miles from the bustling market town of Keswick - a perfect location to explore the Northern lakes and fells of the English Lake District National Park.

The village itself is surrounded by the Coledale and Skiddaw fells including Grizedale Pike, Crag Hill, Causey Pike and Skiddaw itself. Newlands Valley and Borrowdale are just a short drive away and the walking in the local area is as good as anywhere in the Lakes, whatever standard you enjoy. Whinlatter Forest Park with its visitors centre and forest trails is a couple of minutes up Whinlatter Pass from Braithwaite.

Braithwaite has two excellent traditional Lakeland inns - the Coledale Inn and the Royal Oak - both well known for their food and the quality of their local real ales - and both a short walk from Bridge End. There is also a local shop and there is a regular bus service to nearby Keswick and Cockermouth. The Swinside Inn in Newlands Valley (2 miles) is also a good local with superb views from the beer garden and is within walking distance.

Several major walking routes such as the Cumbria Way and the Allerdale Ramble pass through the area, as well as cycle routes such as the Coast to Coast (C2C). Skiddaw, overlooking Keswick, is the 4th highest mountain in England (3053ft) and the views from the top are some of the best in the Lake District.

Whether it is fell walking, climbing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, horse riding, paragliding or mountain biking, there is always something for everyone in the Braithwaite area of the Lake District.

Derwentwater is a popular lake for water sports and has its own Keswick Launch Service stopping at several points around the Lake, allowing you to walk so far, and cruise the rest.

Keswick is well known for its excellent restaurants, coffee shops and traditional inns, offering something to eat and drink for every taste and budget. It's also an excellent centre for outdoor equipment shops such as the famous George Fisher mountain shop on Lake Road.

Other local villages such as Portinscale and Thornthwaite offer other quiet alternatives to Keswick and are within easy walking distance of Braithwaite. Or if you want to escape the crowds completely, the peaceful Northern Fells area behind Skiddaw, is only 20 minutes drive away.

There are many other local attractions to enjoy too, including Rheged Discovery Centre on the A66 towards Penrith (winner of the global "BA Tourism for Tomorrow Awards"). Derwentwater Marina, Honister Slate Mine, the Theatre By The Lake, and the Keswick Pencil Museum.

There is something for everyone in the Braithwaite area!