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One of the most popular towns in the Lake District, you wont be short on things to do in Keswick. Brimming with sights, attractions and amenities, Keswick has everything you could possibly need.
Keswick is the hub of the North Lakes; a bustling centre for climbers, walkers, and day-trippers. Settled on the banks of Derwentwater, Keswick is a must-see during any visit to the Lake District.
There is a collection of family-friendly sights and attractions in the area, promising a memorable staycation for all ages. Read through our hand-picked list below to find out more!
Lakeside Cafe at Theatre By The Lake. Image credit Paul Mitchell – Cumbria Tourism
The Theatre by the Lake is Keswick’s premier cultural venue. Offering a wide variety of performances, from plays and musicals to lectures and films, this is a must!
The theatre is idyllically positioned near the shores of Derwentwater lake, and offers a super on-site café and bar facilities. Why not treat yourself to a glass of wine and an evening of entertainment?
Visitors can try their hand at something new at this indoor climbing facility. King Kong Adventure Centre aims to provide services for climbers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a high-level climber wishing to hone your skills, this ones for you!
If you’re not ready for the fun to end, you can even take on the Escape Room or the challenging Ice Wall!
The Derwent Pencil Museum happens to be the home of the world’s very first pencil!
Worlds longest pencil at Derwent Pencil Museum. Image credit Paul Mitchell – Cumbria Tourism
Here you can learn the history of pencil-making and see how Derwent Fine Art Pencils are made today. Visit the world’s longest pencil and a replica of the Seathwaite Mine, where graphite was first discovered.
Regular artists workshops take place here, and there are many activities for children!
On a beautiful summer day in Keswick, the town’s two parks are the best places to spend your time.
Hope Park is famed as one of Keswick’s most popular places to visit. Its manicured grounds can be found nestled alongside the glistening shores of Derwentwater lake. The park boasts a 18-hole crazy golf course along with a birdwatching area and a café.
Hope Park gardens. Image Paul Mitchell – Cumbria Tourism
Fitz Park enjoys a beautiful riverside location with sweeping views of Skiddaw and Latrigg, making it a perfect place for a picnic. The Lower Park features a large open recreation area, a cricket pavilion, a fantastic children’s playground, a multi‑use games area, outdoor gym equipment, and a BMX track. The Upper Park offers a smaller, more formal space with a bowling green, grass tennis courts, a putting green, and an arboretum.
There’s a range of local galleries in Keswick, including The Northern Lights Gallery, The Cookhouse Gallery and Gallery 26 You’ll find exhibitions of contemporary art alongside oil paintings of the Cumbrian countryside, plus bespoke jewellery galleries too.
The Keswick Museum and Art Gallery is a must, showcasing the stories of local people, places, and artefacts. There’s also a calendar of exhibitions and activities, so be sure to check out what’s on ahead of your visit!
The pedestrianised town centre offers a relaxed browsing and shopping experience. The streets are lined with a charming assortment of convenience, craft and gift shops. There’s a fantastic outdoor market held in the square twice a week on a Thursday and Saturday! Get your taste buds ready to sample delicious local artisan treats
Shops stocking outdoor essentials and locally sourced ingredients can be found in abundance. The high-end supermarket, Booths, sits in the centre of the town, selling quality produce. Further afield in Penrith, Cranstons Food Hall offers an enticing range of regional foodstuffs.
Whether you’re looking for a keepsake or a tasty treat, you’re sure to find what you need here!
Keswick is home to a fabulous collection of bars and restaurants, sure to suit all tastes and budgets.
Local favourites include the The Dog and Gun Pub, a favourite with dog lovers, try the famous Goulash! Fabrica, Derwent Walker Cafe Bar, The Square Orange Cafe, The Filling Station Cafe and The Wild Strawberry to name a few eateries. Those looking for a touch of luxury may wish to dine at Michelin-starred restaurant located just outside Keswick, The Cottage in the Wood.
If you time it right, you might even catch Keswick Beer Festival in the late summer. If you’re a fan of real ale or cider and love live music, this is one for you!
Dotted around Keswick are many more pubs, and hotels serving delicious food, many with lake or mountain views too that are are popular with locals and day-trippers. And if you’re spending long days exploring the fells, local delis serve up the perfect pre-prepared lunch!
For takeaways, The Old Keswickian Fish and Chip Shop is situated in the Market Square. There’s also a choice of Thai, Chinese and Indian for something a little different.
If you can tear yourself away from all the things to do in Keswick, it’s easy to explore the delights of the Lake District.
A short journey along the A66 towards Penrith brings you to the shores of Ullswater. One of the finest lakes in the area, Ullswater served as the inspiration behind Wordsworth’s poem Daffodils.
Majestic lake cruises and scenic walks through the fells offer an alternative way to explore. Visit the Keswick Launch and enjoy a leisurely boat trip across Derwentwater!
Keswick Launch on Derwentwater. Image Credit Paul Mitchell – Cumbria Tourism
The beautiful Borrowdale Valley sits at the southern end of Derwentwater, it’s a favourite location of the King when he visits, further into the valley head up towards the Honister Pass and beyond to breath taking Buttermere. To the north of the town lie the Northern Fells, including the mighty Skiddaw and Blencathra. Head further west and you reach the coast, a quiet, peaceful area, with small villages and beaches to explore. On a clear day you can see Isle of Man and Scotland
If you’re feeling adventurous, drive south toward Helvellyn, or carry on to Grasmere and Ambleside. Be sure to stop to sample some traditional Grasmere Gingerbread along the way.
