The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas - Keswick

The transformation of the old Police Station and Court Rooms on Bank Street in Keswick in to the "The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas" is nearing completion. JD Wetherspoons, who bought the property, are reported to have spent £1.56 million on its renovation and refurbishment.

Easy Seating - The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Keswick

The Servery & Dining Tables - The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Keswick

Many of the original features have been retained including the original cell doors , the witness box and the dock. The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas is the first pub owned by the Wetherspoons chain to open in the Lake District.

The Bar - The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Keswick

Seating & Tables - The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Keswick

Opening Times

The pub, which will have extended opening hours, will open its doors on Tuesday, 30 September. Like other JD Wetherspoons pubs, The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas will not have accommodation. If you would like to visit Keswick and stay in the area, holiday accommodation at www.lakelandcottages.co.uk

The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas on Bank Street in Keswick

Sources & Citations

http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-chief-justice-of-the-common-pleas

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-26860162

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.

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Coastline of the Lake District National Park

Although the Lake District National Park in Cumbria is well known for its mountain and lakes, it is a lesser known that it also includes a stretch of coastline. The south-western corner of the national park includes just over 3 miles of coastline, stretching from Drigg just above Ravenglass in the north to Silecroft in the south. The area between coast and fell has many interesting attractions which include the village of Ravenglass. evidence of the Roman occupation of the area, the narrow-gauge Ravenglass to Eskdale railway, Muncaster Castle and Eskmeals Nature Reserve.

Ravenglass Roman Bath-house

Ravenglass is situated at the confluence of three rivers – the Esk, the Mite and the Irt. And it was here that the Romans built a fort, known as Glannoventa, to protect Hadrian’s Wall. Remains of the Roman Bath-house, which lies to the north east of the fort, are still visible today and are just a short 15 minute walk from Ravenglass. The website lakedistrict-walks.co.uk includes some excellent photographs of the Roman Bath-house. English Heritage maintain the Bath-house and more information can be found on their website.

Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass is perhaps better known for being the terminus of the Ravenglass to Eskdale narrow-gauge railway. Here you can enjoy a ride through the scenic countryside on a steam locomotive. The railway runs throughout the year with but with a reduced service in the winter months. You can find out more and book tickets on the Ravenglass railway here – ravenglass-railway.co.uk.

Eskmeals Nature Reserve

The Eskmeals nature reserve is a coastal nature relocated to the south of Ravenglass. It is best to explore the flora and fauna on foot. Here you may be lucky enough to view Oystercatcher’s, Stonechat’s and Ringed Plover’s. You would be especially lucky to see the Natterjack Toad, which is a rarity in the rest of Britain, and are usually found amongst the sand dunes. Here you will also find the attractive Seaholly thistle with its purple flowers.

Off the coast is Cumbria’s own reef, constructed from sand by the Honeycomb Worm. The reefs are exposed at low tide and are between thirty and fifty centimetres tall. They are fragile structures and should not be walked on. 

You can found out more about the nature reserve at  www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/eskmeals-dunes.html

Visiting Ravenglass

Along the coast you can experience the dramatic contrast between the high fells and the open sea. One of the best ways to enjoy this diverse landscape is by rail. At the time of writing it is possible to get a rail ticket that allows you to take a circular journey around the Lake District and Cumbria, taking in much of the western coastline. Alternatively, Ravenglass is just over 40 miles from Keswick, and 36 miles from Ambleside, both journeys taking about an hour.

Stay In The Lake District

In order to enjoy all that the Lake District has to offer, you really need to stay for an extended period of time. One of the best ways to do this is by taking a self catering holiday. There are many Lake District cottages to choose from and we would recommend www.lakelandcottages.co.uk for cottages in the northern Lake District, or visit the Ravenglass village website ravenglassvillage.co.uk for local accommodation.

10 (Unusual) Things To Do In The Lake District

Most peoples experience of the Lake District falls in to two categories: they are either the outdoor type and will spend their days walking the fells, exploring the flora and fauna of the mountain tops and valleys, or they are the indoor type that will spend many happy hours socialising in the many pubs and restaurants, or simply browsing the shops. However, the Lake District has much more to offer those who would like to venture a little way off the regularly beaten tourist trails. Here’s our guide to ten unusual things to do whilst enjoying a self catering holiday in Cumbria:

• Ghyll Scrambling – this one is definitely for the more adventurous. Immerse yourself in the cold water of a mountain stream whilst trying to climb up a rocky gorge. Hard hats and waterproofs are a must and are usually supplied – contact Keswick Mountain Adventures.
• Take to the water and leave the fells behind – sounds like the opening lines of a song. Get an usual perspective of the surrounding fells by windsurfing across Derwentwater. You can hire equipment from a reputable marina such as Derwent Water Marina near Keswick.
• Sea, Sand and Candyfloss – the tiny fishing hamlet of St. Bees on the west cost of Cumbria offers an exciting day out for those wanting to explore rock pools, build sandcastles or just sit on the promenade eating candy floss. St. Bees in also the start of the Coast to Coast walk.
• Enjoy A Roman Adventure – the Lake District landscape is dotted with evidence of Roman occupation such as the forts at Hardknott, Glannoventa at Ravenglass, and Galava at Ambleside. You can immerse yourself in a true Roman experience at the Vindolanda Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.
• Enjoy some retail therapy at the Gretna Green Gateway just over the border in Scotland. Here you can browse across a wide range of well known shops such as Gap, Body Shop, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Antler and Austin Reed to name but a few.
• Horse Riding Across the Fells – before the arrival of quad bikes, farmers took to the fells on horseback. You can enjoy a similar experience, horse riding across the fells. Horses can be hired from a number of riding centres including Park Foot Pony Trekking Centre near Ullswater.
• Experience the underground delights of Cave exploration by visiting White Scar Cave near Ingleton just over the Cumbria border in the Yorkshire Dales. Venture 6 km beneath the ground and marvel at underground waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites.
• Gyrocopter Flight – a unique way to see the Lake District. Experience the thrill of flying through the valleys and over the fell tops – you can take a camera or take the controls. Book a flight with Roger Savage for your own flying experience.
• Visit the zoo – yes, Cumbria has a number of zoo’s and wildlife parks. Enjoy exotic animals at Trotter’s World at Bassenthwaite, where you can see over a 100 species of animals including many that are endangered such as Gibbons and Vultures.
• Pan for Gold – the fells are well known for their gems and precious stones, and there are still many signs of previous mining activity in the area. You can experience the thrill of panning for your own gold at the Mining Museum in Keswick.

Of course, to experience and take part in these varied activities you really need to stay a while in the area. A great place to base yourself is Keswick in the northern Lake District. Simply book a cottage for a long weekend break or full week. You are then free to come and go as your fancy takes you. And when you have completed your daily adventure you can rest and relax in one of the many welcoming pubs and restaurants. Lake District cottages are available for self catering holidays throughout the year.