What is this "convention"

[James Worth]

I have 2 weeks off work at the end of July and we are hoping to come to Keswick for 4 or 5 days. We have phoned around and are having difficulty finding a good B&B as they are either full or want us to stay a full week because theis "convention" is on. One helpful landlady suggested that we don't come at that time as Keswick will be "full to the brim".

My holiday time is not flexible, so can anyone offer advice on where to stay and possibly avoid the crowds? We really do like Keswick.

[Gill]

The convention is a very popular Christian Convention that caters for young and old.
You will find it extremely hard to find any b&B/hotel/self catering free at this late stage.... You will probably be best to find accomdation on the out skirts of Keswick.......
Sorry
Gill

[Guesthouseowner]

Yes, the religious convention runs from 15th July to 4th August. The first 2 weeks are the busiest and that's when you will see most disruptions in the streets of Keswick. Peopel coming for the convention usually stay full weeks, saturday to saturday, hence most B&Bs will only take full week bookings at that time. This year I am not taking any conventioners at all, I'm closing up and going off to France for 2 weeks.

Suggest that you look out of town, to the villages where you will be able to find B&B away from the crowds. As parking is Keswick will be a serious problem during the meeting times (morning and evening) ask your hosts if you want to go into town. They will know the best times to go and likely places to be able to park.

Good luck, and have a nice hilday, just like I intend to.

[James Worth]

Thank you both for that. I have looked at some locations just away from Keswick, Threlkeld, Rosthwaite, Portinscale, Braithwaite, Thornthwaite and Bassenthwaite. I like the idea of staying in a "thwaite" so will be on the phone tomorrow.