Things to do in Keswick…

One of the most popular market towns in the Lake District and the ultimate base for mountain walking, Keswick is an exciting, bustling town filled with character, offering a variety of attractions for visitors including cosy pubs, restaurants, unique shops, museums and boat trips from Derwentwater. There’s lot to get through in Keswick, so here’s a list of a few good things to start with…

  • Keswick Market

Every Saturday and Thursday (weather depending) Keswick market sets up stalls starting at the top of the Market Square, beneath Moot Hall and stretching all the way down to the end of the street at Brysons Bakery. Over 60 traders get involved selling local food such as fresh fish, locally produced meats, vegetables, breads, preserves, condiments, with some hot food available to eat at the market or to takeaway. Other stalls sell spirits, clothes, crafts, artwork and more. Its an ideal place for lunch, shopping or to take home a souvenir or gift.

  • Water sports, lake cruises and swimming

Keswick is situated on the shores of Derwentwater, making it an ideal location for some relaxed or adrenaline fuelled water sports. There are 2 nearby marinas in Portinscale; Derwentwater Marina and Nichol End Marine. Both centres offer boat, paddleboard, canoe, pedalo and kayak hire. As well as private hiring, Keswick Launch offers lakes cruises, sailing at different times throughout the day.

If you prefer a cheaper option, wild swimming is also popular in Derwentwater!

  • Mountain walking

Keswick is surrounded by some of the Lake Districts most popular Wainwright mountains and many of them are accessible straight from the town centre, without any driving required. Well-known mountain routes which start from Keswick include Catbells, Latrigg, Skiddaw, Walla Crag and more. If you’re new to mountain walking, they’re plenty of outdoor shops on Keswick high-street to buy some kit. If you want to test it out first before committing to any purchases, hiking boots can be hired from George Fisher’s shop on Lake Road.

  • Cycling and mountain biking

In towns like Keswick, its easier to get around by bike than car and much more environmentally friendly too! The town has a number of bike shops and hires including Whinlatter Bikes, E-Venture Bikes and Keswick Bikes Ltd. Whether you need a ride for simply getting around the town, or want a biking adventure in the mountains, these places will have you covered.

  • Keswick Mountain Festival

One of the largest mountain festivals in the UK, Keswick Mountain Festival is a must-visit event if you’re visiting Keswick in the springtime The festival is held annually usually in May or June and attracts around 20,000 visitors. The festival runs for three days over a weekend and showcases world class sports, outdoor activities, motivational talks and films and live music. The family friendly festival is located a short walk away from Keswick town centre on the shores of Derwentwater.

  • Derwent Pencil Museum

A trip to Keswick is never complete without a visit to the famous Derwent Pencil Museum; the home to the first pencil, manufacturing since 1832.  The museum includes a replica of Seathwaite mine where graphite was first discovered in 1550. In the museum, you can learn the history of Derwent pencils and how they are still made today.  A great, indoor family activity for days when the weather is looking a bit bleak.

  • Honister Slate Mine

A great adventure day for thrill seekers, Honister Slate Mine offers climbing activities, mine tours and ‘Adrenaline Passes’ including bungee jumps, cliff camping and a walk over the ‘Infinity Bridge’ which is guaranteed to get your heart pumping.  The mine is located at the head of Honister Pass and is the last working slate mine in England.

  • The Lake District Wildlife Park

Around 10 minutes away from Keswick on Bassenthwaite Lake, the Lake District Wildlife Park is an ideal family day out, exploring 24 acres of the park, which is home to over 100 species of wild and domestic animals including monkeys, zebras, red pandas, snakes and many more. The park offers presentations with the animals including bird of prey displays. There is also a café serving wholesome food and snacks as well as a gift shop.

  • The Puzzling Place

A great rainy day activity, the Puzzling Place is a unique indoor attraction based on optical illusions that will blow your mind. Forget everything you know about the laws of physics and witness balls rolling uphill, an anti-gravity room, the grow and shrink room and more. The exhibition centre displays artwork and sculptures as well as a hologram gallery.