Just a bit of a plug for my home town:
Although not too good on the shopping front, including gear shops (just a Millets), I believe Whitehaven deserves a mention for a good Lake District base, particularly for the Western Fells: Crummock Water, Ennerdale, Buttermere, Wast Water etc, plus, even Keswick is only 25 miles or so away.
Not as quaint as Keswick but you don't get the Keswick prices or the ever-increasing crowds, Whitehaven also boasts a very attractive recently refurbished harbour.
It also has great beaches and cliffs nearby, particularly good is the secluded, quiet Fleswick Bay - a shingle beach surrounded by cliffs with excellent bird watching. (
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/stbeeshead/index.asp)
Any thoughts?