Part Three in the England Travel Series features what I believe to be the best part of our 10 Day Trip. When looking at a map, you may think, why would I drive all the way to Northern England? I hope the photos below help explain why.
My husband and I drove from Oxford to Keswick on the fourth day of our trip. We were entranced the minute we began to see the rolling mountains surrounding the Lake District. This part of England, just bordering Scotland, is stunning. Charming villages are nestled in valleys by the lake where clouds and fog roll over the mountain tops in the evening. It felt like a storybook was coming to life.
We stayed at The Royal Oak in Keswick, and friends, I cannot recommend this charming inn enough! The food was spectacular, the staff endearing, and the rooms idyllic. We spent hours in the downstairs pub drinking ales with locals and adorable dogs (who are also allowed in the pub, as long as they are on good behavior).
As an Interior Designer I personally had such an appreciation for the design of The Royal Oak. The scheme of cozy plaid carpets with warm wood tones and pops of color just made this place feel like home.
The next morning we went on an incredible hike of the Catbells. The hike was more intense then I thought it would be, but absolutely worth it once you get to those stunning views at the top.
Next we headed east and stopped off at Hadrian's Wall on our way to York. It was so cold and windy at Hadrian's Wall we didn't stay very long, but I would still recommend it.
More details and tips listed at the bottom of the post, enjoy!
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| The Royal Oak signage |
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| The Royal Oak exterior |
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| Lounge area inside The Royal Oak |
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| The Cheese Plate was incredible! |
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| Delicious breads with local rapeseed oil and butter |
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| Pub at The Royal Oak |
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| View from our room |
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| Cozy room |
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| Adorable sheep tea pot cover in the room |
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| Goodies for a good night's rest - eye masks and ear plugs |
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| Starting our hike by the lake |
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| Sheep along the Catbells hike |
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| Catbells Views, half way up |
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| It felt a bit like Game of Thrones on this hike |
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| Enjoying the views! |
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| Hadrian's Wall |
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| My husband overlooking Scotland from Hadrian's Wall |
Where We Ate
The Royal Oak - Main St, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5HZ, United Kingdom
Where We Stayed
The Royal Oak - Main St, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5HZ, United Kingdom
What We Did
Hiked the Catbells - Hawse End Centre, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5UE, United Kingdom
Hiked Hadrian's Wall - Military Road, Bardon Mill, Northumberland, NE47 7AN, United Kingdom
General Advice
Before heading to the Catbells stop by the Tourist Information Center (a block from The Royal Oak) and get directions. You will easily get lost trying to find the Hawse End car park to start your hike!
Take some snacks and water with you on this hike, it took us four hours round trip. Take a blanket and have a mountaintop picnic to rest before heading back down.
For Hadrian's Wall, start at the Once Brewed Tourist Center. Head north across the main road, up the hill, and through the kissing gate on the right. You will cross a pasture and then be at the base of Hadrian's Wall. Be prepared if it is a windy day, the wind gusts are treacherous up those stone steps and it is a very steep climb.
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