Summary
Keswick, a market town nestled in the Lake District, boasts a rich Medieval history and is located just off the northeastern shore of Derwentwater, a lake renowned for its breathtaking scenery.
Surrounded by impressive hills, visitors can embark on climbing adventures directly from the town, while the Derwent Launch provides delightful cruises on the lake.
Keswick’s history predates the influx of tourists in the 18th century.
For instance, the Castlerigg Stone Circle dates back up to 5,000 years, while the town’s market has been in operation since the 1200s.
In the 16th century, a significant deposit of high-quality graphite was discovered in the nearby Borrowdale area, leading Keswick to dominate the pencil-making industry in Europe for the next century.
The Derwent Cumberland Pencil Company maintains historical ties to Keswick and operates a museum within the town.
Let us explore the top attractions in Keswick:
1. Derwentwater
A ten-minute walk from the town center, Derwentwater emerges as Keswick’s primary attraction, with its shoreline predominantly managed by the National Trust.
The lake measures approximately three miles in length, featuring an eight-mile perimeter trail that one can comfortably complete in half a day.
Early risers on clear summer mornings can capture stunning photographs of the lake’s mirror-like surface, and taking the 50-minute cruise on the Derwent Launch is highly recommended.
Among its four main islands, Derwent Island features an Italianate house constructed in the 18th century.
The dramatic beauty of the lake is enhanced by its mountainous surroundings and the expansive expanse of the Borrowdale valley to the south.
Notably, author and illustrator Beatrix Potter spent nine summers at residences located at Lingholm and Fawe Park along Derwentwater’s northwestern shore.
2. Castlerigg Stone Circle
It is challenging to imagine a prehistoric monument situated in a more breathtaking location than the Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Here, surrounded by the majestic fells of Skiddaw, Blencathra, Castlerigg Fell, High Rigg, and Clough Head, one can appreciate how early inhabitants might have deemed this site of significant importance.
Castlerigg is believed to have functioned as a gathering point for groups traveling from the western coast and the eastern Eden Valley, facilitating their journey to axe manufacturing sites and summer pastures in the central fells of the Lake District.
This circle, one of the UK’s oldest, dates back between 4,000 and 5,000 years and is comprised of 38 standing stones, some reaching heights of three meters.
3. Catbells
On the western shore of Derwentwater lies Catbells, one of the Lake District’s treasured fells.
At 451 meters, Catbells features a gentle ascent and a moderate grassy slope suitable for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
A circular trail begins at the lakeshore and culminates in a three-hour trek, allowing for frequent stops to appreciate the stunning scenery.
Once at the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views encompassing Derwentwater and its islands, Keswick’s skyline, Borrowdale to the south, and Skiddaw to the north.
Catbells is part of an extensive ridge along the lake, potentially inviting visitors to continue along the trail to extend their hike significantly.
4. Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
The town’s museum, established in the 19th century, has transitioned through various locations in Keswick, including Moot Hall, before finally settling in a dedicated building erected in 1898. Following an 18-month refurbishment supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the museum reopened in 2014.
It has gained a reputation for its unique exhibits.
One notable item is the Musical Stones of Skiddaw, an eight-octave lithophone crafted from pieces of exceptionally durable hornfels, a type of metamorphic rock sourced from Skiddaw.
Queen Victoria once attended a performance featuring this instrument.
Additional curiosities include a teacup belonging to Napoleon, a mummified cat over six centuries old, a collection of mounted taxidermy displays, and a man-trap designed to ensnare poachers.
The museum recently showcased a remarkable exhibition focusing on female mountaineers in the 19th century and the obstacles they overcame, both social and natural.
5. Theatre By The Lake
One might not expect to find a theatre of such high esteem in a town as secluded as Keswick.
However, the Theatre by the Lake, located mere steps from Derwentwater, features a resident company of up to 14 actors presenting a diverse repertoire of six plays each season, running from May to November.
The theatre also produces a new play annually, and its Christmas productions provide a delightful family experience each December.
Alongside its in-house productions, the theatre accommodates local events like the Keswick Beer Festival and the Keswick Mountain Festival, both of which occur in June.
6. Hope Park
Situated between Keswick and the lake, Hope Park presents a delightful blend of gardens and recreational amenities.
The park embraces the stunning backdrop of Derwentwater and, in the 19th century, served as open space grazed by horses pulling coaches that transported tourists from the train station to local hotels.
In the 1920s, landowner Sir Percy Hope landscaped the area, transforming it into a beautiful ornamental garden, once enjoyed by his wife, Lady Hope.
Hope Park offers complimentary Wi-Fi, remote-controlled boats, a woodland walking path, and picnic spots, along with facilities for crazy golf, an 18-hole putting green, and a nine-hole pitch and putt course.
7. Derwent Pencil Museum
Keswick is home to significant graphite deposits that have been utilized since the 16th century.
Pencil manufacturing began on a modest scale but expanded significantly in the 19th century, eventually becoming industrialized.
