Keswick 7.1 miles. Tucked away in Bassenthwaite near Keswick in Cumbria, is this lovely one-bedroom cottage, Ashness. Enjoying a prime location within the stunning surroundings of the Lake District National Park and just moment’s away from Bassenthwaite Lake, Ashness is a fabulous pet-friendly dwelling for a couple seeking their next romantic escape. Step into the sitting room, where you can look forward to evening’s relaxing in front of a much-loved show on the Smart TV, as your pooch takes up their favourite spot in front of the crackling woodburning stove. Whip up delicious meals in the light and airy kitchen, equipped with a handy dishwasher, ready to enjoy at the dining table over a celebratory bottle of fizz. The property also enjoys a small, private rear patio with storage shed for bikes. Continue through the property, where you will find a cupboard in the hallway housing a washing machine, perfect for keeping your holiday wardrobe fresh. After a day of hiking through the Fells, treat yourself to a soothing soak in the roll-top bath, or refreshing rinse in the overhead shower as your towel is kept toasty on the heated towel rail. As the evening draws to a close, retire to the well-presented king-size bedroom to catch your rest. Right on your doorstep, you will find the welcoming Sun Inn, serving a tasty menu and local ales, it is the perfect spot to refuel at after a day of exploring. Ashness is ideally located just paces away from the Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy leisurely walks whilst spotting the local wildlife, or taking to the waters by boat, paddleboard or kayak. Surrounding the lake, you will find the attractions of the Alpacaly Ever After, where you can meet the resident alpacas and enjoy a tipple at the Lake District Distillery, take wildlife rich walks through the Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve, enjoy a fun-filled day at the Lake District Wildlife Park or tour the esteemed Mirehouse and Gardens. Stop at Keswick where you can enjoy the Keswick Museum, the Derwent Pencil Museum and the nearby National Trust site of Derwent Island and House. Those seeking adventure and exceptional views can tackle the nearby Skiddaw peak, where you can soak up incomparable views atop its 931m summit. Continue onto Ullswater, where you can enjoy the delights of the National Trust site of Aira Force and Ullswater or take advantage of the surrounding peaks of Helvellyn and St Sunday Crag, both worth the climb for their views. Next stop is Grasmere, where you can tour the former home of the great poet William Wordsworth, or head to Ambleside to explore the fascinating remains of a Roman Fort. Be sure to stop off at Windermere, where you can enjoy a wealth of watersports, views from Orrest Head and Queen Adelaide’s Hill, and The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. Your adventure to the Lakes awaits at Ashness.

If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind in the north of the Lake District, Keswick is your best bet. Numerous shops and restaurants cater to all tastes in the town, as well as excellent parks, a charming cinema and a climbing wall, a fishing lake, and great mountain biking opportunities, while the beautiful Derwentwater Lake at the head of the stunning Borrowdale Valley is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre. The lovely Newlands Valley, located between Braithwaite and Buttermere, and Bassenthwaite Lake, a short drive away, are both well worth seeing. There's something for everyone, from a leisurely stroll across the countryside to a gruelling ascent of Skiddaw or the Catbells.

There is a lot to see and do in the Lake District, including the Castlerigg Stone Circle, the Jennings Brewery and Mirehouse and the majestic house and gardens on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. This is a terrific Lakeland trip any time of year because of the many family-friendly attractions, magnificent parks, and the surrounding Lake District Wildlife Park.

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