The Lake District is a British region that has been held in high regard throughout recorded history. Its beautiful landscapes, range of walks and unique wildlife make it stand out from other holiday destinations. One of the most popular small market towns in the Lake District is Keswick, which offers gorgeous hiking and sightseeing spots alongside culture, art and heritage. This article outlines the top 5 things to do in Keswick to make the most of your trip and how to make the most of your breaks in the Lake District.
Go on a walk
The Lake District, including Keswick, is best known for its incredible walking spots. Keswick is home to some of the most popular trails, which range in what you can see and how hard they are. Remember, when going for a walk, take water and a phone so you can contact anyone if necessary.
Below is a list of the three most popular walks, ranked from easier to more challenging, depending on what interests you the most:
- Latrigg is around 3 miles long. It is a relatively easy round-trip, gentle walk that takes about 2.5 hours to complete. It offers great views of Keswick and the surrounding hills and lakes.
- Catbells is an incredibly popular fell walk. It is generally seen as a moderate-level round trip, but its length and difficulty can depend on the route you choose. It can range from a shorter route of about 3 miles to a longer route of about 9.4 miles. Which one you choose depends on who you are walking with, your accessibility needs and your desire to walk long distances. Some trails include scrambles, so be sure to check the routes before going.
- Derwentwater Circuit is a circular walk of up to 12 miles, offering consistent lakeside views. The length of this route makes it more complicated, as only a few sections are steep and challenging. It is well signposted and is a good option for people wanting to see lakeside nature and wildlife throughout the day.
Eat some local food
Keswick, along with the rest of the Lake District, is known for its hearty, British traditional food. Restaurants in Keswick are dotted throughout the town and many are of high quality. Look for places that source locally and provide local dishes like:
- Cumberland sausages
- Venison stew
- Tattie pot
When checking for Keswick accommodation, see what restaurant they are connected to or recommend, as this is a great way to get some local influence.
Go to Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
Keswick Museum and Art Gallery has a collection of unique artefacts and can host exhibitions showcasing local and cultural items of significance. The museum was erected in the 19th century; it was later shut, refurbished and reopened in 2014 for £2 million, £1.7 million of which was awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Go to the Theatre By The Lake
The Theatre By The Lake is a gorgeous and fantastically located theatre that presents acclaimed productions from a range of genres, backgrounds and directors. It has productions in the works and on display throughout the year and is a great place to experience the local arts, culture and history.
Stay the night
Staying the night in Keswick is what will make the trip truly worth it. There is just so much to see and do that an overnight stay is needed. Hotels in Keswick are stunning and full of the fun that Keswick has to offer. Many of them are also dog-friendly hotels, so you can bring your companion along for beautiful walks!
Whether you’re alone or with company, staying in Keswick will give you and anyone you’re with an authentic feel for the most beautiful parts of Britain.