The 11 Best Things to Do in Keswick, Lake District

Discover the best things to do in Keswick, a charming market town in the northwestern Lake District. It sits on the shore of Derwentwater, often nicknamed the “Queen of the Lakes” for its beauty.

Though small, Keswick punches well above its weight when it comes to fun things to do. It’s a fantastic starting point for local hikes and is home to cultural attractions, independent shops, and cosy pubs. You can spend your morning exploring an ancient stone circle and your evening enjoying a theatre performance.

After spending a few days in Keswick, I truly believe it’s one of the best bases for exploring the national park. I hope this article inspires you to include it in your next Lake District adventure.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please note, I only recommend products and services that I know and love. Read full Privacy Policy here.

The Best Things to Do in Keswick

While it’s easy enough to travel from Keswick to other parts of the Lake District, this article focuses on things you can do in and around the town itself, or that are easily accessible with minimal effort.

Take a Cruise on Derwentwater

One of the popular ways to take in the natural beauty surrounding the town is by joining a lake cruise with Keswick Launch, which departs from a jetty just a stone’s throw from the town centre.

You can opt for a 50-minute cruise around the lake or approach it as a hop-on, hop-off trip, allowing you to disembark at various points to explore the surrounding area. In addition to Keswick, there are six more stops available, each offering opportunities for scenic walks and sightseeing.

If you plan to hop on and off, make sure to check in advance whether your desired stops are open as some may be temporarily closed due to fluctuating water levels.

Tickets cost £15.25 per adult and £8.50 per child (ages 5–15). Children under 5 go free. A family pass for two adults and up to three children is available for £39.50.

Go on a Lakeside Stroll

The view along the Derwentwater walk path — Views along the way

Another great way to enjoy the scenery is by taking on the Derwentwater Walk, a path that follows the lakeshore and features scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and charming cafés. Keswick happens to be a great starting point for it.

The full trail is 16 kilometres long, so if you plan to complete the entire loop, allow a full day. Alternatively, you can walk just a section of the route and then catch a bus or a launch back to Keswick. The path is relatively flat and, overall, I’d say it’s an easy trail.

When my husband and I attempted the walk, it was pouring with rain (not uncommon in the area), so we followed the trail for a short while before turning back. Along the way, we still got to enjoy the beautiful view from Friars Crag.

Even in terrible weather, the landscape was absolutely breathtaking. Be sure to stop there for a photo op.

Visit the Derwent Pencil Museum

A giant pencil at the Derwentwater Pencil Museum

If you’re looking for a break from exploring the outdoors, I recommend heading to the Derwent Pencil Museum. This small but fascinating museum tells the story of the discovery of graphite in nearby Borrowdale and the industries it spurred, including the invention of the humble pencil.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I visited with my husband, but we were pleasantly surprised by how engaging the experience was. As part of the visit, you’re invited to complete a quiz based on the information from the displays. This simple yet effective approach definitely helps you focus more on the content being shared.

We also loved the arts area, where you can try out Derwent pencils for yourself and spend time sketching and colouring. If you complete the quiz, you’ll even receive a small souvenir prize to take home. You can also stock up on pencils and drawing books at the museum shop before you leave.

Tickets cost £6.60 per adult and £5.80 per child.

Hike Latrigg

Enjoy incredible views over Keswick and Derwentwater by hiking to the summit of Latrigg, a local fell. You can start your walk right from the town. The trail is about two kilometres long and typically takes around an hour to complete.

Although considered relatively easy, the path includes a steep section at the start. However, the stunning views at the top make the effort worthwhile. The only downside is that on a clear day during peak season, you may be sharing the summit with quite a few others.

If a full ascent isn’t suitable, there’s a limited mobility path that also leads to the summit. To access it, drive to the Gale Road car park above Applethwaite and begin your walk from there. Do note that even this route includes some steeper sections.

Watch a Performance at Theatre By The Lake

Located just a stone’s throw from the scenic Derwentwater, Theatre by the Lake arguably enjoys one of the most beautiful theatre settings in the country. While it serves as a creative hub for the local community, it also offers a fantastic evening out for visitors to Keswick after a day of exploring.

