Places to see and stay in the Lake district in No. England

You're in luck because much of the Lake District is "off the beaten track." Rick recommends the North Lake District and focuses (in his book England) on the town of Keswick, the lake called Derwentwater, and the Newland Valley. He has an entire chapter on the Lake District.

If you head to Keswick, the journey down Borrowdale is recommended.The pub at Stonethwaite gets good reviews for food.At the head of the valley ,theres Honister pass, with englands only via ferrata trail(for a fee).
The village of Blencathra , east of keswick, I believe has a local brewery.
Bit furtheer south, Coniston area ,is Grizedale forrest.Theres a whole lot of marked trails, sculpture trails,.You can pick up free maps and try easy,mod. orienteering courses a Go-Ape ariel adventure course and the "theatre in the Forrest."

Hi Joe,
My husband and I stayed in Embleton in the Lake District which is near Cockermouth. We stayed in a B&B called the Orchard House and it was one of our favorite places on our trip. The view from their breakfast room and front door is amazing. It was a great starting point for the Lake District drive recommended by Rick Steves. There was also a really good pub that we ate in right down the street from the B&B. Please let me know if you would like the contact information, I am happy to share that with you and anything else you may need.

Amber

We stayed in Keswick. Sorry I can't remember the name but it was delightful. There are a couple of steets almost on the lake with lots of B & B's. They are all nice. Keswick has a lot to offer for a starting place. You might check out RS book Best of Britain.

Check out Castlerigg a stone circle near Keswick. I also liked visiting the castle in Carlisle. It's a little further north. Carlisle was one of the bases for England's Border Marches during Elizabethan times and earlier. The countryside of the borders is beautiful and includes Hadrien's Wall. It's all very close. If you're interested in the area and the Reivers look for Fraser's book Steel Bonnets. It will give you some great ideas for back door exploration.