Lake District in the summer (mad, I know!)

[susanmt]

We're hoping to go to the Keswick Convention this summer (big Christian conference that no doubt bugs everyone who lives in Keswick) and need somewhere to stay last week in July with a 4 yr old, 2 year old, 8 month old (by then), me & dh and possibly MIL. Within travelling distance of Keswick (say, 15 - 20 mins max).
Anyone have any suggestions (or will anyone else be there??)

[emmaij]

There is a time share in Keswick - that is very nice. The properties are often available for rent. It is called Underscar (though might be pricey in July) BuT worth looking into. Would fit you all in. Lovely setting by Derwent Water.

[WedgiesMum]

You could try cottages4you.com as they have lots of cottages to choose from and you can be quite specific on your search for availability. Have you thought/is it possible for you to camp?? There are hundreds of local campsites and lots are on the web.

[Marina]

Do you mean nice hotel, susanmt? I hope you're planning to treat yourselves.
The Pheasant Inn, off the A66 between Cockermouth and Keswick is pretty and the right side of Keswick for the convention (stay in Borrowdale and you will have to get through town each time, as I expect you know). It has changed hands recently so am not sure how genuinely family-friendly it is these days. Even posher is Armathwaite Hall also at that end of the A66, but I think that might be a bit OTT (famous for planting plastic daffs in the grounds for that Wordsworth effect).
I might well be up in the Lakes at the end of July but not at the convention and not in Cockermouth as my parents have moved to Carlisle. Thanks for reminding me that Keswick will be even more jammed than usual that week

[susanmt]

Marina, not just that week but also the 2 previous! Will also be in Carslile as my Sister lives there (have neber been to visit her there before).
We hope for self catering, as its so much easier with kids (I've tried getting Frosties at 5.45 am in a hotel, not the easiest!)
Thanks for suggestions - I knew Mumsnet was where to come - I reckon you lot saved us about £500 on our holiday to Canada last summer!.

[Marina]

Might see you in Bitz Park then if it's sunny, Susan, or the Tullie House Cafe if it's raining (very probably). Will try and think of some other self-catering places around Keswick. Stuff in Borrowdale proper tends to be so pricy because of its glorious location.

[susanmt]

And we're NOT camping - I still want to be married at the end of the week!!

[florenceuk]

Susan, I stayed with these people about 6yrs ago - a long time ago unfortunately. This village is about 3miles from Keswick. Horrible decor, but facilities were OK - good beds/shower/kitchenette and sunny garden out the back. The main reason we booked it was that it had 2 double bedrooms so you should be able to squeeze in.

Rose Burchill
Salutation Inn
Threlkeld
Keswick
017687 79767

[susanmt]

Came back to let you know I had a booking and noticed it was in the same place that florence stayed in though not the same property - ours has 3 bedrooms.
Booked a lovely looking cottaage in Threlkeld today online (English Coutry Cottages). If anyone knows anything about this teeny village (florenceuk?) could you let me know?
Getting all excited even though its not until the end of July!

[yamamoto]

There is a nice self catering complex next to our campsite (whats wrong with camping..!) at Ullswater, 20 mins from Keswick. V good with kids, lots of animals etc www.mellfell.co.uk Keswick is vvbusy for that week.

[elliott]

Threlkeld! Well we have a place there (currently on long term rental otherwise I would have offered it to you for your holiday). I love the village, its a great location with kids. There is a playground up the road towards the Blencathra Centre, and lots of little footpaths to explore. The Horse and Farrier pub does lovely food - you will need to book though. There are no shops in the village but you can buy a newspaper and there is a part time post office. You can walk to Keswick on the railway path (should be fine with a 3 wheeler buggy) - takes about an hour. There is also a good bus service.
Rainy day options - there is a small soft play area at the Rheged Centre (east along the A66 to the Ullswater Roundabout); there's a leisure pool in Keswick.
There are (small) adventure playgrounds at the Mirehouse and there are ospreys nesting near there. Keswick is great for shopping, and a trip on the ferry is also a good kiddy option. Castlerigg Stone Circle is also lovely to visit.
You'll have a lovely time. What's the name of the cottage you're staying in? Ask if you need any more info. I'm missing it!

[yamamoto]

If you follow the signs from the Keswick to the lakeside by foot you will come to one of the most accessable TOP views in the lakes. Arm yourself with bread for the near tame ducks, our youngest loves to feed from her pram. Watch out for the geese tho. Continue along the lake side to Friars cragg. We eat in the cafe at the top of George Fishers, good with kids.

Ate in the Horse And Farrier last month and felt it had gone off a little, although it will be very handy for you.
Our favourite at the moment is The Punch Bowl in Askham.

Rheged can be very busy in the rain.

The best free kids venue is the adventure playground at Brockhole, the visitor centre, midway between Ambleside and Windemere. A lovely old house and gardens with lake frontage and a huge playground.

Our web site
TQS has a local attractions links page and a walks page which may be of interest.
Castlerigg stone circle is a lovely place to visit, quite magical.

The Penrith show is on the 24th July, great for the Kids..

Have a good week!

[Mummysurfer]

we have a property in Ambleside, let through Heart of the Lakes ... I'll look for the web site

[Mummysurfer]

here is Heart of the Lakes

[elliott]

yamamoto, have saved your site for when we next need to visit in the summer