KESWICK

The market town and civil parish of Keswick is a hot spot of the Lake District National Park. It can be found just north of Derwentwater and is four miles from Bassenthwaite Lake. It is also well-placed for access to Skiddaw.

The town was granted its market charter in 1276 by Edward I and it continues to this day; Keswick Market is held every Thursday and Saturday and attracts locals and visitors alike.

During Elizabeth I’s reign minerals were found in Newlands and Borrowdale. In the 16th century a supply of black lead was discovered at Seathwaite which was a catalyst for pencil making. This is still a thriving industry in Keswick and a pencil museum is open to the public.

Keswick’s original site was at Crosthwaite on the western side of the town and the first church was built here in 553 AD. One of the co-founders of the National Trust, Canon Rawnsley, was vicar of the church from 1883 until 1917.

From 1885 until 1906, Beatrix Potter spent her summer holidays at two stately homes on the fringes of Derwentwater. The two properties, Lingholm and Fawe Park, inspired several of her books.

Aside from Bowness and Windermere, Keswick is the Lake District’s main hub for outdoor activities. Visitors flock to the area to experience water sports, ghyll scrambling, mountain biking and hiking to name a few.

Keswick Mountain Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the UK with around 20,000 visitors attending each year.

Other landmarks of note include the museum and art gallery, St John’s church and the theatre by the lake. The latter is a purpose built theatre which replaced the Century Theatre.

Things to do in Keswick…

Six Walks to do from Keswick…

Best Wild Swim Spots in Keswick

What makes Keswick famous?

Hidden Gems to find in Keswick

Things to do in Keswick on a rainy day…

Top Family Friendly things to do in Keswick

Exploring Keswick with dogs

The best places to eat and drink in Keswick

Shopping local in Keswick

When is the best time to visit Keswick?

Where to park in Keswick

Gyms in Keswick

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.

Six Walks to do from Keswick…

Its clear to see why Keswick is popular amongst hikers from near and far; the town is surrounded by mountains, woodland and a lake making it home to some of the most beautiful walks in the UK. There is a mixture of both beautiful, simple lowland walks and big, epic mountain hikes to suit all abilities in Keswick; here are a few to get you started…

The Derwentwater Walk

Distance: 16km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy

An easy, picturesque walk for all abilities exploring the shores and paths around the lake, The Derwentwater Walk is a signposted route, which takes you on a scenic hike with flat, easy paths through ancient woodland and along the shoreline. The walk starts at the lakeshore at Keswick Launch with simple navigation throughout by following the signposts. There are plenty of picnic spots and cafes on the route for refreshment.

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Distance: 6km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy

A short, simple walk starting from Keswick Market Square to Castlerigg Stone Circle offering stunning views of the surrounding fells and finishing at a historic site dating back to the Neolithic period. The walk follows the old railway path to the Stone Circle and returns via Spring Woods. The 38 archaic stones stand on a natural plateau and are estimated to be between 4000 to 5000 years old. A must see site in the area for history lovers.

Latrigg

Distance: 4km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy

One of the most popular little hikes from Keswick, the walk to Latrigg is a leisurely trail for all the family exploring woodland, riverside paths and looking up over to neighbouring giant Skiddaw, finishing the day at the summit bench with a picnic and stunning views over Derwentwater.

Skiddaw

Distance: 16km Time: 5-6 hours Difficulty: Medium

Skiddaw draws the eye of anyone walking the streets of Keswick; it is isolated from surrounding fells and offers an unrestricted view from the summit, which is arguably one of the best in the Lake District. The most popular route to the summit is Jenkin Hill Path. The route can be accessed from Keswick and explores a terrain of bridleways, steep grassy hillside and stony paths. Skiddaw is the sixth highest mountain in the Lake District and is over 3000 feet, making it an ideal hike for the days you’re feeling up to a challenge.

Walla Crag

Distance: 9km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium

Walla Crag is a small mountain with huge views over Derwentwater and the surrounding hills. The route takes you to the famous viewpoint at Ashness Bridge and returns to Keswick via the lakes shoreline. The walk starts from Moot Hall in the Market Square and continues on paths with a mixture of rocky and grassy terrain. A great hike for beginners although there are some steep paths on route.

Catbells

Distance: 6km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium

Arguably one of the most popular Wainwrights, Catbells is a great beginners walk and is often many visitors first ever mountain hike. The route begins at Hawes End Landing Stage, which is best reached by taking the launch from Keswick. The path is well signposted and maintained, making this an easily navigated route. Towards the top, there is a small scramble. The summit offers beautiful lake views of Derwentwater with the return route to Keswick following the lakeshore path.

Best Wild Swim Spots in Keswick

Keswick is a great spot for an open water swim in Derwentwater. If you’re new to wild swimming or want to build your confidence with a trainer or in a group, Keswick is home to the Lake Districts only swimming holiday operator Swim on the Wild Side. The company offers fully coached activities swimming in areas all over the lakes offering swim tours and beach barbecue nights!

