If your get bored of London…wait, what? Yes, I said bored; even the most stimulating cities can turn impotent on occasion. Then, why not skip town for a bit and head up to Cumbria County. A five-hour train ride from London, Cumbria boasts the Lake District National Park and all of England’s highest mountain peaks. The three towns below are perfect for exploring the rich natural resources and history of the Lake District.

Keswick: What do Beatrix Potter, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Billy Graham have in common, besides being popular authors? They all spent time in Keswick, England. Credited with manufacturing the world’s first graphite pencil, Keswick, meaning “farm where cheese is made,” is now home to the Cars of the Stars Museum, the Keswick Convention–a large Christian meet up– and a film festival, as well as other festivities throughout the year.

What do Beatrix Potter, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Billy Graham have in common, besides being popular authors? They all spent time in Keswick, England. Credited with manufacturing the world’s first graphite pencil, Keswick, meaning “farm where cheese is made,” is now home to the Cars of the Stars Museum, the Keswick Convention–a large Christian meet up– and a film festival, as well as other festivities throughout the year.

Ambleside: Granted a charter in the 17th century, Ambleside is a popular town for mountain bikers, mountaineers and hikers. It provides easy access to surrounding mountains, as well as Stock Ghyll Force, a 70-foot-high waterfall, which is a short walk from the downtown area.

The town is situated on the north end of Lake Windermere with a population of 2,600 people, and contains a handful of pubs, shops and restaurants. And, while the town has its fair share of hotels and guest houses, Ambleside cottages are probably a better option for those wishing to spend more time exploring the lake and surrounding fells.

Windermere: Sitting less than a mile from the shore, Windermere is so small it’s considered a village. More than 10 miles in length, Lake Windereme is the largest in England, and is popular spot for yachting. Cottages scattered throughout the wooded slopes provide accommodations in Windermere that are perfect for those looking for a lakeside getaway.

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