If your get bored of London…wait, what? Yes, I said bored; even
the most stimulating cities can turn impotent on occasion. Then,
why not skip town for a bit and head up to Cumbria County. A
five-hour train ride from London, Cumbria boasts the Lake
District National Park and all of England’s highest mountain
peaks. The three towns below are perfect for exploring the rich
natural resources and history of the Lake District. Keswick: What
do Beatrix Potter, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Billy Graham have
in common, besides being popular authors? They all spent time in
Keswick, England. Credited with manufacturing the world’s first
graphite pencil, Keswick, meaning “farm where cheese is made,” is
now home to the Cars of the Stars Museum, the Keswick
Convention—a large Christian meet up— and a film festival, as
well as other festivities throughout the year. What do Beatrix
Potter, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Billy Graham have in common,
besides being popular authors? They all spent time in Keswick,
England. Credited with manufacturing the world’s first graphite
pencil, Keswick, meaning “farm where cheese is made,” is now home
to the Cars of the Stars Museum, the Keswick Convention—a large
Christian meet up— and a film festival, as well as other
festivities throughout the year. Ambleside: Situated on the north
end of Lake Windermere, the town of 2,600 people contains a
handful of pubs, shops and restaurants. And, while the town has
its fair share of hotels and guest houses, Ambleside cottages are
probably a better option for those wishing to spend more time
exploring the lake and surrounding fells. Granted a charter in
the 17th century, Ambleside is a popular town for mountain
bikers, mountaineers and hikers. It provides easy access to
surrounding mountains, as well as Stock Ghyll Force, a
70-foot-high waterfall, which is a short walk from the downtown
area. Windermere: Sitting less than a mile from the shore,
Windermere is so small it’s considered a village. More than 10
miles in length, Lake Windereme is the largest in England, and is
popular spot for yachting. Cottages scattered throughout the
wooded slopes provide accommodations in Windermere that are
perfect for those looking for a lakeside getaway. Looking for the
best travel
tips, then visit beersandbeans.com to find the best advice on
WWOOF farms and volunteering around the world.