The Northern Lakes is renowned for some of the finest scenery in the Lake District National Park. How better to explore the natural splendour for yourself than with a two-foot adventure?
Walking comes with its own set of safety precautions. The Tourist Information Centre at Moot Hall in the centre of Keswick is packed with information and a great place to visit for advice ahead of any walk. We recommend that you obtain an Ordinance Survey Map, compass or similar, correct clothing as the weather can change anytime and know the weather conditions before heading out.
There are many outdoor stores stocking walking essentials in town, so there is no need to hit the hills under-prepared.
We’ve listed a few of our favourite walks below!
View from Catbells to Keswick and Skiddaw. Image credit Charlie Wearden
One of the most popular fell walks in the area due to its superb views and relatively short duration. Cat Bells is a steep short climb, suitable for walkers who want to tick off a classic, but don’t under estimate this little fell.
Starting point: Hawes End Landing Stage
Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles/5.7 km
Time to complete: 2-3 hours
Amongst the best things to do in Keswick is to take a stroll to the iconic Ashness Bridge. Board the Keswick Launch to Ashness Pier where your walk will begin.
Follow the trail to Ashness Bridge, where you’ll be rewarded by spectacular views of the valley. These are surpassed only by the view from Surprise View further along the trail. Perched on a cliff above Derwentwater, views stretch as far as Bassenthwaite Lake.
Starting point: Ashness Pier
Distance: Approximately 2 miles/3.2kms
Time to complete: 1 hour
Hiking on top of Blencathra. Image credit Shutterstock
Blencathra is one of the finest of the Lake District fell walks. Also known as Saddleback, Blencathra is one of the best known fells in the region.
There are several routes to approach Blencathra summit depending on experience and ability. Those up for the challenge can undertake the exhilarating scramble of Sharp Edge. A grade 1 scramble, this route isn’t for the faint of heart! Please take care!
Starting point: The car park next to The White Horse
Distance: Approximately 7 miles/11.3kms
Time to complete: 4 hours
Impressive Bowder Stone hidden in the Borrowdale Valley. Image credit Shutterstock
The Bowder Stone walk is a short, pleasant low level woodland walk beginning at the National Trust car park. The trail leads to the iconic Bowder Stone, a large rock deposited by glacial action. A ladder leads to the top of the stone, where the landscape can be viewed from a different perspective.
Starting point: Bowder Stone National Trust Car Park
Distance: Approximately 1 mile/1.6km
Time to complete: 30 minutes
This fabulous fell walk begins from Gatesgarth Farm on the edge of Buttermere lake. With its fascinating ascent, unique rock formations at its peak, and breath taking panoramas, this mountain is a fantastic choice for a hike.
The famous writer, Alfred Wainwright, chose to have his ashes scattered on Haystacks. Though not the highest in the region, it was one of his very favourite fells to adventure.
Starting point: Gatesgarth Farm
Distance: Approximately 5 miles/8kms
Time to complete: 3-4 hours
England’s only true mountain forest, Whinlatter lies a few miles west of Keswick. Popular with families, this is a must-see for a fun day out.
Mountain bike route in Whinlatter Forest. Image credit Cumbria Tourism
You can enjoy the stunning scenery on the Altura mountain bike trail or the Quercus trail. Cyclewise Whinlatter offer on-site bike hire, so there’s no need to pack your wheels! There’s even training courses available for thrill-seekers.
For those two-foot adventures, there are a great range of walking routes, too. And to keep little ones busy, The Whinlatter Wild Play Trail incorporates 9 different play areas for children of all ages with themes like the Gruffalo Trail.
There are also two children’s discovery rambles to help your family explore the forest. If you’re looking for an adrenalin rush, you can engage your inner-Tarzan on the Go-Ape treetop course.
Discover England’s last working slate mine with a guided adventure deep inside the caverns of Fleetwith Pike. Perched at the top of the dramatic Honister Pass in Borrowdale, the mine offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial heritage.
For thrill‑seekers, Honister is also home to two incredible via ferrata routes, where metal rungs, ladders, and safety cables transform the mountainside into an unforgettable climbing experience. It’s a unique way to explore the fells from a completely different perspective.
At the northern end of Derwentwater, this marina is perfect for watersports. Taster and refresher courses in windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing are available. You can even hire paddle boards, kayaks and canoes and explore the lake for yourself. A great way to spend the day if you love water!
Ghyll scrambling, rock climbing and canoeing are among the activities offered by this local company. Whether you’re part of a group or looking for an individual adventure, an action-packed day out awaits!
There’s so much to see and do with Keswick Canoe and Bushcraft. Learn to canoe and visit the hidden bays and islands around Derwentwater. Observe the local wildlife and engage in various bushcraft activities. Specialist tutoring and equipment is provided, so just bring yourself and your eagerness to learn!
With so many things to do in Keswick, secure your stay in a Keswick cottage today and experience these delights for yourself!
If you’re tempted to get lost in the beauty of the lakes and its rugged mountains, browse our range of lake district cottages. Read out guide on what’s on in the Lake District to plan your itinerary ahead of time!
Images courtesy of: Diliff – (CC BY-SA 3.0); Stinglehammer – (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Hello, I'm Lizi, and I joined the team in May 2021. My favourite staycation destinations include Cornwall, Northumberland, and as ...
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