Here are a few places in and around Keswick for both group and solo swims…

Derwentwater

With a various amount of sandy shoreline and wooden jetties, Derwentwater is an ideal place for a swim and a dive! The lake has few little islands you can swim too, apart from the one with the big house (Derwent Isle) that’s private! The water is a popular place for boats so always ensure you are visible by using a colourful tow float and avoid swimming too close to boats, kayaks and other water sport activities.

Bassenthwaite

Around 10 minutes away from Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake is 4 miles long and 70ft deep, providing plenty of open space for long, challenging swims as well as simple, chilled out dips. Bassenthwaite is a quiet place, making it ideal for a peaceful swim and is shallower than other lakes in the area making it slightly warmer. Ospreys nest near the lake and could be spotted flying over during your swim! Parking is available on nearby laybys on the A66 road.

Galleny Force

A little hidden gem in the heart of Borrowdale, around 20 minutes away from Keswick, Galleny Force offers wild swimmers a variety of stunning, crystal clear rock pools with a little waterfall flowing through them. A great place for a relaxing dip, rock jumping and sunbathing.

Red Tarn, Helvellyn

From the nearby town of Glenridding (25 minutes away from Keswick) you can begin the popular route up to Helvellyn. To enjoy a wild swim in the highest substantial body of water in England, you don’t have to summit the mountain; just follow the path up until you reach Red Tarn, which sits in a bowl between the mountains two arêtes, Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. The water is crystal clear with a green hue and often reaches freezing cold temperatures due to its height, so its not for the faint hearted!

Scales tarn, Blencathra

From the nearby village of Threlkeld, four miles east of Keswick, a walk up to Blencathra and visiting Scales Tarn for a dip is a great wild swimming adventure.

There are many different routes up Blencathra but with the aim of reaching the tarn, the simplest route is from Threlkeld via Blease Fell. Due to the height of the tarn, the water is colder but its beautifully clear sitting in a bowl beneath Sharp Edge.

What is Keswick famous for?

The Lake District welcomes over 40 million visitors every year, with Keswick being one of the most popular tourist towns in Lakeland. The market town holds extensive history and landmarks which has contributed to the towns growing popularity over the years…

Keswick Market Square

Keswick’s Market Square is a particularly famous area of Keswick dating back to the 13th century when Edward 1st of England granted a charter for Keswick’s weekly market, which has been operating continuously for over 700 years. The famous market is popular amongst locals and tourists and continues to thrive in the exact same spot today. At the head of the market, stands Moot Hall; a Grade II listed building which originated as a medieval courthouse and is now a trademark building of the town.

Castlerigg Stone Circle

A famous historical site owned by English Heritage, there are few stone circles in Britain with such a dramatic backdrop as Castlerigg. A circle of 38 historic stones thought to date back to 3000BC stand on a plateau overlooking the Thirlmere Valley with views of High Seat and Helvellyn behind. Thought to be an important meeting place for Neolithic communities, Castlerigg is potentially the earliest stone circle in the country, attracting historical loving visitors from near and far.

Derwent Island and House

The only inhabited island in the Lake District, Derwent Island is a little wooded isle on Derwentwater and is home to an extraordinary 18th century house. Historians believe the island was first lived upon in the 16th century by a group of German miners when they came to work in the area. They camped, grew vegetables and kept animals, building a community on the lake. The house and island is owned by the National Trust who organise tours.

Mining and industrial heritage

Keswick was historically the cradle of Cumbrian mining, with mining experts from Germany arriving in the town in 1564. Initially, Copper and Lead mines were popular in the surrounding area. Following the discovery of graphite in Borrowdale, the area then became famous for creating the world’s first pencil in 1832 and developing its pencil making industry, which is still operating today as The Cumberland Pencil Company manufacturing Derwent Pencils. One of the pencil museums modern exhibits in 2014 also claimed to be the world’s largest coloured pencil. Keswick’s history attracts visitors today to local museum’s including Keswick Mining Museum and the Derwent Pencil Museum..

Poets

Keswick is widely known for its association with famous 18th and 19th century poets including Samuel Taylor Coleridge , Robert Southey, John Ruskin, John Dalton and John Brown. Their words made the scenically beautiful surroundings of Keswick known to readers in Britain, attracting the first tourists to the area. By the late 19th century, Keswick was well known and the focus of important initiatives in society, specifically the conservative movement, led by local man Hardwicke Rawnsley who was co-founder of the National Trust.

Greta Hall, home of Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a grade I listed building in Keswick dating back to the late 18th century and is a particularly famous building in the area. Its modern use now acts as holiday accommodation, allowing visitors to stay in the building.

John Ruskin described the area as ‘almost too beautiful to live in.’ A memorial plaque of Borrowdale slate dedicated to the writer is displayed in woodland on Friars’ Crag near Keswick Launch.

