Things to do in Keswick

Things to do in  Keswick

Launchpad for the lakes

One of the key Lake District hubs, the medieval market town of Keswick enjoys dramatic views and proximity to some of the national park’s grandest sights. Shaded by Skiddaw’s steep slopes and near to the Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick is just north of Derwentwater, one of the region’s principal lakes (best explored by boat tour). In town, visiting the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery and Derwent Pencil Museum are two of the top things to do, while a spate of cozy pubs and Victorian architecture add to the charm.

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Top 6 attractions in Keswick

#1

Castlerigg Stone Circle

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Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of Britain’s most impressive examples of Neolithic stone circles, dating back some 5,000 years and predating Stonehenge. Add to that the majestic backdrop of Skiddaw, Blencathra, and other mountains, and you can see why this site has drawn admirers for millennia.More
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#2

Derwentwater

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Affectionately nicknamed “Queen of the Lakes,” Derwentwater is a quintessential Lakeland spot. With the Cat Bells fell to the west, Friars Crag promontory to the east, and Borrowdale valley to the south, the lake offers a variety of stunning vistas, while its marinas, islands, and hiking trails provide plenty of activities for visitors.More
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#3

Grasmere

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Famously described by Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found,” Grasmere is one of the highlights of the Lake District National Park. The lake—which shares its name with the neighboring village—is circled by lush woodland and can be circumvented on foot or explored by kayak or rowing boat. More
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#4

Borrowdale Valley

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Borrowdale Valley is a highlight of any trip to Cumbria’s Lake District. With grass-covered peaks, oak-filled woodlands, and rolling pastures along the River Derwent, the natural beauty of the valley is undeniable, and its location at the heart of the Lake District makes it a prime destination for hikers.More
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#5

Hardknott Roman Fort (Mediobogdum)

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Built in the second century, Hardknott Roman Fort sits at the summit of a steep mountain pass. Remnants of old walls, a parade ground, and a commander’s villa still stand, though they are somewhat upstaged by panoramic views of Eskdale Valley and the surrounding mountains.More
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#6

Scafell Pike

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Towering 3,209 feet (978 meters over the Lake District National Park, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England.  The peak is one of a string of high fells that run between Wast Water and Buttermere lakes, including the nearby High Stile, Red Pike, and Great End. More
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Explore Keswick by interest

Top activities in Keswick

Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District
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Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District

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$89.03
3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick
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3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick

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$139.90
William Wordsworth Daffodils Private Tour
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William Wordsworth Daffodils Private Tour

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$343.75
Climb in the Mine
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Climb in the Mine

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$139.90
Canoe River Trip
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Canoe River Trip

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$245.46
Kayak on Derwent Water
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Kayak on Derwent Water

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$105.99
Canoe on Derwent Water
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Canoe on Derwent Water

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$105.99
Private Transfer from Keswick to Manchester Airport (MAN)

Private Transfer from Keswick to Manchester Airport (MAN)

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$307.48
per group
Castlerigg Stonecircle - Lakes Mountains and Villages Private Tour
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Castlerigg Stonecircle - Lakes Mountains and Villages Private Tour

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$343.75
River Tubing from Keswick

River Tubing from Keswick

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$57.23
The Beatrix Potter And Peter Rabbit Private Tour

The Beatrix Potter And Peter Rabbit Private Tour

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$307.71
Lake District Landscapes: A Self-Guided Audio Drive from Keswick

Lake District Landscapes: A Self-Guided Audio Drive from Keswick

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$11.99
per group
Paddle Boarding on Derwent Water
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Paddle Boarding on Derwent Water

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$105.99
Ghyll Scramble from Keswick

Ghyll Scramble from Keswick

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$66.13
Lake District Ski Club to Manchester Airport - Departure Transfer

Lake District Ski Club to Manchester Airport - Departure Transfer

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$43.93
Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer

Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer

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$32.94
Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise
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Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise

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$202.22
Private Hire: Six Lakes Half Day Tour in 16 Seater Minibus

Private Hire: Six Lakes Half Day Tour in 16 Seater Minibus

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$587.00
per group
Rock Climbing in Keswick
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Rock Climbing in Keswick

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Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Club - Round-Trip Transfer

Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Club - Round-Trip Transfer

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$65.89
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All about Keswick

When to visit

Keswick is a great place to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and watersports. There’s just one catch: this town also happens to be one of the UK’s rainiest places. For the best chance of enjoying Keswick’s outdoor beauty, visit in the late spring or summer—from May onwards. That said, be aware the busiest months are July and August. You can also time your visit to coincide with the Jazz and Blues Festival or the Keswick Mountain Festival, both held in May, or the Keswick Beer Festival, in June.

