Planning your day out in Keswick and the North Lakes

Our bustling home town of Keswick situated in the northern Lake District has everything you could wish for and more, to make it the perfect base for a breakaway. With a year-round calendar of events, the area comes alive in a flurry of festivals celebrating everything from the great outdoors to literature, poetry and jazz.

Visitors flock to the area for a variety of outdoor adventures too. Choose from a picturesque lakeside stroll on the shores of the mighty Derwentwater the ‘Queen of the Lakes’ – or reach the tops of Skiddaw and the famous sharp edge of Blenrcathra, undoubtedly one of the finest ridges you will find.

During the day ‘shop till you drop’ amongst a range of independent local craft and gift shops and pick up that memorable souvenir to take home with you. Combine this with a tasty treat from a range of mouth-watering restaurants, cafes and bakeries that are full to the brim of local delicacies. For the culture vultures amongst you, a trip to the Theatre by the Lake is a must and an ideal way to spend an evening full of inspiring theatre, dance and exhibitions.

Head west towards the majestic Whinlatter Forest – England’s only true Mountain Forest – before reaching the most tranquil trio of waters made up of Buttermere, Loweswater and Crummock Water – ideal for a picnic, paddle or an exhilarating open water swim.

Our Top 5 ideas for a walk

Catbells

A short sharp climb that rewards you with amazing views over Derwentwater. The zig-zag path makes it an interesting one to follow and great for all the family to enjoy. We’d recommend you catch the boat across from the boat landings near to Theatre by The lake, as there is very little parking here.

Blencathra

Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, is one of the most northerly hills in the English Lake District with six separate fell tops. It is renowned for one of the finest ridge walks here, but is not for the faint-hearted!

Friars Crag

Perfect if you are looking for a short walk that is easily accessible from Keswick town centre. You’ll enjoy fabulous views across Derwentwater and further on to the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’. You can extend the walk around the lakeshore taking in the scenic bays and beaches.

Dodd Wood

Climb to the summit of Dodd Wood for unrivalled panoramic views of Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, the Solway Coast and even further, the hills of Dumfries and Galloway. It’s a lovely one to also combine this with a visit to the historic Mirehouse & Gardens and tea room.

Loweswater

A picturesque route around one of the smallest lakes on the western edge of the Lake District. Perfect for a well-deserved stop-off at the famous Kirkstile Inn for a legendary pint of the award-winning Loweswater Gold.

Places to Eat in Keswick

The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden

The stunning café and shop look down onto an octagonal walled garden built in a Victorian style using reclaimed materials. The menu offers delicious locally sourced foods, artisan bread and home-baked cakes, real barista coffee and an extensive range of teas.

The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite

The Pheasant Inn is renowned for the quality of its food and the unique atmosphere of the Fell Restaurant, Bistro and Bar. The recent achievement of the awarding of two coveted AA Rosettes makes it the only restaurant in the Cockermouth postcode area with this accolade.

The Bistro at Underscar

A warm welcome awaits you in the relaxing atmosphere of our Underdcar Bistro. Indulge in an aperitif whilst perusing the array of delicious, mouth-watering meals available from the menu. Alternatively, just sit back, relax and enjoy a drink in some good company.

Brossen Steakhouse

For a ‘proper’ steak in the Lakes look no further than the Inn on the Square’sAA Rosette award-winning Brossen Steakhouse in Keswick which is all about spectacular meat and stunning food. We put ‘local’ firmly on our menu – with a wide selection of locally sourced produce, handpicked for amazing flavours and only the very best mouth-watering meat.

The Kirkstile Inn

The famous Kirkstile Inn at Loweswater is situated in a magical place, nestling amongst the stunning fells in the northern Lake District and just a short distance from Loweswater and Crummock Water. The Inn prides itself on its reputation for unpretentious home-cooked meals and it places great emphasis on local Cumbrian and Lake District suppliers.

Things To Do