Railway

The construction of the railways in the mid-19th century made the Lake District more accessible to tourists, with Keswick in particular being the most accessible. The construction of a railway line between Cockermouth and the London and North Western Railway Company at Penrith began in 1861. Keswick Railway Station was built opened on the line in 1865. The station is now disused but is still a major part of the areas history with a railway trail owned by the national park re-opening as a popular hiking route from Keswick to Threlkeld. The building from the platform at the station, which was used as offices for the company, has been integrated into a hotel and its now a grade 2 listed building.

Hidden Gems to find in Keswick

Keswick is one of the most popular market towns in the Lake District, making quiet, undiscovered spots a rarity… that doesn’t mean they don’t exist though! To escape the crowds, try exploring some of these hidden gems in and around Keswick…

Upper Fitz Park

Fitz Park is a popular park in Keswick, but many visitors don’t know the park has two sections. The main, popular part of the park has a play park, cricket club, football club and is beside Keswick Museum, but if you walk past this and venture under the bridge, you reach Upper Fitz Park. This is a quiet section of the park complete with a beautiful gardens and an arboretum with a stunning variety of unique trees and shrubs. The park is only a short, simple stroll from Keswick town centre is an ideal spot for a quiet, private picnic away from the crowds.

Surprise View

A stunning viewpoint near Ashness Bridge, Surprise View is suitably named as the scene appears from suddenly from the woodland, making this an ultimate hidden gem. From the path, you can see the whole of Derwentwater, Borrowdale to the South and Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw to the North.

Lodore Falls

Hidden behind the Lodore Falls hotel around 10 minutes away from Keswick, Lodore Falls is a stunning waterfall tumbling over 100 feet from Watendlath. A visit following heavy rain will ensure you see the falls as their best.

Calfclose Bay Centenary Stone

A modern sculpture set in Calfclose Bay, Derwenwater, the Centenary Stones stand as a commemorative piece to the National Trust. Sourced from the Borrowdale Valley, the stones are carved out of a boulder of volcanic rock. The unique design represents ten segments across ten rings representing a century. Depending on what time of day you visit, the stones could be slightly submerged in the water, making them a literal hidden gem at times!

Langstrath Valley

A remote valley 20 minutes away from Keswick near Borrowdale, Langstrath Valley is a stunning, quiet place offering hikes away from the crowds. The valley is home to Black Moss Pot, a popular wild swimming place, which is beautiful and ideal for a picnic. For a quieter area, spots alongside Langstrath Beck are equally as beautiful and more remote with picturesque little streams of waterfalls running down the beck.

Watendlath Tarn

A lesser-visited tarn in the small hamlet of Watendlath, Watendlath Tarn sits between the Borrowdale and Thirlmere valleys surrounded by fells. There is a beautiful, quaint packhorse bridge and a National Trust tea-room beside the tarn; an ideal, relaxed day away from the crowds.

Alhambra cinema

Despite being the sixth oldest cinema in the country, not many people have heard of Alhambra cinema in Keswick. The picture house is a traditional cinema in a stunning, archaic building which showcases the latest films as well as independent, art-house movies and live-streams of opera and ballet. The cinema is situated on the corner of the quieter streets in Keswick, nestled away on St. John’s Street.

Things to do in Keswick on a rainy day…

Luckily for both tourists and locals, Keswick is a great place to be both rain and shine, with the market town offering an abundance of activities for all weathers!

Here’s a list of our favourite indoor activities in Keswick…

Theatre by the Lake

Located on the edge of the town beside Keswick Launch, the Theatre by the Lake is an idyllic place to be on a wet day. The theatre is home to two stages and has a reputation for creating top theatre productions as well as being a well-loved community space, acting as an all-year round busy arts centre hosting different art exhibitions and festivals. The theatre also has a café to warm up in!

Spa day

There are a number of spa hotels in and around Keswick, which are ideal for a luxurious, relaxing day watching the rain hit the windows from inside a warm Jacuzzi. The Falls Spa at Lodore Falls Hotel is one of the most popular Lakeland spas and is around 5 minutes away from Keswick town centre. Other spas in the area include Armathwaite Hall and The Spa at Underscar. If you fancy an indoor swim without the spa price tag, Keswick Swimming Pool is perfect for a solo or family swim.

The Makers Mill

The Makers Mill is a recent, creative addition to Keswick acting as an art gallery and open studio space. Visitors can come to view art, which includes furniture making, ceramics, mosaics, textiles and jewellery produced by Cumbrian artists. The centre offers a shop to buy beautiful pieces of art and gives creative visitors the chance to get involved themselves through weekend courses and workshops.

