Keswick Adventures Blog

News and information about our activities and the local area

Keswick Adventures Blog

News and information about our activities and the local area

Indoor activities in Keswick when it rains

A girl playing battle archery

Whether drizzling or pouring, despite the beauty of the landscape, sometimes you want to stay inside when it's wet. But if you're on holiday in Keswick, you don't want to waste your time gazing out of the window of your accommodation - you'll probably want to find something to do that involves a roof over your head.

Fortunately, even though Keswick is the outdoor capital of the Lake District, there's also plenty of great things to do inside. Here's our full guide to rainy day activities in the town.

Indoor battle archery

Indoor activities don't all have to be 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 - see just how good your aim is. Fling an axe or shoot an arrow at the targets and compete to be the highest scorer.

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.

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 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.


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 is one of only a handful of UK cinemas that has been operating continuously for over 100 years! The Art Deco cinema has been recently renovated inside to celebrate it's 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 the 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 select 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 brands. 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.

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