Where to stay in the Lake District with no car

I can predict that most people on here will suggest Keswick, and there is nothing wrong with that. Although I think I would suggest Threlkeld or Braithwaite (both on the half hourly Keswick bus route) as quieter alternatives to Keswick and really good walking options.

From Threlkeld you've got Blencathra and Skiddaw but also the Back o' Skiddaw (Dash Falls), Mosedale, St John's in the Vale, and the fells off the old coach road through to Matterdale.

There is also lots at Braithwaite, especially with the aid of the 77 bus over to Whinnlatter, Lorton, Buttermere and Honister.

But with the newly improved bus services I would suggest Pooley Bridge or, especially, Glenridding/Patterdale on Ullswater (no guide book will have the bus services up to date as the service improvements are only 2 weeks old and took almost everyone by surprise).

Train to Penrith, step outside the station and the bus stop for the #508, and weekend #509 buses is straight outside.

From Glenridding especially there are plenty of walks for all abilities straight out of the village, but from both villages there is the lake 'steamer' service across to Howtown for the south side of the lake, where there is also the new bus #UB1 on a weekend back to Pooley Bridge and Aira Force. So many bus/boat combinations.

From both villages there is also the 2 hourly #508 bus over to Kirkstone Pass, Troutbeck and Winderemere. Take that up to Hartsop and there are even more walks over to Martindale for Howtown.

I am in no position to claim it’s the best, since it’s the only place in the lakes I have stayed, but I found Keswick to be a great place to stay without a car. There was plenty of hiking from the town (we especially liked Catbells and the stone circle) and the bus service was good. The TI had pamphlets outlining hikes you could do (there was a small charge). You’ll find tons of places to stay and eat.