Alhambra Cinema

An ideal indoor activity for rainy days, Alhambra Cinema a classic picture house and is one the UKs oldest, which has remained open for over 100 years. The traditional cinema is a stunning, archaic building, which showcases the latest films as well as independent, art-house movies and live-streams of opera and ballet. Situated on the corner of St John’s Street in Keswick, the cinema runs a film club every Sunday and hosts a film festival every year in Feburary/March time.

Museum visits

Keswick is home to a number of fantastic indoor museums including Keswick Museum and Art Gallery and Derwent Pencil Museum. There’s enough history to keep you busy for a number of rainy days!

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.

Honister Slate Mine

A great way of escaping the rain is to spend the day underground! Around 15 minutes away Keswick, you can adventure beneath the mountain Fleetwith Pike at Honister Slate Mine. Underground activities include mine tours and the ‘Climb the Mine’ experience, which involves vertical climbs, rope bridges and exploring hidden passages and caverns!

The Lakes Distillery

Just a short distance away from Keswick on Bassenthwaite Lake, the Lakes Distillery is a converted farm, which produces the finest spirits in Lakeland. The distillery has a visitor centre, artisan bar and bistro, and shop selling products made on site such as the Lakes Malt, Lakes Gin and Lakes Vodka. You can tour the site exploring the stillroom and the distillery warehouse to learn about how their products are made.

Keswick Brewing Company

If you love craft beers, Keswick Brewing Company is the ideal place for you, both rain and shine! The company hosts a gift shop filled with beer, mini casks, clothing merchandise and a bar. Guests can complete a guided tour of the brewery and find out why the brewers uses the unique ingredient of sheep wool when making their beer…

Kong Adventures climbing wall

If the weathers stopping you from reaching the mountains, you can get your climbing, adrenaline fix at Kong Adventures. The centre offers bouldering and climbing walls as well as an escape room! A great place for all the family; the centre has a play area and kids climbing wall and indoor caving.

Top Family Friendly things to do in Keswick

Camping

Keswick offers a great selection of family friendly campsites with plenty of space for kids to enjoy ball games and a night under the stars…

Castlerigg Farm Camping and Caravan Site

Adults £8 per night, Children £4 per night (prices vary during peak seasons)

Situated on the edge of Keswick, around 1 mile away from the town centre, this open all year round campsite is ideal for a family trip away in all seasons. The site is a large field with plenty of space for children to play and is surrounded by stunning mountain views. The campsite is a short distance away from Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake.

Dalebottom Farm

Prices start from £8 for tents and £20 for tourers.

Around 2 miles south of Keswick, Dalebottom Farm is a picturesque, family run site surrounded by views of Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Blencathra. The site is ideal for large family’s and is also dog friendly.

Derwentwater Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Prices vary with basic tent camping pitches starting at £11 per person per night

Situated beside Derwentwater Marina within walking distance of Keswick town, this campsite is a perfect base for family activities in and around Keswick. The site is suitable for tents, campervans, motorhomes and offers camping upgrades in their ‘glamping’ tents and yurts.

Little walks for little legs

When hiking with kids, you want to choose an easy, accessible walk with lots of exciting features. Here are a few family walks from Keswick to start with…

Catbells

One of the most popular routes starting at Keswick, Catbells is an ideal little starter mountain to introduce kids to fell walking. It’s a short climb, easy to navigate and easily accessible. You can start the route from Keswick town centre, taking the Keswick Launch to Hawes End. The walk offers everything from fantastic lake views to fun, little scrambles, offering children a day to remember.

Frairs Crag

A stile-less route for everyone, even children still in a pushchair, finishing at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Derwentwater, the Frairs Crag walk is a simple yet rewarding route. Starting at the Theatre by the Lake, a woodland path is signposted up to the viewpoint and is easy to find. There is a bench overlooking the unbroken view of the lake, looking up to Catbells, Walla Crag and Maiden Moor. The start point at Keswick Launch has cafes offering ice cream and refreshments for children.

Whinlatter Forest

A low level woodland trail for all the family, exploring Whinlatter Forest on the trail at Revelin Moss is a great day out. The one-mile trail is way marked and flat making it suitable for prams and has benches dotted along the way for a rest and a picnic. The forest also has a Go Ape centre for older children and a play park.

The Puzzling Place

A great day for the whole family, 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.

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.

Mirehouse and Gardens

Around three miles from Keswick on the shores of Bassenthwaite, Mirehouse and Gardens is a historic house set in a beautiful, natural landscape. The area is perfect for children, offering four woodland playgrounds and little walks around the gardens and grounds. The 17th century manor house is also open to visitors, exploring the history of the Spedding family with strong literary and artistic connections.

As well as Mirehouse, Keswick is home to a number of beautiful, spacious parks for a picnic with the family or ball games with the kids, including Fitz Park, Hope Park, Crow Park and Whinlatter Forest Park.

Museums

Keswick is home to a number of fantastic museums for a great family day out including Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, Derwent Pencil Museum and nearby Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum.

