19 Amazing Things to do in Keswick

Keswick in the Lake District is fantastic, there's no question about it! This gorgeous market town sits on the edge of Derwentwater lake, is surrounded by mountains, and has an incredible amount of things to do both in town and nearby. From wonderful attractions like the scenery and local museums, to fun activities such as axe throwing and kayaking, you'll never be short of things to do.

We simply can't name everything you can do during your stay, but here are our top pick of the best things to do in Keswick.

1. Outdoor adventure activities

Keswick is the Adventure Capital of the Lake District, so you've got to enjoy some of the adrenaline for yourself! Get your thrills in one of any number of outdoor activities, including water sports like ghyll scrambling and paddle boarding.

2. Walking

Walking is the thing to do in the Lake District, and boy is there plenty of choice around Keswick! Easy mountains like Latrigg or Catbells, flat walks like the Derwentwater circular or Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail, and famous giants like Blencathra and Skiddaw are all nearby. There are simply too many to name and you can easily see a different part of the countryside every day!

2. Keswick Launch

Take a more relaxing approach to your touring and hop onto the Keswick Launch. You'll serenely sail across Derwentwater, stopping at several sites along the way. Enjoy a full cruise, or return from a linear walk around the lake.

4. Museums

Learn all about the social and natural history of Keswick and the Northern Lake District. The fascinating Keswick Museum and Art Gallery is great fun for adults and children alike, while the Derwent Pencil Museum is an absolute gem in the repertoire of quirky UK museums. And conveniently right next to our Keswick HQ!

5. Theatre by the Lake

Enjoy a cultural evening at the stunning Theatre by the Lake, which hosts theatre, cinema, talks, live music and exhibitions throughout the year. You can be sure of a quality night of the best entertainment here.

6. Alpaca walks

One of the quirkier attractions in Keswick, you can hop across to the other side of the lake to Alpacaly Ever After and enjoy a few hours with their friendly rescue llamas and alpacas. You can feed them, walk them to the lake, and learn all about these lovely animals. This is definitely one of the most unusual things to do in Keswick!

7. Mirehouse stately home

Discover the beautiful gardens and literary history at this family owned stately home. The grounds of Mirehouse run down to the shores of nearby Bassenthwaite Lake, juts a 5-minute drive outside of Keswick. This is a warm and welcoming house with extensive grounds, fascinating connections, and a great kids play area.

8. Boat hire

Do it yourself and hire a rowing boat to get onto Derwentwater. You'll be able to take your time floating across the water and might even want to pack a picnic to enjoy while you're out!

9. Shopping

There are plenty of shops in the centre of Keswick, so if you fancy a bit of retail therapy, you're in luck! Independent boutiques sit alongside big high street names, so you have plenty of choice. Try Keswick Cheese Deli for your dairy fix, or The Orchid House for a range of gifts.

There's also a popular twice-weekly market that runs throughout the year on Saturdays and on Thursdays between February and December. Find it in the pedestrianised centre of town around the Moot Hall.

10. Ghost tours

If you adore things that go bump in the night, Keswick ghost tours will be right up your street. Led by a mysterious woman dressed in mourning, you'll hear creepy tales and ghoulish stories as you wander Keswick at dusk.

11. The Puzzling Place

When it's raining, thePuzzling Place is one of the most popular places in Keswick. It's also great on sunnier days too, and much quieter! Optical illusions, mind-boggling puzzles, and unbelievable sights await you.

12. Eat out

Keswick is well stocked with restaurants and cafés where you can sample local delicacies, fill up with fuel for the day's activities, or sit back with a cuppa and watch the world go by.

13. Go to the pub

Keswick is no Ibiza, but if you like a chilled night out at a traditional pub or a modern bar, then we've got you covered. There are loads of pubs in Keswick, each with its own speciality, like the super dog-friendly Dog and Gun and CAMRA award-winner, The Wainwright. Most sell food too, so you can enjoy a meal alongside your pint.

14. Alhambra Cinema

For a laid back evening, theAlhambra has you covered. This family run Art Deco cinema has been in continuous operation for over 100 years. You can now catch lots of different films there, from the biggest blockbusters to smaller independents and world cinema.

15. Castlerigg Stone Circle

High above the town is one of Keswick's best attractions: the amazing Castlerigg Stone Circle. This ancient site has panoramic views of the fells, including Blencathra and Helvellyn. It's the best-situated stone circle in the country.

16. Surprise View and Ashness Bridge

Up a steep and narrow road in Borrowdale is one of the most photographed packhorse bridges in the Lake District. And just beyond that is the well named Surprise View, which suddenly opens out to provide unbelievable open views over Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance.

17. Go to the park

Keswick boasts not one, not two, but three excellent parks, all offering something a little bit different. Crow Park is a wide open space that reaches right up to the waters edge on Derwentwater. Hope Park includes a putting green, crazy golf, remote-controlled boats, and formal gardens. On the other side of the town, Fitz Park welcomes you with a BMX track, tennis courts, an arboretum and riverside walks.

18. Art galleries

Amongst all the shops in Keswick is an excellent choice of art galleries. From quirky and colourful prints and mini sculptures, to panoramic photography and exquisite jewellery, you can stop in for a browse and select a unique piece of art to take home with you.

19. Whinlatter Forest

A short drive from Keswick is England's only true mountain forest: Whinlatter. There's a café, lots of walks, famous BMX tracks, and woodland trails that the kids will love.

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