Located at Friars Crag, Keswick, the bench faces a stunning panorama of Derwentwater, surrounded by mountains, woods, and islands.
Over the years, artists like Turner and Constable, as well as writers like Wordsworth and Coleridge, have drawn inspiration from this vantage point.
In 2024, the Daily Mail’s Simon Heptinstall described the spot as offering “one of Britain’s finest views.”
This spot provides an impressive view of the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’, where the River Derwent flows through a gorge.
It has inspired figures from many disciplines, including missionaries, artists, writers, and poets.
The crag’s pine trees shelter memorials to vicar Hardwicke Rawnsley, one of the National Trust’s founders, and writer John Ruskin, who believed this vista was unparalleled in Europe.
Friars Crag is a popular hiking destination with several peaks, including the 1,500ft Catbells, rising around it.
It is a short walk from Keswick’s town centre, along Lake Road and through Hope Park’s gardens.
The path follows Derwentwater’s shoreline past the boat landings and leads to the viewpoint.
Keswick, known for its outdoor shops, pubs, bookshops, and restaurants, is also home to the Pencil Museum, which celebrates the area’s graphite resources.
It also boasts the highly-rated Theatre By The Lake, with Judi Dench as its president.
From the town centre’s Market Square, visitors can access trails leading to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, three miles away, or take a two-mile lakeside walk to Lingholm.
Friars Crag is not just a location for breathtaking views but also a starting point for exploring the Lake District’s outdoor offerings.
With its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, this Keswick bench continues to inspire visitors and remains a testament to the area’s enduring appeal.
Other benches that offer stunning views of the Lake District include: The Orrest Head Compass, the bench at Buttermere, and the Loughrigg Terrace bench.