Exploring Keswick with dogs

We all love a holiday with our four legged friends, and the Lake District is an ideal place for a getaway with your dogs. Keswick was awarded Britian’s most dog-friendly town in 2019, offering walkies galore, dog-friendly pubs and plenty of places to swim.

Please note when adventuring with your dog to be aware of livestock and keep your dogs on leads when passing.

Dog friendly walks

Dogs love walking as much as we do and Keswick offers some spectacular walks that both owners and dogs will enjoy. Keswick offers mountain hikes, walks in the park and lake trails with plenty of water for your dog to cool off on a hot day!

Hope Park

For a simple walk in the park with your dog, Hope Park is a great option. The park is situated between the town centre and Derwentwater, offering landscaped gardens, woodland and a little stream for your dog to have a dip. The park is also home to the extremely pet friendly Hope Café that even haven a special frozen yoghurt just for dogs!

The Derwentwater Walk

For a lake trail with plenty of swimming space for both you and your dog, the Derwentwater Walk is great for a summer’s day adventure. The trail is a 10-mile way marked path around the lake exploring the surrounding woodland and tranquil beech shores, creating an ideal spot for your dog to have a paddle! If 10 miles is too long for you or your dog, there are several landing stages along the trail enabling you to catch a ride on the Keswick Launch, which are pet-friendly allowing dogs to ride for free!

Castlehead

For a more adventurous hike to introduce your dog to a bit of incline, Castlehead is a great starter hill with a little scramble at the top. The short walk offers amazing views over Keswick and towards Bassenthwaite. The top of the hill is marked by a trig-pillar with a dial pointing out the fells you can see from the viewpoint. An ideal introduction to the fells for your pooch before taking them up the higher mountains.

Dog friendly accommodation

No one likes leaving their dog at home when they go away, so finding dog friendly accommodation is always a relief. Luckily, Keswick is one the best places for a pet-friendly holiday with a number of different accommodation options so your canine companions don’t have to miss out…

Keswick Cottages

Offering cottages in central Keswick, Threlkeld, Portinscale, Braithwaite and Thornthwaite, Keswick Cottages host a number of cosy properties with private, enclosed gardens, warming wood burners and spacious rooms for larger pooches. There’s over 39 cottages to choose from in the area at affordable prices over on their website.

The Royal Oak Hotel

A traditional 18th century coaching inn offering pet-friendly rooms and dining areas, The Royal Oak Hotel is a perfect base in Keswick for exploring the area with your dog. The pub offers a hearty and wholesome menu and a cosy snug area with a crackling fire. To stay with your pets, an additional £15 is charged on top of your room rate to pay for a deep clean after your stay.

Low Briery Holiday Park

A large but peaceful holiday park in Keswick offering self-catering holidays, Low Briery Holiday Park provides pet friendly lodges, cabins, houses, camping pods and caravans and apartments. The park is an ideal base to explore Keswick and even offers their own entertainment on site including family activities. An extra £20 is charged per dog during your stay.

Dog friendly pubs

After a long walk, a well-deserved pint and a bowl of water is always a must. Here in Keswick, almost all the pubs are welcoming of muddy boots and paw prints…

Dog & Gun

A traditional Lakeland pub with wooden beams, cosy open fires and a friendly atmosphere, dogs often outnumber people in the Dog & Gun! Its easy to see why, as the pub offers a special menu for doggy dinners as well as a dog bowl and treats on the bar.

The George Hotel

A 350-year old coaching inn with plenty of character and muddy paw prints, the George pub is a great, pet-friendly place to put your feet (and paws) up with a pint and some home-cooked pub grub after a days hike. The pub offers an open fire as a perfect spot for your dog to cosy up.

The Pack Horse Inn

A traditional Lakeland pub tucked away in a quaint side street just off the market square, The Pack Horse Inn is a friendly place welcoming friends with both two legs and four. The pub is cosy with a wooden beamed ceiling and stone floors, offering homemade food to share with your dog as well as live music for everyone to enjoy.

The best places to eat and drink in Keswick

Keswick is one of the busiest towns in Lakeland; with so many activities on offer, it’s likely you will work up a big appetite. Luckily, Keswick is crammed with tasty eateries, cafes and traditional pubs to enjoy a locally brewed pint and some hearty pub grub! If pub food isn’t your thing, Keswick offers a variety of restaurants inspired by world cuisine including Indian, Mexican, Chinese and pizza houses.

The George Hotel

Open everyday 11am-11p

For a spot of traditional, pub grub, the characterful 16th century George Hotel offers classic home cooked dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers. Highlights from the menu include the famous farmhouse pie, sizzling duck platter and the black pudding stack. The pub is renowned for its extra generous portions, so make sure you enter on an empty stomach! The oldest coaching in Keswick, the bar oozes a cosy atmosphere with a snug area serving local cask ale beside a roaring fire. The hotel also offers traditional Cumbrian fry-ups every morning for both hotel guests and visitors.

