In the north Lakes District lies a town about the size of Ladysmith. Its primary industry is tourism, especially catering to outdoor enthusiasts. In the past, the local slate mine provided economic sustainability and we saw evidence of that everywhere. Coasters, placemats, floors, walls, signage, and slate-art. Nowadays, the majority of shops sell outdoor climbing equipment and clothing. The surrounding hills fall far short of Swiss Alps for elevation, but the town still feels Swiss. Or French Swiss, to be exact. Even our hotelier hails from Switzerland — married an English girl and now runs an outstanding B&B in the heart of the north Lakes.
Keswick is a treasure in every way!
