Recently Alan and I were very fortunate to get a last-minute opportunity to join in the U3A Holiday to Keswick organised by John and Kathleen Spurr. Aside from a Science Group trip to Bletchley Park a few years ago, this was our 1st U3A holiday. It was thoroughly enjoyable! Great company, really good food, a handy location in Portinscale, just a short and pleasant walk from Keswick and, once the steep flights of stairs were negotiated, into the garret, a very comfortable room.
And what a view greeted us on the Friday from that room, down to and over the nearby Derwentwater. In fact, our Holiday Fellowship accommodation – Derwent Bank, located in Portinscale – had many rooms with wonderful views from bedrooms and public rooms alike. These were not only of the lake, but also of the formal and informal gardens surrounding the old house and hills in the distance. Being Autumn, these ware made even more spectacular by the colours in the garden and surrounding forest trees.
Click or tap on any picture in the Gallery below to run a slideshow of some stunning views from rooms at Derwent Bank.
As regards activities, this was advertised as a Leisure break, not a walking holiday, so we all did our own thing during the day. The weather unfortunately was a little inclement, but that didn’t stop us getting out and about. There is plenty of interest in this area; for example, some of us on the Saturday took the pleasant 1 mile walk from Portinscale into Keswick where the Market was in full swing. In Keswick, some sought rest and refreshment in the warmth of Elaine’s niece’s cosy cafe – the Little Chamonix cafe. And those who opted to see the play called “Watch out, Sailor!” had a chance in the afternoon to sit down, warm up and enjoy more refreshments in the really excellent Theatre by the Lake. This is located by the pier – again with its attractive views over the lake.
Click or tap on any picture in the Gallery below to run a slideshow of places to go and things to do in and around Keswick and Portinscale.
On Sunday, abandoning the idea of a lake cruise due to inclement weather, Alan and I set off on a drive around Derwentwater. On the east side, we visited the Ashness Bridge – so popular with photographers. A chance conversation in a car park encouraged us to take a walk further uphill to a location called Surprise View. And it indeed lived up to its name! (For anyone struggling with walking, there is actually a small car park very near this lovely viewing point overlooking both Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite.)
In the afternoon, we travelled back up the west side of the lake, stopping to munch the excellent packed lunch provided by the Hotel. We found a small car park from which you can ascend Cat Bells, but decided not to attempt this as the weather was closing in, gloaming was descending and we didn’t really have entirely suitable gear with us.
Click or tap on any picture in the Gallery below to run a slideshow of places to go and things to do near Derwentwater.
For times when the holidaymakers wished to stay indoors and in the evenings, the downstairs accommodation was spacious and comfortable with plenty of seating – entrance lobby, dining room, conservatory and meeting hall with bar (where we enjoyed an excellent quiz on the Sunday evening thanks to John Critchley) .
Click or tap on any picture in the Gallery below to run a slideshow of holiday members relaxing in Derwent Bank.
On Monday, it was time to pack up and say good-bye. Very Many Thanks are due to Kathleen and John Spurr for organising a grand leisure break enjoyed by over 40 members.
Homeward Bound
Joyce Nolan, November 2016
Last Updated on January 18, 2017