5 Things To Do in Keswick

Keswick is one of the gems of the Lakes District National Park. A 16th century market town nestled between the dramatic fells of Skiddaw and Helvellyn. It’s the perfect place for a day trip. 

Derwent Pencil Museum

Discover the home of the first pencil as you weave your way through a replica graphite mine. Follow the journey of the humble pencil over three centuries. There’s plenty to see from secret WW2 pencils to one of the largest colour pencils in the world.

The Derwent Pencil Museum has been a staple visitor attraction for many years and is loved by children and adults alike. 

The museum is open Monday to Sunday and costs £4.60 per adult, £3.70 per child. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, you will need to book in advance. Click here to find out more about the museum and book your visit.


Keswick Museum & Art GalleryKeswick Fitz Park

Founded in 1873, Keswick Museum was originally situated in the Moot Hall in the town centre until it moved, in 1898, to its current home in Fitz Park.

There are around twenty thousand objects within their collection. These range from Landscape and Natural History, Social and Industrial History to Local Art, Artists & Writers, Crafts & Crafts People. 

Reflecting life around Keswick, their older collections have been collated from the North Cumbria area. However, modern collections are gathered from the Derwent Seven Parishes – Above Derwent, Bassenthwaite, Borrowdale, Keswick, St Johns, Threlkeld and Underskiddaw.

The museum is open daily between 12pm and 4pm. Adult tickets are £4.95, child tickets are £3 and both are valid for 12 months. To find out more information click here.


Hire a Boat on DerwentwaterHire a Boat

On the shores of Derwentwater, you’ll find the Keswick Launch Company. Here you could take the 50 minute round boat trip which departs every 30 minutes. You can even hop off and take a walk via famous landmarks such as Ashness Bridge, Lodore Falls, and Lingholm, the holiday home of Beatrix Potter.

However, for a truly unique experience, hire one of their motor boats and cruise across the lake on your own schedule. As you sail, you’ll discover Derwentwater’s four islands, now owned by the National Trust; Derwent Island, Lord’s Island, Rampsholme and St Herbert’s Island. As well as taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding fells including Skiddaw, Catbells, and the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’. 

Motor boat hire is £33 per hour and you can just turn up on the day, so you can make sure the sun is shining! Use the Lakeside car park, just a few minutes walk from the landing. Find out more by clicking here.


Go ShoppingHandmade Chocolates

No visit to Keswick would be complete without a trip to some of the great independent shops, the town prides itself on.

Keswick’s 740-year-old Market runs every Thursday and Saturday in the Market Square, showcasing amazing local products and produce. Over sixty stalls offer everything from local food and drink to unique gifts, arts and crafts. 

The Cheese Deli is the perfect place to pick up some treats to enjoy back in your lodge at Brayton Park. Stocking everything you’ll need to create the most decadent cheese board. Try some local, Cumbrian-made cheeses, stunning smoked brie and even your everyday favourites. Pair them with mouthwatering chutneys & pickles and place it all on some tasty crackers. 

George Fisher is the home of outdoor equipment for Keswick locals. With great ranges of walking boots, outdoor clothing, camping equipment, waterproofs and baselayers. You can find everything you need to kit yourself out for Lake District adventure. 

Friars is a family-run, luxury confectionery shop. Specialising in decadent hand-made chocolate truffles with innovative flavours, you can pick up a real treat to enjoy with a glass of prosecco in the hot tub. The shop is packed with treats, so if chocolate truffles aren’t for you there’s to choose from.


Grab Some Food

After a busy day enjoying Keswick, you’ll need some fuel. Here are some of the best places for a bite to eat.

Theatre by the Lake Cafe – If you’ve had a walk along Derwentwater or hired a boat, this is the perfect place to warm up with a hot drink, some lunch and a piece of cake. You can sit back and enjoy the view over the lake.

Magnolia’s – This is a real beer lover’s bar with over 50 Belgian and world beers plus a selection of local and national microbrewery beers. Their Bistro serves a tapas-style menu with sharing platters and small plates to choose from – great if you’re looking for a light lunch.

The Round – Situated at the foot of the Moot Hall and the start of the intense Bob Graham Round (42 peaks and 28,000 feet of ascent, in less than 24 hours), The Round is the place to be for great burgers, beer and cocktails. All the beef burgers are made from 100% Cumbrian beef and will have you rolling back to Brayton after a hearty meal.

Kat’s Kitchen – This is the best place to be if you’re vegan or vegetarian. Kat’s Kitchen is a fully plant-based/vegan cafe and serves amazing home-made meals as well as freshly baked vegan and gluten-free cakes.

Jan’s Sandwich Shop – If you’re just looking to pick up a sandwich while you wander around Keswick, Jan’s is a hidden gem and a favourite among locals. Everything is delicious but one of the best things on the menu is the Reuben and if you want a true Cumbrian experience try a packet of XL Cheese crisps.


Brayton Park is the perfect base to explore the Western Lake District, so click here to find out more about our lodges and book your stay.