The theatre presents a varied programme of performances, from beloved classics and riotous modern comedies to new works by rising stars in the theatre world. It also hosts creative workshops and festivals covering a range of art forms, including literature and music.

Check out the Theatre by the Lake website to see what’s on during your visit.

Go to the Castlerigg Stone Circle

A visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle – a mysterious prehistoric monument perched on a hill surrounded by mountains – is easily one of the most popular things to do in Keswick.

Dating back to around 3000 BC, it is one of the oldest stone circles in Britain. While its original purpose remains unknown, the site offers a dramatic setting with stunning 360° views of the surrounding landscape.

You can walk to the stone circle directly from the town centre, which takes about 40 minutes and passes through some residential areas. Be prepared for a fairly steep climb to reach the site.

Alternatively, you can take the X4 or X5 bus from the town centre, though it won’t take you all the way up the hill. Some visitors choose to drive, as there is limited free parking available near the top.

Castlerigg Stone Circle can also be the starting point for a variety of scenic walks. My husband and I followed a route suggested on the Keswick Visitor website and can definitely recommend it.

Enjoy an Afternoon Tea at the Wild Strawberry Café

The afternoon tea selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones at the Wild Strawberry café in Keswick

Right in the heart of Keswick, you’ll find the Wild Strawberry, a quaint cafe and patisserie housed in one of the oldest buildings in town. It’s a popular spot for delectable sweet treats, crêpes and savoury bites which are perfect for recharging your batteries after a day of hiking.

If you’d like to elevate your experience, I highly recommend opting for their afternoon tea. This modern, relaxed take on the British tradition features a seasonal menu of sandwiches, beautifully bakes scones and a selection of cakes to share.

When my husband and I visited, we loved the quality and the presentation of the food, from the Parma ham and mozzarella sandwiches to the mouthwatering banoffee tart and Victoria sponge. While tea was our drink of choice, you can also treat yourself to a glass of prosecco.

The Wild Strawberry gets very busy, so I highly recommend booking in advance by calling 017687 74399. That said, when we tried phoning, we didn’t get through. Instead, we popped in the day before and booked our table in person.

Afternoon tea costs from £28 per person. For other options in the area, check out this guide to the best afternoon tea in the Lake District.

Hike Catbells

Hiking Catbells is another popular activity for visitors to the area. The six-kilometre trail, while generally considered easy, includes some steep and rocky sections, but the stunning views along the way make it well worth the effort.

Although Catbells isn’t located directly in Keswick, it’s easily accessible from the town. You can drive to the Catbells car park, though it tends to fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can take a lake launch from Keswick to Hawes End and begin your walk from there.

In summer, it’s also possible to catch the Honister Rambler 77 bus from Keswick to Catbells. Be sure to check the current timetable on the Stagecoach website.

Explore Independent Shops and Galleries

Inside the Friars of Keswick chocolate shop

One of the things I loved most about Keswick is the fantastic selection of quirky independent shops ranging from artisanal food and drink to art galleries and bookshops. Browsing these stores is also a perfect activity for when the weather isn’t great.

Here are some of my favourites:

Friars Chocolate: Established in Keswick back in 1927, this local company produces luxury chocolates that will delight any palate. While the shop stocks treats from other brands, I recommend going for Friars’ own creations, either from the counter or their packaged collections. We chose their dark chocolate selection and a marzipan log (I love marzipan!) and both were delicious.

The Keswick Cheese Deli: As the name suggests, this is the place to go for quality Cumbrian-made cheeses with British and European varieties on offer.

Bookends: This small but perfectly formed independent book shop is packed to the brim with books across all genres. I especially loved their local travel and interest section which was full of helpful insights.

Go to the Alhambra Cinema

Keswick is home to a charming traditional picture house that has been in operation for over 110 years, having first opened its doors in 1913. It features a striking brick facade and many quaint period features. Don’t worry though – the sound and screen technologies are all fully up to date.

With to screens available, visitors can enjoy a varied programme of international blockbusters, indie films and screenings of theatre and ballet performances. If you’re looking for a relaxing activity after all the adventuring, a visit to the Alhambra is an ideal choice.

