Best Lake District base for pubs, restaurants and walking in September

[Swimful]

I’m looking to book a break for myself and my partner in the Lake District in September.
I’m not sure where to stay these days as it’s been a few years since I last visited.
we’d like to be based somewhere where there’s a few pubs / restaurants but easy access for walking so we’re not having to drive once we get there. I’m thinking Keswick?
I have looked at bowness / Windermere / Ambleside but I’m not sure if bowness is a bit too touristy/ tacky? If anyone has any recommendations please?

Keswick is perfect- lots of buses for walks, plus the boat too. There are good pubs and restaurants. Plus if it’s rainy the little cinema is lovely. Ambleside is nice but I think Keswick gives you more options. I’d avoid Bowness.

Thank you, I did think bowness might not be quite what we’re looking for.

Ambleside or Keswick for access to hills or a smaller village like Coniston if you want somewhere quieter.

Another vote for Keswick or Ambleside!

Another vote for Keswick.
Easier to walk from the town centre to the lake (compared to Ambleside).
Lots of options of things to do there and you'll not get round all the places to eat. There's a theatre by the lake. Crazy golf or mini golf... boats, Catbells to wander up, stone circles, lovely park, old railway walk to Threkeld where there's a couple of nice places to eat.

Great walks in the area. Can travel easily to other areas e.g. Ullswater for more lovely walks and more boats.

Perfect thank you ☺️

Catch the boat around the lake, you can get off , walk a bit, get back on, it’s like an open top bus tour but by boat!

Ohh this is great advice thank you!

Keswick is great as plenty have said.
Loads of walks: catbells, Lattrigg and Walls cragg plus more ( just google)

You can walk around Derwentwater or do some of it and stop off at a couple of places along the way for food and drinks
We also love Ashness bridge//surprise view walk then walk through to mary mount hotel for snack/drinks.

You can use the boats or hire a boat. Or use own paddle boards etc. We use Nichol End to hire paddleboards… they do have other options of course and they have a cafe too. There’s a tea room nearby and another marina.

Theres buses everywhere if you fancy going somewhere else for the day.

Alternatively Ullswater:Pooley bridge/Glenridding but less of a town like Keswick and much smaller but decent food and drinks options and of course plenty walks nearby as well as the boats etc.

Yes to Keswick and hop on off boat, I don't like Bowness, Grasmere nice although can be touristy, Glenridding quieter, mountains and the beautiful Aira Force waterfall. Coniston lovely too with nice pubs plenty of walking. I love Buttermere area including Kirstie Inn pub but alot quieter.