Braithwaite Village, near Keswick in the Lake District

The village of Braithwaite is in the northern Lake District and is just under 3 miles from the market town of Keswick. It is situated just off the A66 and at the entrance to the Newlands Valley and at the foot of the Whinlatter Pass. It is a popular destination for walkers, being the starting point of many excellent walks in the Newlands valley and on the surrounding fells. Braithwaite was the original home of the Cumberland Pencil Company, and was the home to a large number of quarry workers and miners. There is a well stocked village store which also provides freshly made sandwiches.

Places To Eat And Drink In Braithwaite

Braithwaite has two village pubs: the Coledale Inn and the The Royal Oak. The Royal Oak ( www.royaloak-braithwaite.co.uk ) serves beer from the local brewery Jennings, serves excellent food in the bar or restaurant and also has B&B rooms. The Coledale Inn ( coledale-inn.co.uk ) has a fine selection of real ales including local breweries Yates and Jennings, serves lunches and evening meals, and also offers B&B. Middle Ruddings is a country inn and restaurant, with meals served in the bar and restaurant.

Things To Do In Braithwaite

Despite its small size, Braithwaite offers a wide variety of activities. Walking is popular and a variety of walks listed by Wainwright can be undertaken from the village such as Grisedale Pike or Hopegill Head. Alternatively, you can cycle the quiet and gentle lanes of the Newlands Valley, or try the graded cycle trails at Whinlatter ( www.forestry.gov.uk/england-cycling/whinlatter ) which are the longest purpose-built cycle trails in the Lake District. There is also a cycle hire shop, café and visitor centre. Nearby is Whinlatter Go-Ape ( http://goape.co.uk/days-out/whinlatter ) which boasts the highest tree-top adventure in the country.

Places To Stay In Braithwaite

Braithwaite is a popular tourist destination and is home to a selection of self catering cottages. There is also a popular campsite that also welcomes caravans, Scotgate Holiday Park – which unfortunately is prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Braithwaite Farm ( braithwaitefarm.co.uk ) offers excellent Bed & Breakfast accommodation, as does Hermiston B&B ( hermiston-keswick.co.uk ). Alternatively, you can choose self catering accommodation in Braithwaite.

Self Catering Cottages in Braithwaite

Hill Cottage is on the Newlands road leading from Braithwaite in to the Newlands Valley. This popular cottage sleeps four people, has a down-stairs cloakroom, a spacious kitchen, sun room and an excellent patio for al fresco dining. The cottage is centrally heated and well equipped, boasting dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.

Crown Cottage in Braithwaite is an attractive cottage is on a quiet back lane near the centre of the village. Crown Cottage accommodates six people in two double bed rooms and a twin bedded room. The cottage has a Visit Britain 4 Star rating, is centrally heated and has a washer/dryer and dish-washer. There is also a wood burning stove in the lounge making the cottage especially cosy. Outside there is a slate patio with picnic table and chairs.

Wychwood is a large family house situated on what is known as “The Shelf” – the old back road from Braithwaite to Thornthwaite. The property has excellent views towards Skiddaw. Wychwood sleeps seven people in two double bed rooms, a twin bedded room and a single bedroom. Apart from one double bedroom (which has an en-suite shower room), all the accommodation is on a single level. Wychwood has a Visit Britain 3 Star rating. The property is centrally heated and has a dish washer, washing machine and dryer. Pets are welcome by prior arrangement.