Walk Along the Railway Line to Threlkeld

For an easy trail that’s accessible to a range of mobility levels, I recommend walking from Keswick to the sleepy village of Threlkeld along the path of the old railway line. The trail starts from the Keswick Leisure Centre and is five kilometres each way, making it a solid 10-kilometre return trip.

The path is fully tarmacked, making it suitable for walkers, cyclists, prams, and mobility scooters. While it’s not the most dramatic walk in the Keswick area, it still offers lovely riverside scenery. Benches are dotted along the route, allowing you to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The trail is mostly flat, with a gradual ascent as you approach Threlkeld. This section includes a zigzagging path to make the incline more manageable.

The trail ends at the A66 – just take the first left when you reach the road to enter the village. Threlkeld has a coffee shop and a couple of pubs. My husband and I had lunch at the Horse & Farrier, a cosy traditional pub serving excellent food.

It was the perfect way to recharge before the return journey. If you don’t feel like walking back, you can catch the X5 or X4 bus back to Keswick.

The Best Time to Go to Keswick

While Keswick is a year-round destination, the most popular time to visit is typically between May and September, when the weather is warmest and the chances of dry days are higher.

That said, the weather is famously unpredictable, even in the height of summer. When my husband and I visited in late May, we experienced multiple seasons in a single day, with bright sunshine quickly giving way to pouring rain and cold winds. I’d recommend packing waterproofs regardless of the season.

Visiting Keswick in winter has its own charm, too. The landscape takes on a different kind of beauty, the crowds are smaller, and accommodation is often more affordable.

If you’re planning to hike during the winter months, make sure to dress appropriately and be aware that even the easier trails may feel more challenging than they would in summer.

How to Get to Keswick

Personally, I think the best way to get to Keswick is by car. Since we live in Manchester, one of the cities within easy reach of the Lake District, the drive takes around two hours. Having your own vehicle also gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

That said, I understand that driving isn’t an option for everyone. If you’re travelling by public transport, the best alternative is to take a train to either Penrith or Windermere (depending on your starting point) and then catch a bus to Keswick.

How to Get Around Keswick

Keswick is small enough to explore entirely on foot. Many walks, including Latrigg, the Railway Line to Threlkeld and the Castlerigg Circle, can be accessed directly from town.

Additional walks can be reached via Keswick Launch, which isn’t just for scenic cruises but also serves as a handy shuttle to other areas around the lake. You can use it, for example, to reach Catbells if you prefer not to drive.

There’s also a local bus network that connects Keswick with Penrith, Cockermouth, Workington, and other destinations. The open top Borrowdale Bus, which travels through the scenic Borrowdale Valley, provides access to even more hiking trails and attractions. For up-to-date information on local bus routes, check the provider’s website.

If you’d like the flexibility to explore further afield, a car is your best option. However, if you’re mainly staying in and around Keswick, it’s possible to manage without one. On our last visit, we relied entirely on our own two feet to get around, even though we had driven in from Manchester.

Where to Stay in Keswick

The Victorian exterior of the Keswick Country House Hotel

Keswick is home to a wide selection of hotels, B&Bs, and self-catered accommodation options to suit all budgets and group sizes. As the town is popular with visitors, I recommend booking in advance to make sure you get your preferred option.

On our last visit, my husband and I stayed at the Keswick Country House Hotel. Located on the outskirts of town, this good-value hotel is housed in a charming Victorian building and boasts period features, cosy lounges to relax after a hike and an airy dining room overlooking beautiful gardens. You might even spot rabbits while enjoying your meals.

While the hotel is a little tired in places, our room was clean and comfortable, the service was friendly, and the free parking was a real bonus. Several of the walks mentioned in this guide start just outside the hotel, which made the location even more convenient.

Final Thoughts

As you can see there’s plenty of fun things to do in Keswick, making it a great destination for a trip away as well as a base for exploring the national park and tackling some of its most popular walks.

Enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Keswick? for Bookmark or pin it for later.

The 11 Best Things to Do in Keswick, Lake District