The Dog & Gun

Open everyday 11am-11pm, serving food from 12pm-9pm

No trip to Keswick is complete without trying the Dog & Gun’s famous Hungarian goulash; a thick hearty beef dish popular amongst herdsmen in Hungary and served from the pubs kitchen for over 60 years! Other popular dishes on the traditional pub menu include beef & ale pie, fish and chips and chicken and woodland mushroom pie. The friendly atmosphere set in a venue with timber beams and a cosy fire, alongside the amazing food makes this a must visit place for Keswick.

Inn on the Square

Open Sunday- Thursday 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm

Located within a popular 4 star hotel on the market square, Inn on the Square boasts an AA Rosette- award winning steakhouse alongside two modern bars. The family-owned hotel describe themselves as ‘laid-back luxury’ mixing sophistication with adventure. The Brossen Steakhouse offers succulent meat including oak-smoked rump, rib eye, tender fillets with a choice of over 15 sides and 50 wines!

The Fellpack Restaurant

Open Tuesday- Saturday 5pm-11pm

One of the most popular restaurants in Keswick, the Fellpack prides itself on being a community hub for adventurers, mountain lovers and food enthusiasts providing a comfortable place to relax together after a day in the fells. Opening in 2017, the evening restaurant boasts unique comfort food with a twist, combining local flavours with world cuisine in dishes such as their Cumbrian beef ragu and chicken and wild garlic tartiflette. The menu often varies due to the seasonal nature of dishes.

Bar eS

Open Sunday- Thursday 5pm-11pm, Friday 5pm-12pm, Saturday 4pm-12pm

Inspired by Mexican cuisine, Bar eS provides a picking menu of tapas dishes cooked using fresh ingredients, colourful cocktails, craft beers and spirits all in a relaxed, rustic interior in the heart of Keswick. Vegan options are also available and the bar is dog friendly.

The Square Orange Café

Open Wednesday- Monday 10:30 am-10:30pm, food is served 12pm- 9pm

Known by locals as the ‘Squorange’, this quirky little café and bar is nestled in the heart of Keswick, serving hot stone pizzas, Cumbrian roasted coffee, local beer, guest wines and European inspired tapas. The café is a friendly place with a lively atmosphere, hosting evenings of live music and offering a selection of board games.

The Sizzling Stone

Open Thursday- Saturday 5pm-10pm

A quirky restaurant for meat lovers, The Sizzling Stone provides a unique dining experience allowing guests to cook their own steaks and other meats on a hot stone slate right at their table, offering a perfectly cooked steak every time. All meat is locally reared and the restaurant accompanies meals with exclusive wines, real ales and a selection of gins.

The Cottage in the Wood

Open Tuesday and Wednesday 6:30pm-11pm, Thursday- Saturday 12:30- 4pm, 6:30-11pm

For an exquisite fine-dining experience, The Cottage in the Wood is a sophisticated Michelin star restaurant sitting 1000ft up above Keswick in the woodland of Whinlatter Forest. The interior is charming yet cosy featuring snug seating areas, wood burning stoves, books and board games. Highlights from the award-winning menu include the Cumbrian Herdwick hogget and foraged mushrooms and duck with chanterelle mushrooms and greengage plums. If you fancy a stay after your meal, the cottage host’s boutique styled rooms!

Woodstone Pizza & Flame Grill

Open everyday 12pm-10:30pm

A cosy pizzeria in Keswick town centre serving wood-fired Italian cuisine alongside meat from the flame grill, Woodstone Pizza & Flame Grill is the perfect place to satisfy a pizza craving! The menu offers a range of smoky flavoured pizzas, flame grilled burgers, steaks, kebabs and pasta dishes. Ingredients are locally sourced with the pizzeria proudly using beef and chicken from Cumbrian farms.

Sultan of Keswick

Open everyday 5pm-10:30pm

A beautiful Indian restaurant in the centre of Keswick, the Sultan of Keswick serves a variety of Indian inspired dishes inside a colourful, Hindu themed interior with a bustling atmosphere. Popular dishes from the restaurants authentic menu include ‘Captian Pathia’, rogan josh and chicken madras.

Golden Hills Chinese Restaurant

Open for diners Friday- Sunday 5:30pm- 10pm, Monday-Thursday is takeaway only.

For a taste of Asia in Keswick, Golden Hills Chinese is a highly rated, family run restaurant in the area, which has been operating for over a decade. The menu is built on seasonal produce using fresh ingredients for dishes inspired by the family’s own unique Cantonese and Peking recipes. The venue is small and intimate with a friendly atmosphere.

Shopping local in Keswick

Whether you’re staying in self-catering accommodation and need a grocery shop, or simply looking to take home a Lake District souvenir, there are plenty of shops and local businesses here in Keswick for a shopping day to suit your needs.

