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Keswick retains the attractive appearance of a traditional small market town, the weekly stalls still set around the Moot (market) hall which dominates the town centre. The Tourist Information Centre, a first port of call for visitors, is conveniantly placed in this fine old listed building. Despite it's small size, Keswick contains a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions far wider than you might expect. Three very individual museums, a highly successful theatre, the cinema and art and craft exhibitions are balanced, for the very active, by the leisure pool, indoor climbing centre and the sports hall.

To travel or walk along the steep sided glacial valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere, which cut deeply into the central part of the Lake District, is to have a great experience of being among 'real mountains', while to the north, east and west the softer and more open outlines make a striking contrast, but with equally impressive views. The major lakes reflect and emphasise this dominance of the fells or mountains. derwentwater, Buttermere and Crummock Water, Bassenthwaite Lake and Thirlmere all have their own individual characteristics, but share in peacefulness, accessibility and in creating continually changing scenes as the weather and seasons pass by.

Keswick is also special in having two large recreational parks within a few minutes walk of the town centre, adding to the town's reputation for well kept open spaces and floral displays. Close by is the lakeshore and the launch and boat landings, with a marvellous panorama of Derwentwater and the mountains opening up from here and the nearby Friars Crag. Shopping, by necessity or for pleasure, has similarly relaxing quality: the individual and friendly attention is much welcomed by customers. And after an invigorating day out, the local delicacies of Cumberland sausage, tattie hot pot, Borrowdale tea loaf, rum butter and plum bread are all names to tempt the taste buds into the many eating places, while the full range of accommodation in Keswick and the surrounding picturesque, peaceful villages will satisfy every need.

The South Central Lakes contains many areas worth visiting, including many picturesque lakes. The names of these lakes are familiar to us all, evoking fond memories and providing visitors with both energetic and restful pursuits: Windermere offers all manner of lake activities; as does Coniston Water, with the 'Old Man' (803m) towering above; Thirlmere provides clear and pure contemplation while Ullswater is popular for sailing. Nowhere else will you find nature and culture in such close proximity. Grasmere has Dove Cottage, with Rydal Mount Close by, both former homes of Wordsworth. Sawrey is where Beatrix Potter's characters sprang to life. At Grizedale Forest, you'll find a fascinating sculpture trail, whilst Brantwood, John Ruskin's home, above Coniston Water, offers you an insight into the life of this influential writer.

The towns are equally as evocative - from historic Kendal in the south of this area, famous for its mint cake and castle, to Bowness-on-Windermere with pleasure craft that ply the lake all year round. Keswick-on-Derwentwater is a focal point for the northern half of the National Park, boasting the mighty Skiddaw (931m) as a backdrop. The pleasant shores of Derwentwater, 'Queen of the English Lakes', are walkable from town. While the Borrowdale Valley, so enticing to serious walkers and climbers, leads to Lodore Falls and the Honister Pass also known as Honister Hause, is a mountain pass in the English Lake District. It is located on the B5289 road, linking Seatoller, in the valley of Borrowdale, to Gatesgarth at the southern end of Buttermere. The pass reaches an altitude of 1,167 feet (356 m), making it one of the highest in the region, and also one of the steepest, with gradients of up to 1-in-4 (25%).[1]

The Honister Pass is one of three passes that link the tourist area around Keswick, including Derwent Water and Borrowdale, with the valley of the River Cocker, including the lakes of Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater. From north to south these passes are the Whinlatter Pass, the Newlands Pass, and the Honister Pass.[2]

The Honister Slate Mine and Honister Hause Youth Hostel are located at the summit of the pass. Footpaths lead from the summit of the pass to Fleetwith Pike and Grey Knotts to the south, and Dale Head to the north.