Keswick Adventures Blog
News and information about our activities and the local area
Things to do in Keswick when it rains
Whether drizzling or pouring, it's a fact of life that it rains a lot in Keswick – it's part of the reason why the Lake District has such lush greenery and gorgeous lakes and rivers! Fortunately, we're well prepared for the weather, so there's plenty of things to do in Keswick when it's raining.
If you're on holiday in the town, don't waste your time gazing out of the window of your accommodation – let us help you find something to do. Whether you want to keep a roof over your head with an indoor activity, or are happy to get even wetter with an outdoor water adventure, here are our top picks of wet weather activities in Keswick.
Indoor activities and attractions in Keswick
Indoor battle archery
Just because it's raining doesn't mean you have to stick to art galleries and museums. If you want to do something active inside, then how about some friendly yet competitive battle archery? At our HQ in the centre of Keswick you'll get geared up and kitted out with our specially-made arrows. Pick your protection, take shelter, and then get ready to go to battle in this exciting indoor group activity.
Axe throwing and archery
If you're not up for a full-scale battle but still enjoy a bit of competitive fun (with sharp objects), then maybe our indoor axe throwing or archery activities are for you. Perfect for a group—small or large—find out just how good your aim is. Fling an axe or shoot an arrow at the targets and compete to get the highest score.
Kong Climbing Wall and escape room
Kong Climbing Wall is great entertainment for kids and adults alike. If you're an experienced climber, there are some impressive overhangs and long walls that require good endurance. Those newer to the sport can get some training or start out on the bouldering wall instead. Kids can also enjoy fun clip-n-climbs: easier themed walls that include Jack's beanstalk, an ice wall, and a race to the top.
Well behaved dogs are welcome in the climbing wall.Kong also has an escape room for those who love a puzzle.
Climb the Mine
Climb the Mine is an exciting indoor activity to help you beat the wet weather. Head deep down inside one of the mountains of Borrowdale and explore a part of Honister Slate Mine. Clambering along old miners' routes and scaling the inside of a huge cavern, you'll have a roof over your head at all times so you can get your adrenaline fix without being rained on.
The Puzzling Place
How to describe The Puzzling Place? This attraction promises an excellent silly time, jam packed as it is with interactive optical illusions. Step into the anti-gravity room for a mind-bending, off-kilter experience. Shrink or stretch in the Ames Room. Or be spooked by the eyes of holograms that follow you wherever you go… Don't forget to take your phone to capture the magic on camera.
Dogs welcome on a short lead.The Pencil Museum
Perhaps the quirkiest indoor attraction in Keswick, The Pencil Museum takes you through a unique part of the Lake District's history: the discovery and utilisation of graphite and its important role in pencil making. The small museum is full of interesting titbits, including secret war codes, and there's also a shop, cafe and activity space for children.
Dogs are welcome in the museum on a lead.Keswick Museum & Art Gallery
For more local history, you'll find plenty to keep you going at the award-winning Keswick Museum & Art Gallery. If you want to learn more about the place that you're staying, then a trip to this small yet fascinating museum is a must. Pick out a tune on the famous Musical Stones of Skiddaw or learn about notable people from Keswick's past. You'll find out so much about the natural, social and industrial history of the area.
Alhambra Cinema
Catch a brand new blockbuster, a classic favourite, or an indy gem at the very special Alhambra Cinema. Family-run, it's one of only a handful of UK cinemas that have been operating continuously for over 100 years! The Art Deco cinema has been recently renovated to celebrate its heritage, so you feel like you're really stepping back in time when you enter to watch a film.
Theatre by the Lake
If your entertainment tastes lean more towards live events, then Theatre by the Lake is just a 10-minute stroll from the centre of town. As its name suggests, it sits right on the shores of Derwentwater, a stunning location for this iconic Keswick building. There is a full programme of theatre, music, talks, and occasional films.
Keswick Brewery tours
Keswick's own brewery creates delicious craft beers right on our doorstep. Tours take place at 1pm on selected dates throughout the year, and include details of its history and the brewing process. At the end, you can sample three third-pints of its own beers.
Dogs are allowed in the bar, but not on the tour.
Keswick Launch boat rides
One of Keswick's most popular attractions, the Keswick Launch has a fleet of beautiful wooden boats that cruise around Derwentwater. There's nothing quite like watching the rain hit the water as you gaze out onto the atmospheric scenery. You can take a full-lake tour and stay dry in one of the covered boats.
Dogs are welcome on the boats, subject to space.
Art galleries and shops
Wander around the centre of town and you'll find several small independent art galleries, as well as lots of shops from both independent brands and large national chains. If you don't mind getting a little wet as you hop between outlets, you can browse some of the beautiful artwork from local makers, and pick up a souvenir, local food, or some clothes.
Dogs are welcome in some shops and galleries—please check with individual traders.
Outdoor rainy day activities in Keswick
Ghyll Scrambling
If you're going to get wet anyway, you might as well get really wet. Fortunately, ghyll scrambling offers just that opportunity and is even more enjoyable after several days of rain. With lots of water in the ghyll, there's loads of fun to be had: the waterfalls are faster, the sliding is more fun, and the excitement is at its peak!
Canyoning
Like ghyll scrambling, canyoning is best done in wet weather. More rain means higher water levels and so we can put up longer zip-lines, jump into more pools, and get a proper soaking! Those long dry, hot days are gorgeous, but here at Keswick Adventures we all get excited when it starts raining. We know it means that our next canyoning adventure is going to be even more amazing!
Kayaking
Ideal for families, friends, or couples, kayaking is a good choice when you want to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors in spite of the bad weather. Although you certainly won't stay dry, you'll be warm and cosy in one of our top-quality wetsuits and will have the satisfaction of not having wasted a day just because of a bit of rain.
Paddle boarding
We can almost guarantee that you're going to fall in the water when you go paddle boarding, so why not take advantage of a day when you're already wet from the rain? Paddle boarding is one of our most popular activities, whatever the weather, and we'd highly recommend it as an adventure activity when it's raining a little.
Dog-friendly indoor activities in Keswick
The following indoor attractions also welcome dogs and are a great option when you're looking for something to do with your dog when it rains.
You don't have to stay in your accommodation when it rains. Whether you prefer to be under cover or to just get a little bit wetter in the water, Keswick is jam-packed with options for things to do when it's raining.
