Things To Do

There is much to see and do in the Lake District, whether to follow in the footsteps of Wainwright and Wordsworth or to retrace some of the places beloved of Beatrix Potter and Arthur Ransome, or even to explore the mining heritage of this part of Cumbria that stretches back some 400 years. Honister Slate Mine is a spectacular 30 minute drive from Ellas Crag, where you can visit a reopened mine producing the characteristic grey-green slate from which our guesthouse was built.

Many of our guests come to the Lakes to walk. Causey Pike, behind us, is a 2000ft peak and is a challenging climb and in front of us across Newlands Valley, lies Catbells. It's a popular climb, particularly for families, with its grassy saddle and grandstand views of Derwentwater, regarded by many as the prettiest of the lakes. For those who prefer a more level walk, a circuit of Buttermere is highly recommended - a favourite of Wainwright, whose ashes are scattered on nearby Haystacks.

Keswick itself has plenty to offer with Keswick Mining Museum, the Cumberland Pencil Museum, Keswick Museum, the Motor Museum, a host of outdoor clothing shops and pubs and restaurants among the highlights. Keswick also plays host to the annual Jazz Festival and the Keswick Convention, as well as being fortunate to have its own "Theatre by the Lake" where we are able to make bookings for discounted tickets.

Just down the road from Ellas Crag is Newlands Adventure Centre, where you can book yourself onto a ghyll scrambling adventure, or maybe canoeing, kayaking or mountain biking. The Launch which operates on Derwentwater is also a great way of exploring the Lake and its surrounds. For those of you who like to fish, we recommend that you look at this website,www.cumbriaflyfishing.co.uk, which is full of helpful tips and useful local information from the experienced Glyn Freeman

Of course, you may just want to relax and get away from it all! We have a collection of 200 or more DVDs that you are welcome to browse through and watch in the privacy of your room.