Lake District/Durham

I guess "the typical things" in Durham would include the cathedral and Durham Castle (actually part of the university, with guided tours). There's also a boat ride along the River Wear, beneath the cathedral and castle, which we enjoyed. And the local history museum near the cathedral.

Durham isn't far south of Hadrian's Wall. If you're driving, you could head north to Corbridge and west on the A69 close to the wall, with stops at Roman sites like Housesteads and Vindolana. Then south on the M6 to Penrith and west on the A66 to Keswick. This would make a very long busy day, better to break it up with an overnight in one of the towns near the wall.

Castlerigg Stone Circle is just east of Keswick in a beautiful setting. From Keswick a boat circles the shore of Derwentwater with periodic stops, so you could boat part way and walk part way as time and weather allow. There are also scenic drives to such places as Buttermere, the Honister Slate Mine, and Borrowdale. The market square in Keswick is busy and charming. Farther south are the better-known lakes like Grasmere and Windermere associated with Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter (I haven't been).

Thank you. We will be in Durham for a couple of days. Then traveling to Keswick. We are hoping to climb Catbells, weather permitting.

I'll second the recommendation to see Hadrian's Wall while you are in the north of England. It is really awe-inspiring, IMO.

In Durham dont miss having a pint at Ye Olde Eim tree. Walking along the river path is lovely. Stellar view of the Cathedral.

I enjoyed seeing the huge WW1 statue “Tommy,” in Seaham. Remarkable piece of art commentating the end of the War to End All Wars. Evoked emotion as stood looking up at it.

Had lunch nearby. Believe it was at The Lamp Room.

I was traveling with a friend during a torrential downpour. As we pulled up near the restaurant the sun came out and there was a gorgeous rainbow. Otherwise don’t remember much else about Seaham.

The best day out by far IMO from Durham would be the Beamish Museum, but you need decent weather for this activity.

From Keswick, try to get away from the overrun-by-tourists spots by heading to the western Lakes, such as Eskdale.

Teesdale is beautiful ,spring should just about be sprung and High Force likely in full flow.
You could nip over back to Weardale to Killhope Wheel museum.
Alston a bit further on is a quirky place set high in the north Pennines

Hi - probably the best way to attack Catbells is to walk through Keswick to the shore of Derwentwater and take one of the boats across the lake to Hawse End (the first stop I think if you take the anti clockwise route). This deposits you almost at the foot of Catbells which you climb on the obvious path (having an OS map is sensible though and, better yet, the relevant 'Wainwright', which is 'The North Western Fells' - your accommodation may have a copy to borrow).

Wainwright reckons Carbells is 'a family fell, where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together', which is in large part true, but there are a couple of places where it is sensible to get your hands out of your pockets - popularity has caused some erosion where naked rock is encountered, nothing insurmountable by even the fell walking novice, but where care is required.

Catbells is the end of a long ridge coming down from Dalehead across Maiden Moor. For ways back from the neat summit of Catbells one can continue towards Maiden Moor and drop off eastwards steeply down into Rothswaite where there is a bus service which will take you back to Keswick. The bus service is infrequent (and slightly erratic in terms of timing in my experience) but there are cafes and pubs in Rothswaite to occupy you if you have to wait.

A shorter version drops off eastwards again (towards Derwentwater) from Hawse Gate down to near the farm of Manesty. Here follow the road back to Hawse End, or continue down to the lake to pick up the path going north back towards Keswick on the lake shore. You can pick up a boat (take a timetable!) at one of several landings, or if feeling good you can walk all the way back to Keswick.

To return direct to Keswick on foot from Catbells I favour not retracing steps exactly but dropping off the shoulder on the broad grassy track (clearly visible as you descend) heading north west (left) toward the tiny settlement of Skelgill where a road is met which goes back toward Hawse End where the boat dropped you. Ignore the boat landing and continue through woods in the direction of Portinscale, eventually emerging at Nicholl End marina which has a cafe (below you and to the right as you drop toward the lake shore) from here follow the road into Portinscale (more cafes and a pub/hotel) bearing right to reach a suspension footbridge over the river. Cross this and turn right through fields to reach Keswick. Be warned! The walk back to Keswick form Catbells is further than you possibly anticipate, so if tired at Hawse End, or the weather isn't great, taking the boat is best option (although I always enjoy the walk back to Keswick if the weather is kind).

Alternative walk you might consider - bus to the Swiss Lodore Hotel at the foot of Derwentwater on the eastern shore. Behind the hotel (bar, tea and cakes!) are the Lodore Falls, made famous by Southey's poem 'How do the waters come down at Lodore?' which are impressive after rain. From here it's possible to follow a footpath, steep initially, to the top of the falls. Turn left at a major path junction to reach a bridge over the river and follow 'Caffel Side' path to reach the tiny isolated village of Watendlath - cakes and tea at the cafe (if open!). Take the path right up the hill and back down into Rothswaite to either walk back to Keswick (follow 'Cumbria Way' signs on ground and on your OS map) or chance the bus service back to Keswick again!

Hope this gives you some ideas and you have a great trip!

Ian