YouTubers Andy and Claire Stock visited Keswick as part of their tour of the Lake District and found one big problem with the picturesque town
A pair of YouTubers who ventured to one of the UK’s priciest market towns encountered an immediate issue upon their arrival. Andy and Claire Stocks, who go by St Christopher of Atlantis, chose to explore Keswick to determine whether it justified its hefty price tag.
The Cumbrian town housed approximately 4,658 residents according to the 2021 census. However, it’s believed that roughly 40 per cent of properties in the town sit empty, with about half of sold houses being converted for tourist use.
Rightmove data shows the average property price in Keswick stands at around £359,880. Although house prices have fallen by five per cent year-on-year, Andy notes that some locals “aren’t very happy” about the tourism surge.
In a video on his channel, he explained: “Fifty percent of the houses that are sold go to the tourist market. Some people aren’t very happy because it keeps driving the houses up. But first impressions, and I’ve never been to Keswick before, are that it’s beautiful.”
Upon reaching Keswick, the duo encountered the historic Moot Hall, a Grade II-listed building in the town centre. Constructed in 1813, the hall originally served as a medieval courthouse before being repurposed for weighing and storing copper, reports the Express.
The structure was later transformed into a tourist information centre after the Lake District National Park Authority leased the entire building from Allerdale Borough Council. However, Andy spotted one major issue with the property.
He shared: “This clock tower and the clock on it has only got one hand on it. It’s always been like that and the reason being is because they didn’t really need anything specific.”
During their visit to the town centre, the couple enjoyed various local attractions, including Derwentwater. The breathtaking lake offers an eight-mile walk along its edge, flanked by the renowned Cat Bells to the west and the impressive Friar’s Crag to the east.
However, Andy and Claire stumbled upon what appeared to be numerous holiday homes. Strolling down a street in Keswick, Andy observed: “Because these are being bought for people to come, they’re pricing people that live here out of the market.”
Visit Cumbria notes that approximately 20,000 visitors flock to the Lake District town annually, attracted by its historical allure and the plethora of walking and adventure trails.
Admiring the scenery at Derwent, Andy commented: “Look at that, it’s a beautiful view. There’s all these benches where you can sit and have a look, and spend your time.”
The pair concluded that Keswick is a destination they would gladly revisit. Andy expressed: “One thing I’m going to say about this place is – I want to come back.”
He further remarked: “Keswick has still kept its charm despite having tourist places. I would say that this is my favourite place on this tour of the Lake District.”