Packhorse Court

A courtyard located just off the Market Square, Packhorse Court is a unique, quaint street filled with local businesses ideal for gift shopping, stylish clothing and homeware plus tasty food. Shops include…

Sweet Treats

Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays 10:30am- 4pm

‘The sweetest little shop in the Lakes’, Sweet Treats is a sugar filled paradise for both adults and children offering over 250 jars of traditional sweets, pick ‘n’ mix, chocolate and candy bars, retro sweets plus ice cream and cold drinks.

Poets’ Interiors

Open everyday 10am- 4pm

An eccentric little furniture shop, Poets’ Interiors sells a range of stylish interiors from chic to minimalistic and quirky; this shop suits the needs of all different tastes offering big and small furnishings, finishing touches and little trinkets and gifts.

Craft Beer Keswick

Open Thursday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sundays 11am-7pm

A recent addition to Packhorse Court opening in summer 2021, Craft Beer Keswick is a craft ale shop offering customers a diverse range of beers from breweries both local and from across the UK. The venue is used primarily as a shop however has a small sitting area both inside and outside to sample some draft beer!

Touchwood Toyshop

Open everyday 10am- 4:30pm

A traditional little toyshop specialising in vintage, wooden toys for modern children to enjoy and adults to remember, the shop sells items ranging from wooden jigsaws, colourful building blocks, painted buses, toy animals, tea-sets… there’s something special for every child here.

Alternative Gift Shop

Open Monday- Saturday 9:30am- 5:30pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

A unique Cumbrian gift shop aiming to provide unusual and clever gifts in a friendly and casual atmosphere, the shop stocks classic gifts including frames, books, glassware, toys, jewellery, greeting cards and more unique items including gadgets and homeware and art.

Keswick Cheese Deli- The Cheese Delicatessen

Open Monday- Friday 10am- 5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

A small, quaint building specialising in stocking Cumbrian-made cheeses showcasing an extensive range from local cheese makers at farms including Thornby Moor Farm, Appleby Creamery and Aspatria’s Lake District Cheese Company. The Keswick Cheese Deli provide a range of over 90 cheeses as well as complementary produce including cured meats, olives, chutneys and crackers which can be bought as a gift set or hamper.

Lakes and Dales Co-Operative

Open Monday- Saturday 7am-9pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

For all your grocery needs, Keswick’s Lakes and Dales Co-Operative store is open everyday providing a large choice of fruit and veg, speciality bread, confectionary, chilled and frozen food, plus wines, beers and spirits.

George Fisher

Open Monday- Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm

Founded in 1957 and located in the heart of Keswick, George Fisher is one of the UK’s leading outdoor equipment and clothing specialists selling the best gear from camping equipment and tents to men’s and women’s clothing and footwear.

Friars Chocolate Shop

Open Monday- Saturday 9:30am- 5:30pm, Sunday 10:30am-5:30pm

Situated on Keswick’s market square, Friars chocolate shop was established in 1927 and still remains a family run business today. The shop sells luxurious, professionally made chocolates ranging from rich truffles, fine chocolate gift sets and hampers and novelty chocolates.

Bookends of Keswick

Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 12:30am-5pm

One of Keswick’s most popular bookshops, Bookends is a family run bookstore in a traditional little Lakeland building. The shop may be tiny, but it is bursting with books, so much so the shop often extends the sales area into the courtyard! The shop sells all kinds of different books, including locally themed titles including ‘Swimming Wild in the Lake District’ and ‘Max The Miracle Dog’.

Lakeland Slate Shop

Open everyday 9am-8pm

Take a piece of Lakeland home with you and literally make it part of the furniture with Lakeland Slate Shop; the company’s small team of local stonemasons make a variety of slate products from house name and number plaques to chess boards, fireplaces and flooring. The company make bespoke products, likely creating any slate product you have in mind. Situated in Keswick beside Derwentwater, the company are able to source their world famous ‘green slate’ from several areas including Langdale, Kirkstone, Coniston, Borrowdale and Windermere.

Silver and Thread Jewellery Shop

Open everyday 10am-5:30pm

A small, family owned business founded in 1998, Silver and Thread work to deliver quality and ethically sourced Silver jewellery. The store sells a range of silver jewellery products, much of which is inlaid with semi-precious stones, including pendants, earrings and bracelets.

When is the best time to visit Keswick?

Keswick is a beautiful place to visit all year round, however there are pros and cons depending on which season you visit…

Spring (March- June)

Spring is a beautiful season in the Lake District; lambs are jumping around the fields and fells, daffodils are blooming and tourists are returning following the quieter winter months. Keswick is a great place to be in the spring, with plenty going on for a solo or family trip.

Vibrantly coloured spring walks…

Walks around Keswick’s gardens and woodland will provide endless opportunities to spot new wildlife and blooms including daffodils, bluebells and purple orchids. The banks of the River Greta, as well as down by Derwentwater are great spots near Keswick to find new daffodils.

