Things to do in Keswick

Keswick is a pretty market town in the north of the Lake District. Below you’ll find loads of things to do in Keswick. It’s a small town although big by Lake District standards but there is so much to do in the town and nearby too. Find more Family days out in North West England here.

Visit Keswick town centre

Keswick town centre is the perfect place to spend time. You might like to enjoy a hot drink or meal in one of the many cafes or perhaps you want to enjoy a meal out. There are loads of places to choose from.

We can recommend The Round for amazing burgers, it’s great for families and couples. They don’t take bookings though so expect to queue outside. Definitely worth the wait.

The centre of Keswick is also great for shopping including gift shops, clothes shops, outdoor clothing shops and more. One of our favourite shops to visit is Friar’s chocolate shop.

Visit Keswick tourist information centre

The centre of the market square is home to the tourist information centre where you can get inspiration for more days out, tours and more.

Visit Keswick museum

Keswick museum is just a short walk from the centre of Keswick. It’s located in Fitz park right by the play area. There is a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating which is great if you are in the park, even if you don’t want to explore the museum.

It is a small museum all about the story of Keswick’s landscape, history and culture. They run regular events including some for kids in school holidays.

Find out more here – Keswick Museum & Art Gallery

Explore Fitz park

Fitz park is a great place to visit especially with young children as the paths are flat and suitable for prams and there is a great play area too. The play area has distinct areas for different aged children and there are some benches within the gated play area. There is also a BMX track for older kids to enjoy too. This is at the opposite end of Fitz park to the play areas.

Even if you don’t have children, there are some lovely riverside walks to be enjoyed in Fitz park as well as more formal gardens.

Keswick market

The weekly market (Saturdays) has 60 traders and is very popular. You’ll find it in the town square. At certain times of the year, the market also runs on a Thursday.

Kong adventures

Kong adventures have a host of indoor activities to choose from, perfect for wet days. There is an escape room, climbing walls (including wacky and interactive ones for kids), indoor caving (suitable for all ages) and a kids’ hard play area (suitable from 3 years old).

They also run outdoor activities offsite including outdoor climbing, ghyll scrambling and stand-up paddle boarding.

Find out more and book here – Kong Adventure Centre

Take a boat trip

A boat ride is possible from the shores of Derwentwater which is a very short walk from Keswick town centre. It is one of several places in Cumbria where you can enjoy lake cruises and hire boats.

Keswick launch company run boat cruises around Derwentwater. The full cruise is 50 minutes and their are 8 jetties around the Lake where you can get off and enjoy a walk like Ashness bridge, Lodore falls and Catbells.

Find a map, timetable and different fare options on their website – Keswick Launch Co

Walk to Friar’s crag

You can walk all the way around Derwentwater which is 10 miles. We haven’t covered the whole 10 miles as yet but have covered several sections over the years. Our favourite stretch so far is from the Theatre on the Lake (near Keswick town centre), follow the path around the lake to the left (clockwise).

Friar’s crag is only about 10 minutes or so in this direction. We walked this path to Friar’s crag and slightly further with a pushchair.

Hope park

Hope park is on the edge of Keswick, just before you get to Derwent water. Here you can enjoy a game of crazy golf, boules, pitch and putt or play on the remote-controlled boats on a mini replica of Derwent water.

Theatre by the Lake

If you fancy a trip to the theatre then Theatre by the Lake might be worth a visit. They have a varied programme of theatre shows, comedy, kids’ shows and more.

See what’s on here – Theatre by the Lake

Derwent Pencil Museum

The Derwent pencil museum is located in Keswick. It’s home to the first pencil, as well as secret WW2 pencils with hidden maps and much more. You also enter the museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.

Find out more here – Derwent Pencil Museum

Puzzling place

Another great place for rainy days is puzzling place. This place is a world of illusions including an ‘Anti-gravity Room’, ‘Ames Room’, ‘Hologram Gallery’ and ‘Eyelusions Exhibition’.

Find out more here – The Puzzling Place

Keswick climbing wall

This climbing centre is just a 5 minute drive from Keswick centre. If you love indoor climbing walls then you’ll love this place. There are over 40 top rope climbs with a height of up to 8 metres. Lessons are available and for experienced climbers, there are regular competitions and workshops.

There is also an outdoor activity centre for activities like rock climbing, archery, kayaking and canoeing.

There’s also Rookery woods for children aged 8 and under to enjoy. There is ziplines, slides, mazes and even soft archery. At the time of writing it is just £5 per child.

Find out more here – Newlands Adventure Centre & Keswick Climbing Wall

Whinlatter forest park

Whinlatter is the only true mountain forest in England. As such there are no flat, easy walks but it is still an amazing place to visit. There are several different walking routes including a Gruffalo trail and for 2024 there is a Gruffalo’s party trail.

The views from the trails are stunning. There is also an amazing adventure play area for kids and a Go Ape centre too.

Find out more here – Whinlatter Forest

Castlerigg stone circle

A short drive from Keswick is this free English Heritage site with a stone circle created around 3000 BC, potentially one of the oldest stone circles in the country.

Find out more here – Castlerigg Stone Circle

Bassenthwaite lake

This lake is not far from Keswick and there are numerous walks to enjoy in this area. Find loads of ideas for Family walks near Bassenthwaite here. This includes places like Dodd wood and Mirehouse Keswick.

Latrigg walk

If you want to climb a hill in the area the Latrigg is a great walk. You will be rewarded with panoramic views of Keswick and Derwentwater from the summit. There are various route options including a very short walk to the summit from a car park not that far from the summit. Find the full details here – Latrigg from Keswick walk.

Keswick to Threkeld railway path

If you’re looking for a flat walk from Keswick then you should consider the Keswick to Threkeld railway path. This 5km path was a former railway line that has been converted into an accessible path. It’s a lovely walk.

Find out more here – Keswick to Threlkeld railway path.

Find more Easy walks near Keswick here.

The Lakes Distillery – Whisky tours and alpacas

Ever fancied seeing how whisky is produced? Well now’s your chance with a tour of the Lakes Distillery.

Looking for something more suited to younger children? They also do alpaca meet and greets which are perfect for children.

Find out more about both here – The Lakes Distillery

Honister slate mine

There are loads of great adventures to be had a Honistor slate mine. All ages can book a tour of the mines. Older kids and adults can enjoy lots of different climbing and canyoning activities.

Find out more and book here – Honister

Lake District Wildlife Park

This wildlife park is a short drive from Keswick and makes a great day out. They have a wide variety of mammals, birds and reptiles including tapir, zebra, wild boar, lynx and a wide variety of snakes.

They also have outdoor and indoor play areas as well as the option to buy add on experiences like alpaca walking.

Find out more and book your tickets here – Lake District Wildlife Park

Where to next?

Wet day? Find Things to do in Keswick in the rain ideas here.

You might like to visit Ambleside which is not that far to drive. Find loads of things for kids to do in Ambleside here.

It rains a lot in the Lake District, if it didn’t there would be no lakes. Be prepared and make sure you know loads of things to do in the lake district when it rains.

Find more Child-friendly attractions in the Lake District here.

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