Getting around

Most of Keswick’s main sights are an easy walk from the town center. You can also go for a lake cruise on the Derwentwater or rent a kayak, canoe, or row boat. If you want to see more of the Lake District, beyond Keswick, it’s a good idea to rent a car for maximum freedom and flexibility. If you’re sticking to public transportation, head to the main bus station for routes to other Lake District villages; taxis are also available.

Traveler tips

For a homey atmosphere, eclectic decor, and lots of delicious sharing plates, check out The Crafty Baa—a cosy, family-run pub known for gooey cheese toasties and fantastic craft beer. If you’re bored of pub grub and prefer a restaurant that gives traditional dishes an innovative spin, check out the Fellpack. Its signature dishes (known as fellpots) include Thai pork meatball curry and cauliflower carbonara.

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A local’s pocket guide to Keswick

Alexandra Badger

Born in Derbyshire, Alex grew up going on Lake District family holidays that continue now with her own kids. Favourite activities include strolls around Tarn Hows and Elterwater, scrambles up to Stickle Tarn, and traditional pub lunches, of course.

The first thing you should do in Keswick is...

hike—if it’s your first time, pop into Keswick Tourist Information Centre for walking maps and advice on routes. If you need walking gear, visit one of the town's many specialty outdoor shops.

A perfect Saturday in Keswick...

Skiddaw is one of England’s highest mountains, and it offers a challenging, yet doable hike from Applethwaite, near Keswick. After a day of hiking in the fells, look to the traditional pubs of Bassenthwaite or Keswick for a hearty meal.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

Loved by climbers and non-climbers alike, Kendal Mint Cake is a peppermint-flavored treat of sugar and glucose—essentially an energy bar. The classic Romney's brand originates from nearby Kendal, but it’s stocked in all the Keswick shops.

To discover the "real" Keswick...

Keswick is a historic market town, so if you’re visiting on a market day (usually Thursday), be sure to check out Market Square and browse the stalls.

For the best views...

A short stroll from Market Square is Friar’s Crag. Here you’ll find sweeping views over Derwentwater to a classic Lake District vista known as the Jaws of Borrowdale.

One thing people get wrong...

is thinking (or hoping) that the weather follows the seasons. You’ve got to be prepared for every type of weather in Keswick, whenever you visit. Layers are your best bet.

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People Also Ask

Is Keswick worth a visit?

Yes. Keswick is a large and lively town, well placed for forays around the northern stretches of England’s Lake District. Hiking aside, the town has become known as the “adventure capital” of the Lake District with a wealth of activities for outdoorsy types, thrill seekers, families, and weekend breakers alike.

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What is Keswick popular for?

Keswick is popular for outdoor activities. Most visitors come to hike around the lakes, while more extreme adventurers are enticed by mountain climbing, rappelling, canyoning, and the unique Lake District pastime of ghyll scrambling (think following a mountain stream, climbing waterfalls. and leaping into natural pools along the way).

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What shops are there in Keswick?

There’s a mix of chain and independent shops. The posh northern supermarket Booths is good for vacation supplies, and there are outdoor specialist shops aplenty for clothes and equipment. For local food and random bargains, Keswick’s historic open market is well worth a browse; it normally buzzes into action on Thursdays or Saturdays.

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Which is better, Windemere or Keswick?

Keswick is larger but less touristy than Windermere. So, if you want a more “local” experience, complete with more restaurants and shops, Keswick is better. That said, the landscape around Windermere is somewhat gentler with more scope for lower-level ambles. It depends on what you want from your Lake District stay.

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How long does it take to walk around the lake in Keswick?

The Derwentwater walk is a fairly easy loop, stretching for nearly 10 miles (16 kilometers). Most walkers will leave themselves a full day, giving ample time to admire the views, stop for coffee, and linger over lunch. Like all walks, though, the amount of time depends on your fitness and pace.

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What is the prettiest village in the Lake District?

Hawkshead—all whitewashed cottages and car-free lanes—is often called the prettiest place, but the Lake District has other worthy contenders for the title. Elterwater is a hamlet of slate-stone cottages set against the majestic Langdale Fells, while the mining village of Seatoller feels more contemplatively remote, surrounded by meadows and scree.

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