Spring Festivals

A number of festivals take place in Keswick during springtime including the annual Jazz and Blues Festival and the annual Keswick Mountain Festival.

The Jazz and Blues Festival is a four-day celebration of music including New Orleans, Swing, Classic, Traditional and Mainstream Jazz and Blues. During May, The town is alive with live music from bands across the UK and US. A great day for music lovers! The Keswick Mountain Festival also takes place in May and is held in Crow Park on the edge of Derwentwater. The festival is about celebrating the outdoors and encouraging everyone to get involved in the endless outdoor activities the Lake District has to offer, hosting challenges and activities including cycling, running, hiking, swimming and more!

Summer (June- September)

Summer is the most popular time for visitors to the Lake District with warmer weather, longer days and public holidays encouraging tourists. Keswick is often packed with people during the summertime making it a lively place to be!

Outdoor activities

Anything outdoors is best enjoyed when the weather is warm and dry, and lots of outdoor activity centres only host events in the summer. Keswick Launch runs a more frequent timetable in the summer alongside the re-opening of Derwentwater Marina in April for the season’s kayaking and boat hires.

Camping

Campsites in Keswick such as Castlerigg Farm, Dale Bottom Farm and Burns Farm re-open for the summer between March and October. The warmer weather makes camping an ideal way to spend summer nights in Keswick and often the cheapest way, due to hotels and accommodation often peaking in price during this busy time of year.

Summer Festivals

Keswick is home to a number of summer festivals including the Midsummer Festival, which takes place annually either in June or July hosting a weekend of free events around the town including live music and Keswick’s own dog show, Scruffs! Keswick Agricultual Show is also held every August Bank Holiday with arts and crafts stalls, fell races, children’s amusements, livestock and trade stands.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is a beautiful time in the Lake District, with summer crowds disappearing and autumn leaves falling, its time for wild, wrapped up walks, cosy pubs, hot chocolates and Halloween activities…

Autumn coloured hikes…

Hiking around Keswick during autumn is a beautiful time, with woodland walks being a great option to display the leaves changing colours alongside some of the grassier fells which showcase stunning purple heather and orange bracken.

Some vibrant woodland walks to explore include Whinlatter Forest and Dodd Wood. Latrigg is also a great autumn hike; a grassy hill overlooking Keswick and Derwentwater, the summit is an ideal viewpoint to capture the season’s colourful hues across the water and surrounding fells.

Halloween activities

Keswick is a fun town to be in during Halloween with plenty of things to keep the kids busy during October half term and maybe some scary activities for adults too! Keswick Ghost Walks are a spooky way to get in the festive mood, starting at the Moot Hall and hosted by Lakeland Hauntings exploring the haunted history of Keswick town. A scary night for both adults and children over 10 years old.

Winter (November- February)

Winter is likely the quietest time of year in the Lake District with closed amenities and cold weather keeping many tourists away. This doesn’t mean Keswick is off limits; it’s a great way to explore and enjoy the town without the crowds. Winter in Keswick can mean stunning snowy hikes, cosy pubs with a roaring fire and festive Christmas days…

Winter walks…

Although short, dark days are common in winter, local walks can still be enjoyable with an early start, the right kit and skills. Nearby mountains that are particularly beautiful in winter and snow include Blencathra, Skiddaw and Helvellyn. There’s no need to feel like you’re rushing home after a winter hike, accommodation in Keswick is at its lowest price during the winter months, so staying at a cosy hotel for a winters night is more affordable this time of year.

Cosy pubs

Finding a cosy pub with a fire is a great way to end a winter’s day in Keswick. Local pubs including the Dog & Gun, The George Hotel and the Pack Horse Inn all have cosy, roaring fires to warm up next to with a pint.

Christmas activities

Keswick is a beautiful, festive town around Christmas time, with plenty of local businesses and shops ideal for Christmas shopping, with a variety of cosy, small cafes and pubs for a mid-shopping coffee or pint.

Don’t miss the annual Christmas light switch on event towards the end of November. The town is filled with festive food and gift markets and live music on the run up to the switch on.

Keswick’s Victorian Fayre in the market square is also a popular festive event hosting over 30 charity stalls selling a selection of Christmas homemade crafts, product and festive food and drink.

Where to park in Keswick

Whether you’re planning a hike, bike ride or stroll by the lakeshore, here’s a handy guide on where to park in Keswick.

National Trust Car Parks

There are a number of National Trust car parks in the nearby Borrowdale Valley; every car parking ticket sold helps to support National Trust conservation work to care for paths, gates, stiles and wildlife in the Lake District. Day tickets can be purchased which can be used across all Borrowdale and Buttermere National Trust car parks if you’re travelling around that day. Pay by Phone is available at most of these car parks. National Trust members can park for free.

Great Wood Car Park