The Derwent Company factory was established in 1832 and operated in the town until 2007, when it relocated to Workington.
The Pencil Museum features a replica of the Seathwaite Mine, where graphite was first discovered in the 1550s, and chronicles the history of pencil-making in Keswick.
Visitors can view vintage pencil-making machinery while learning how modern pencils are produced in the 21st century.
Additionally, the museum is home to the world’s largest coloring pencil, created in 2001, measuring just under eight meters in length.
8. Moot Hall
A key landmark in the town, Moot Hall serves as an assembly building in front of Keswick’s Market Square.
This structure features slate walls and dressings, with lime-wash painted quoins.
The current building dates back to 1813, although an assembly hall/courthouse has existed on this site since the 1570s.
Window bars suggest that Moot Hall may have previously been utilized as a prison. For much of the 19th century, it housed Keswick Museum.
The ground floor now accommodates Keswick’s Tourist Information Centre, while the upper level hosts a gallery for temporary art exhibitions.
9. Keswick Launch
The picturesque fells neighboring Derwentwater are especially captivating when observed from the lake, making a cruise a delightful option.
The Keswick Launch operates from Keswick Jetty 13 times daily (with six clockwise and seven anticlockwise trips). The cruise is approximately 50 minutes long and includes eight stops along the lakeshore, offering opportunities to disembark at scenic locations for picnics or to visit attractions such as Lodore Falls or the charming Ashness Bridge.
Four different launch boats are available, each featuring both open and covered decks, accommodating varying weather conditions.
10. Lodore Falls
Located behind the hotel of the same name, Lodore Falls cascades 30 meters down a steep drop from Watendlath Tarn to the Borrowdale Valley.
The waterfall gained recognition among Victorian tourists and is further accentuated by the large boulders that grace the beck.
Lodore Falls is best appreciated in winter, when a powerful torrent rushes over the rocks, while during lengthy dry periods in summer, the flow may lessen in grandeur.
This area falls under private property and is part of an oak woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Visitors may leave a donation for maintenance in an “honesty box” available on-site.
11. Walla Crag
This walk originating in Keswick leads to the summit of Walla Crag, which rises 380 meters right above Derwentwater.
The ascent can typically be completed in an afternoon or evening, as the summit faces west, allowing visitors to enjoy sunset views over the lake, its islands, Grasmoor, and Grisedale Pike.
Even on warm days, the Walla Crag trail remains pleasant, traversing through dense coniferous woodland and concluding at a barren andesite lava outcrop surrounded by heather.
Additionally, the region provides spectacular views south along Borrowdale towards some of the Lake District’s tallest peaks, including Scafell Pike and the Great Gable.
12. Keswick Market
Keswick’s vibrant weekly market is a testament to its quality, as evidenced by the considerable number of locals who frequent it alongside tourists.
This market, which has been operating for over 740 years, was honored as “Best Outdoor Market in the UK” in 2015. Situated in Market Square in front of Moot Hall, the market operates year-round on Saturdays and also on Thursdays from February to December.
Here, shoppers can find a delightful assortment of fruit and vegetables, artisanal jams, fresh bread, local meats, herbs, specialty foods, second-hand books, jewelry, and various arts and crafts.
13. Whinlatter Forest Park
Located just a few miles from Keswick, Whinlatter Forest Park is the only significant mountain forest in England and has earned multiple awards.
Considered a vital timber resource following the First World War, Whinlatter Forest was thoughtfully transformed into a park featuring well-marked trails.
One popular attraction, Wildplay, consists of a 600-meter path equipped with nine distinct play areas, each featuring climbing structures, a zip-line, and a long slide.
At the Visitor Centre, one can observe live footage from nests belonging to ospreys and red squirrels, in addition to learning more about these species.
The center also provides mountain bike rentals, and visitors may be treated to breathtaking glimpses of the Northern Lakeland fells as they traverse the trails.
14. Lakes Distillery
Located in an exceptionally scenic area on Bassenthwaite Lake, under the imposing Skiddaw peak, lies England’s largest whisky distillery.
This distillery occupies a Victorian model farm, where former barns and cattle sheds have been repurposed into the mash house, still house, and warehouse for maturing whisky.
During a tour, guests can gain insight into the whisky-making process and observe artisan-scale copper stills utilized for production.
The Lakes Distillery also produces vodka and gin, which guests have the opportunity to sample alongside whisky at the artisan bar following the tour.
15. Watersports
For those seeking water-based activities amidst spectacular settings, the Derwent Water Marina is the ideal destination.
At the marina, located on the northern shore of the lake, visitors can engage in courses covering various water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The marina also offers “ghyll scrambling,” which includes wearing a helmet and lifejacket to navigate the Stoneycroft Ghyll, a mountain stream filled with rapids and waterfalls in the Newlands Valley just west of Derwentwater.
For self-guided excursions, canoes, paddleboards, windsurfing boards, and Laser 1 and 16 sailing boats are available for hire.
