August in Keswick

August is an ideal time to visit Keswick with the family. With many shops and restaurants to suit all tastes, as well as miniature golf, lovely parks, the famous Theatre by the Lake, the fascinating Alhambra – our old-school theatre-style picture house with a balcony and a programme of mainstream blockbusters. Where else would you find a Pencil Museum, a neolithic Stone Circle, a climbing wall, fishing and great mountain biking, all set in the glittering location of Derwentwater at the head of the stunning Borrowdale Valley. You can also enjoy a boat trip on the Lake on Derwent Launch.

Keswick Show 

A full day’s entertainment is guaranteed at the Show Ground, with Fell Races, Terrier Racing, Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, a display by West Cumbria Vintage Car Club, and showing classes of ponies, horses, sheep and dogs. Add that to lots of delicious Cumbrian food and drink, and shopping stalls to browse, and you have a great day out for all the family. It’s usually on the bank holiday weekend and tickets are around £20 for a family ticket.

Derwentwater Marina

Found in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of Derwentwater, in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick it’s a great place to spend an August day. Get on the lake and explore the stunning bays and historic islands by hiring a Paddleboard, Canoe, Kayak, Rowing boat or Pedalo. They also offer instructor-led sessions in all water sports, from beginner and taster sessions to courses. They also have an on-site shop offering a wide range of water sports clothing and accessories, and a well-stocked chandlery.

Wordsworth House And Garden, Cockermouth

Just up the road is the lovely Georgian town of Cockermouth, come and enjoy Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, and see how William was inspired here.August sees plenty to keep the family busy, whatever the weather, with games, hands-on activities, and children’s trails. In school holidays you might find the maid hard at work and learn what’s cooking in the kitchen. Why not take in a guided tour or a welcome talk from one of the friendly team?

Getting Around

Stagecoach Buses

Stagecoach has some great tickets available for travel around the Lake District and Cumbria, from the North West Explorer ticket to Bus & Boat tickets. They provide a great service to get around without having to worry about parking your car. Find out more here.

Buses to Catbells

Parking problems and congestion are notorious around popular Catbells, and we would recommend getting public transport. The Honister Rambler route, bus 77/77A, goes from Keswick to Cat Bells and then across the stunning Honister Pass, to beautiful Buttermere and Whinlatter. These run daily from around the end of March through to the start of November with hourly buses.

Another option is Park & Sail – You can enjoy a beautiful scenic start to your walk by riding across Derwentwater before heading up to Catbells. You can Park & Sail by parking at Keswick Rugby Club and then heading to Keswick Launch to catch the boat. For more information click here.

More travel info on Visit Keswick.