There seems to have been a vegan revolution in Keswick over the past couple of years. Vegan-friendly restaurants are popping up left, right and centre, while established eateries are adding plant-based options to their menus.

Twenty Six is an entirely plant based cafe / pizza restaurant. Lake Road Brunch do great vegan brunches and transforms into Barua in the evening with Indian street food. Evening vegan pizzas can be had at Square Orange or The Pocket Cafe. Mrs F’s Fine Food Emporium provides a wonderfully quirky place to stop for a hot drink and a light snack, and there’s even vegan ice cream at Gelato Casa Bella.

Keswick is the main hub for the North of the Lake District. It’s a big town (by Lake District standards) on the banks of Derwent Water and a wonderful place to stay or visit while in the Lakes. There’s a theatre, some museums, a market on Thursdays and Saturdays and inevitably dozens of outdoor and active-wear shops.

First time mountain walkers can cut their teeth on Latrigg, investigate the popular Catbells, then consider the imposing challenges of Skiddaw or Blencathra (our favourite). To the South the Helvellyn massif is available, and a drive around Borrowdale and Honister Pass is always memorable.