Keswick Adventures Blog
News and information about our activities and the local area
Things to do in Keswick in the Lake District
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.
Here's our top pick of the best things to do in Keswick.
Outdoor adventures
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keswick Launch
Take a more relaxed 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.
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!
Mirehouse historic 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.
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!
Boats are available to hire from the Keswick Launch Co.
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.
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.
The Puzzling Place
When it's raining, the Puzzling Place is one of the most popular attractions in Keswick. It's also great on sunnier days too, and much quieter! Optical illusions, mind-boggling puzzles, and unbelievable sights await you.
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.
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, and most sell food too, so you can enjoy a meal alongside your pint.
Alhambra Cinema
For a laid back evening, the Alhambra 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.
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.
Surprise View and Ashness Bridge
Up a steep and narrow road in Borrowdale is one of the most photographed 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.
Art galleries
Amongst all the shops in Keswick is an excellent choice of art galleries. Quirky and colourful prints, mini sculptures, panoramic photography, exquisite hand crafted jewellery... you can stop in for a browse and select a unique piece of art to take home with you.
Keswick Market
Held every week in the pedestrianised town centre, Keswick Market is full of goodies. Clothes and shoes, locally made food, Lake District souvenirs - you name it, it's here. The market takes place on Saturdays (all year) and Thursdays (late February to December).
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. Look out for alpaca walking through the woods, stop off at the Osprey viewing point, or climb into the canopies on a Go Ape adventure.
Parks
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 water's 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.
