Shields, Cumbria

Nestled in the heart of the popular tourist town of Keswick rests this striking three-storey townhouse, Shields. Boasting a fabulous Victorian exterior and sleeping up to seven guests, Shields offers the perfect base for your next group celebration to the lakes. Park up on the roadside and kick off your shoes as you step over the threshold and into a delightful hallway, providing handy storage space to house your walking gear before following the stripped wood flooring through to the main areas of the house. Be charmed by the traditional décor of the open-plan living/dining space, fit with a warming woodburning stove nestled alongside two rustic leather sofas and a snug armchairs, providing the perfect spot to unwind with a cup of tea in front of the television. Head through to the contemporary kitchen, beautifully appointed with modern contemporary cupboards housing an array of modern amenities, make use of the facilities to rustle up some tasty treats for your group, serving at the nearby dining table to indulge in some long overdue quality time together. Step outside to into the courtyard with a glass of wine and reflect on the marvellous time you are having on holiday. When sleep calls, climb the stairs to the first-floor where you'll find a snug twin bedroom, alongside a sumptuous king-size room; servicing the rooms is a modern family bathroom, boasting an elegant double ended bath as well as a spacious walk-in shower, WC and hand basin, giving guests the option between enjoying a leisurely soak or a quick refreshing shower. Climb a further set of stairs to the second-floor to discover two additional bedrooms, a king-size and a single with 4ft bed, along with a tasteful shower room; wake up as the sun rises over the distant fells and floods the room with natural light. Take the short stroll into the centre of Keswick and discover the thrilling selection of sights and attractions on offer, with the quirky exhibitions on display at Derwent Pencil Museum, the Theatre by the Lake, a fabulous 18-hole golf course and a handful of art galleries, there's something to keep everyone entertained. Take a break from doing the cooking and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many eateries that line the streets of the quaint town, with traditional country pubs and tea rooms to name a few. Avid outdoor adventurers will be delighted with a visit to nearby Ullswater, England's second largest lake, where you can partake in a session in wakesurfing or stand-up paddle boarding on the tranquil waters, or catch sight of the remarkable Aira Force waterfall as it cascades down the rock face. Head west to Cockermouth the birth place of poet William Wordsworth or visit the less frequented and quieter Western areas which include Buttermere, Crummock, Loweswater and Ennerdale. No trip to the lakes would be complete without an exploration through the wonderful landscape, stretching over 900 square miles of rolling hills, open moorland and of course, breath-taking lakes, home to the striking mountains of Scafel Pike and Helvellyn, promising a challenging climb. For an adventure in The Lakes, choose a stay at Shields.