Crowds in Keswick

I haven't been to Keswick at this time of year, as I avoid the Lakes between mid June and mid September, as there are too many tourists and driving is no fun stuck in traffic queues and parking is difficult. I haven't heard of the convention, which appears to be a Methodist event spread over 3 weeks. Accommodation is one of the limiting factors in the Lakes.

Keswick is always busy and I have regularly had to come off the pavement and into the road to walk around, as the pavements are narrow. Grasmere is worse with a higher proportion of tour group coaches. In July, I would head to Eskdale or other parts of the western Lakes, as these areas are stunning, yet have fewer visitors, as they are difficult to access by public transport.

Keswick is a destination town. The week before we arrive is a Jazz festival; the weekend after is a beer festival. The town lives on the tourist trade (and they need all the help they can get after the flooding last winter.) At the same time, I doubt any of these events would be some massive "Pope coming for a visit" or even some local event you would see in Dallas (or what we get in Seattle.) The up side is that if they are all there for a convention, that means they won't be stomping through the fells.

Advice? Find out who's hosting the convention and see if (closer to the time) you can get a schedule of events. If everyone and their uncle is going to the Grand Convocation at 9, that means breakfast places will be problematic from 7-9 but miraculously open after that. Be fluid with your schedule and let it flow.

Have fun!

Keswick was my favorite stay on a three-week trip in England, mid-May. If crowds had been part of the mix, that experience would have not been stellar-- it would have been unbearable. Climbing Cat Bells already at that time of year had a line of people, but just the right amount, with a sense of conviviality. Could you find another town to base your stay in the Lake District that is a by-water? Is there such a thing? And then dive into Keswick briefly, but return to your quiet base at night.

Cleo

We plan on going to either Keswick or Windermere in late October. I suppose the crowds will not be an issue.

Hi Linda,

We visited Keswick for 3 days in mid-May of last year. It is a little tricky to plan a trip there, because this town has Many, Many popular festivals happening all the time.

I chose which 3 days to visit because they were in between 2 big festivals.

My husband and I truly dislike crowds. Our visit was FANTASTIC because there were not many people visiting. We were interested in taking Rick's wonderful drive around Derwentwater Lake, which is a VERY very ( to us Americans ) narrow road. Seeing as we didn't meet any other car on this road, it was great! I think that we would not have enjoyed our visit at all if there had been a large festival going on. We did meet a few people, and had the opportunity to have wonderful conversations with many of them. Keswick is probably less crowded and touristy than Grasmere or Windemere. We were also interested in taking many shortish hikes. They were also great experiences because we didn't meet many people on the trail. Here again it would not have been enjoyable for us if we had been hiking with hundreds of our closest friends.

If it was me, I would try to change my dates if at all possible. This is just my humble opinion, however.

I hope you end up having a wonderful visit whenever you go. The Lakes District is absolutely stunning!! I am ready for a return visit even now!!

Regards,
Virginia

Thanks everyone--very good information. We decided to visit the Lake District another time when the crowds won't be so bad. Instead, we have booked 3 nights in York to explore that lovely city as well as Durham and the moors. Much easier access without a car, as well. Happy travels!

We were in the Lake District twice, both times in May. Windermere was pretty crowded but much less so once you start up on the walking paths away from the towns. But then the Lake District can have walking "conversions"/festivals and the hills will be alive with walkers.

Check the Lake Distict calendar:
http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/events/events-calendar?SQ_CALENDAR_VIEW=month&SQ_CALENDAR_DATE=2016-07-01
and
http://www.wordsworthcountry.com/events.htm

Some of the july events:

July 2nd – Patterdale Boundary Walk An annual Ullswater Valley event
to raise money for St Patrick's Church in Patterdale and Patterdale
Church of England Primary School. There are three walks to suit all
abilities. The main, and most strenuous, is over a distance of 30
miles, together with a total of 10,000 feet of ascents. It starts at
Glencoyne Bay and does “The Round” via Helvellyn to the mid-way
section of the route at the summit of Kirkstone before returning on
the eastern side to Patterdale. The second route is one of 14 miles,
and the third option, a favourite with the kids, is the 3 mile all
downhill walk from Kirkstone to Patterdale. www.patterdalewalk.co.uk

July 8 - 10th – The Lake District Vintage Cycling Festival A two day
vintage cycle festival with food, music, refreshments and plenty of
fun. The cycling takes place on the Sunday over 50 kilometre and 83
kilometre routes. www.sportivelakes.co.uk

July 21st – Beatrix Potter Walk at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Ride
the narrow gauge La'al Ratty Railway from Ravenglass to Dalegarth for
a midday start of a walk to Penny Hill Farm which stands on one of the
prettiest spots on the River Esk. The farm, now owned by the National
Trust, is the only one in the Eskdale Valley to have been owned by
children's author, Beatrix Potter. It's a walk of a little more than a
mile each way, and, because it's along rough countryside paths, do
take strong footwear. Take also a packed lunch to be eaten in the the
farm garden. Return to Dalegarth at 3pm. FREE entry but booking is
essential. Email: [email protected] or phone 01946
723463.

July 28 - 31st - Kendal Calling This music festival held in the
beautiful surroundings of Lowther Deer Park on the edge of the Eden
Valley near Penrith, has been described as “one of the best small
festivals in everyway and anywhere”. Visitors will find a huge range
of attractions and facilities together with a great line-up of
musicians performing on 11 stages. Full details on the festival
website. www.kendalcalling.co.uk

July 28th – Beatrix Potter Birthday Party in the Garden Birthday
celebrations from 11am till 3.30pm in the garden of Wordsworth House,
Main Street, Cockermouth. Take your favourite Beatrix Potter toy and a
picnic lunch to get in FREE. Phone 01900 824805.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wordsworth-house

July 28th – Beatrix Potter Birthday Picnic Celebrations Celebrate
Beatrix Potter's birthday at Hill Top, from 11.30am till 5.30pm. Take
your favourite Beatrix Potter toy and a picnic lunch to get in FREE.

July 28th – Ambleside Sports Day A traditional Lake District and
Cumbria event held at Rydal Park, Ambleside. www.amblesidesports.co.uk

July 28th – Beatrix Potter's Birthday party at Ravenglass and Eskdale
Railway

Fall walking festival:
http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/events/ullswater-walking-festival-2015

Durham is a wonderful town to visit. Good choice. The cathedral and castle are impressive, the pathway along river is lovely. A true neighborhood pub is Ye Old Elm Tree and it you are an Inspector George Gently fan then you'll recognize Durham from the Season 7 finale. Enjoy your time there.