After Lockdown...

In post-apocalyptic, post-Brexit Britain, we gave our passports a rest until we ventured out for a long weekend in Normandy during the record-breaking hot spell in England in 2022. As one of us has medication to suppress immunity, we made sure to keep our distance from, well, everyone - in the hotel, restaurants and on the ferry. This apprehension dampened our relaxation somewhat but all went well and we were (are) fine. 

Trying to return to life as we knew it...

We braved a whole week in the Lake District last month, renting a house in Braithwaite, near Keswick. As with most people now, we don't really think about catching covid on an everyday basis. Braithwaite is a small, sleepy village with an excellent pub, only 50 yards staggering distance to our temporary residence! 

Keswick is a lively holiday hub with plenty to do for all ages, as long as the weather's good. If it's not, you can wander around the pencil museum :) It sounds boring but it's actually quite interesting and you're given a free pencil! There's a gift shop at the end for any arty types. 

The shops in the town predominantly provide clothing, footwear and accessories for walkers; there are adequate numbers of cafés with seating inside and outside in the pedestrianised area. There's also a decent, large supermarket if you're self-catering and several activities in the town, both land-based and water-based. Strolling along the shores of the lake is very pleasant. 

The area is superb for photographers and artists, especially at the end of May when there is an abundance of stunning flowering shrubs. 

Within a very short distance, other places to visit include The Old Sawmill Tearoom - you can park here and buy tickets to visit Mirehouse - there is a lovely wooded walk behind the tea room and the Mirehouse walk leads through the grounds to the lake. It's easy to take the wrong path, though. 

We picked up some leaflets of other places to visit but didn't have time to fit them in, such as breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea at Bassenthwaite Lake (Railway) Station and a quiet walk around Castlerigg Stone Circle. 

Verdict: quite relaxing while you're there but a nightmare journey on Britain's motorways!!