Ringed by breath-taking cloud-capped fells and nestled on the shores of idyllic Derwentwater, Keswick is the Northern jewel of the Lake District. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling and outdoor pursuits or you simply want to relax in one of the most stunning places in the north of UK, a trip here is the perfect way to recharge your batteries.
For visitors to Britain’s favourite national park, there’s so much to see and do. With something for every age group, a break in Keswick makes the perfect family holiday or romantic getaway. Keen gardeners will love the floral displays in Keswick’s two beautiful parks, while history lovers will enjoy visiting museums and historic houses. And if you simply want to relax you can do that too with an exceptional spa experience.
Why not book into your choice of Keswick hotels and enjoy everything that this Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty has to offer?
Hiking and biking in Keswick
Cyclists and walkers are spoilt for choice when they visit Keswick. Start with a walk around Derwentwater itself, an easy 10-mile route on flat and easy paths that explores the shores of this magnificent lake and passes through ancient woodland and stunning scenery. If you need an even easier route that’s both wheelchair and buggy accessible, try the miles without stiles walks.
For a more challenging route, tackle an assault on Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and High Spy as you walk the Newlands Round, a dramatic horseshoe walk across the skyline crest. Or head for the 10-mile route to Skiddaw just north of Keswick for some breath-taking views across the lakes.
Keswick has bike trails that are suitable for family-friendly riding and serious mountain bike action, and with bike hire available in the town you can grab a ride and head for the BMX track in Fitz Park – stop off and visit the treasures of the Keswick Museum while you’re there. The nearby Whinlatter Forest Park has outstanding trails that are perfect if you want to test your skills and stamina while routes like the Borrowdale Bash and the Skiddaw Loop combine challenging terrain with exceptional scenery.
Fun for all the family
If the great outdoors seems far too tiring, there are plenty of family attractions within Keswick itself to keep every member of the family occupied. The Puzzling Place will keep everyone entertained with its dazzling mix of optical illusions from lifelike holograms to the Anti-Gravity room where balls roll uphill.
For an adrenaline packed mix of indoor and outdoor climbing adventures, the King Kong Climbing Centre is right in the heart of Keswick, while Go Ape in the Whinlatter Forest is an unforgettable tree-top experience. Hope Park is one of Keswick’s top family attractions with crazy golf, a putting green and a family-friendly cafe, while lemur lovers won’t want to miss a chance to see these lovely creatures up close at the Lake District Wildlife Park.
For more grown-up pursuits, a trip to the Keswick Brewery is a good way to pass an afternoon, while the Theatre By The Lake is home to festivals and performances throughout the year. With its mix of local markets, independent shops, cafes and bars there are always good things to see, eat and drink in family – and pet-friendly – venues.
Step back in time
The Castlerigg Stone Circle is a jaw-dropping sight, the 4,000-year-old stones ringed by high mountain peaks. Visit Mirehouse and its glorious gardens to learn about its unusual literary connections, then return via the Ashness Bridge for one of the most beautiful panoramas across Keswick and Derwentwater from the Surprise View. Whatever time of year you visit, Keswick never disappoints.