Things to do in Keswick

Discover the best attractions and things to do in Keswick

From stretches of sparkling lakes to vibrant town centre attractions, find great things to do in Keswick.

Keswick is a bustling market town situated in the famous Lake District National Park. This lively hotspot welcomes visitors all year round, boasting scenic walking trails, fun attractions, and one of the best Keswick things to do, meet some Alpacas!

Keswick attractions

Discover a wealth of renowned attractions including the popular Derwent Pencil Museum, The route up the nearby fell, Catbells is a wonderful opportunity to explore the great outdoors. The Castlerigg Stone Circle is a popular heritage attraction, a Neolithic site with views over Helvellyn and High Seat. Other must-see attractions include

Keswick activities

A 10-minute walk from the town centre is the magnificent Derwentwater, one of the main bodies of water in the Lake District. The 8-mile trail around its circumference takes advantage of some spectacular views. Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities at the fun-filled Kong Adventure, visit the Theatre by the Lake, or make friends at Alpacaly Ever After.

Things to do near Keswick

If you’re looking for a day out, delight in the number of things to do near Keswick. Venture over to Ulverston, Ambleside or Kendal for a memorable afternoon out. Alternatively, get the full Lake District experience on the incredible waters of Bowness-on-Windermere.

Keep reading to discover exciting and fun things to do in Keswick…

Air Ventures Paragliding School

6 The Orchard
Bassenthwaite
Keswick
United Kingdom

07830281986

Take to the skies on a thrilling paragliding flight across the breathtaking Lake District countryside. Learn to take command of a paraglide yourself or book a tandem flight and let an instructor take control while you simply enjoy the scenery. Already a skilled paraglider? Air Ventures Paragliding School offer advanced and special courses for improvers.
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Alpacaly Ever After

The Lingholm Estate
Keswick
CA12 5TZ

017687 78328

Based on the edges of Derwentwater at the beautiful Lingholm Estate, is Alpacaly Ever After, a unique and delightful experience for any animal lover. Take these friendly characters on a walk around the scenic estate or, if you are visiting the Lakes Distillery on a weekend, why not meet the alpacas and their babies? Make sure to book to avoid disappointment.
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Barrow and Stile End, Braithwaite

Keswick
Lake District
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
CA12 5TS

The route up Barrow Fell and Stile End makes for the perfect introduction to fell walking. With a gentle ascent and simple directions to follow, beginners can follow this trail to the two peaks and take in stunning Lake District views.
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Blencathra (Saddleback)

Keswick
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
England
CA12 4SU

Blencathra sits next to Skiddaw to the north-east of Keswick in the northern fells of the Lake District. It has six separate tops and multiple ways to ascend that vary from easy to extremely steep. Families with older children will love this easy route, at just under five miles it can be done in two hours.
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Image Credits: Andrew Bowden - CC BY-SA 2.0

Brandelhow Bay

Keswick
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
CA12 5UG

Combine a woodland stroll with a walk along the shore of Derwentwater on the Brandelhow Bay walk. The walk is 2.5 miles long and will take around two hours with young children. The path is mostly even but there are some rocky sections where an all-terrain pushchair would be required.
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Image Credits: Stephen Horncastle – CC BY-SA 2.0

Castle Crag

Keswick
Lake District
Cumbria
England
CA12 5UQ

Castle Crag is located in the north-western fells of the Lake District. It is the smallest hill included in Alfred Wainwright’s influential Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells and is below 1,000ft. Follow this moderate route to climb Castle Crag.
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Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castle Lane
Keswick
Lake District
England
CA12 4RN

0370 333 1181

Castlerigg is one of Britain’s earliest stone circles, raised in around 3000 BC during the Neolithic Period. With a dramatic location and panoramic views of the Helvellyn and High Seat mountains, it’s also one of the most spectacular.
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Castlerigg Stone Circle, Tewet Tarn and Low Rigg

Castle Ln
Keswick
Lake District
England
CA12 4RN

Start at this impressive Neolithic stone circle set against the backdrop of the Helvellyn and High Seat mountains before walking to a secluded tarn. Finally, you’ll reach a fell with impressive views from its relatively low height. This walk is suitable for children aged five and above and takes around two to three hours.
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Catbells

Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5TU
OS grid: NY244199

One of the most popular fells in the Lake District, boasting breathtaking views of Derwent Water and the neighbouring mountains.
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Catbells Circular Walk

Keswick

2h 24m

3.6 miles

Moderate

Catbells is an accessible 4-mile route and one of the most popular in the Lake District, located near the popular Lakeland town of Keswick on the western side of Derwent Water. It is a 451-metre climb, not too large but high enough to take advantage of the exceptional views over the valley below.
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