Nestled between two of the Lake District's most popular mountain hikes, Skiddaw and Blencathra, lies a charming market town that serves as the perfect weekend getaway. Its cobbled streets and Georgian square are adorned with independent shops and cafes, while its views are touted as some of the best in Europe by a renowned writer and artist.

Keswick, one of the Lake District's most delightful and bustling market towns, is home to artisan chocolatiers, quaint cafes, and an abundance of outdoor shops. Try to time your visit to coincide with the bi-weekly market on Thursdays and Saturdays, which boasts over 60 stalls selling Cumbrian produce and handmade crafts, a tradition dating back to the 13th Century.

At the heart of Keswick lies The Makers Mill, a creative hub featuring art studios and a public gallery showcasing work from around 30 local artists, including handmade ceramics, textiles and jewellery. The venue also offers workshops where you can learn new skills, such as stone carving or felt painting.

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Beyond the shopping experience, you can take in the breath-taking lakeside walks around Derwentwater, surrounded by mountains and forests. One of the best views in Europe, according to travel writer John Ruskin, who resided near Coniston Water, can be found at Friars Crag, reports the Express.

A short stroll from the town centre, past the stunning Hope Park gardens and along the shoreline, leads you to the magnificent viewpoint over Derwentwater.

Upon reaching the Crag, you'll find a monument inscribed with the artist's words about his inaugural visit to the viewpoint in 1824: "The first thing I remember an event in life was being taken by my nurse to the brow of Friars Crag on Derwentwater".

At the tender age of five, Ruskin visited this spot and years later, he still maintained that it offered one of the finest views in Europe.

Just a short 25-minute journey from England's highest peak, Scafell Pike, the town serves as a perfect pit stop for those tackling the Three Peaks Challenge or simply seeking a scenic hike.

After a day exploring the fells or browsing the market, unwind at one of Keswick’s cosy pubs, many of which feature open fires and locally brewed ales. The Dog and Gun, a beloved local favourite, is known for its welcoming atmosphere, while the Keswick Brewery offers tours and tastings just a short walk from the town centre.

If you’re staying overnight, Keswick caters to every kind of traveller, from boutique guesthouses with views of the surrounding peaks to charming B&Bs and lakeside lodges.

Whether you come for the walking, the food, or the serene landscape, Keswick captures the quintessential Lake District experience, timeless, welcoming, and impossibly picturesque.

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