Keswick: Walking, Derwentwater and culture

Keswick offers a range of options for a trip: walking routes in different formats, trips on Derwentwater, and attractions relating to culture and local history. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether walking routes, time on the water or cultural attractions should shape your plans. The routes differ in length and course; the museum, theatre and market offer a different focus.

Walking: different types of route

The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail is 5 km each way and follows the route of the former railway line from Keswick to Penrith. The distance is given each way, which is important for planning: it does not refer to the total there-and-back journey. Temporary works or closures may affect access, so it is worth checking the latest updates before setting out.

Howrahs Path connects Keswick and Portinscale via a wide, level path through the fields. There are bus stops at both ends, so you can also walk the route in just one direction. If you plan to do this, check the current bus timetables beforehand; local conditions may change.

The Derwentwater Walk is a signposted, scenic 10-mile circular route around Derwentwater. It follows level, easy-to-walk paths through ancient woodland and along the lakeshore. The starting point is on the lakeshore near Keswick Launch. Local path conditions may also change on this route; take current updates into account when planning.

The three routes can be distinguished by their format: the Railway Trail is specified as a one-way distance, Howrahs Path can be planned as a one-way walk, and the Derwentwater Walk is a circular route around the lake. This makes route format a separate selection criterion alongside distance. Consider whether you would prefer to cover a route there and back, plan a one-way walk with bus stops at both ends, or choose a circular route.

Trips on Derwentwater

Keswick Launch operates trips on Derwentwater all year round, departing from the jetties in Keswick. The boats stop at seven jetties around the lakeshore. Alternatively, you can take a 50-minute circular cruise on Derwentwater. This gives you a choice between a trip with stops at different places along the shore and a circular cruise with a specified duration.

Check the current service and sailing times before your trip. This will help you fit a boat trip into your day without confusing it with a walking route: the Derwentwater Walk starts on the lakeshore near Keswick Launch, while Keswick Launch trips take place on the lake.

Museum, theatre and market

Keswick Museum offers exhibitions, family activities and special events throughout the year about life in Keswick and its surrounding area. The galleries explore geology, history, stories and people connected with the local landscape. In this way, themes relating to the landscape and the people connected with it come together. Individual exhibitions and events change.

Theatre by the Lake produces a wide-ranging programme of classic, modern and new plays on two stages each year. While the museum explores Keswick through exhibitions, activities and special events, the theatre focuses on stage productions. Individual productions change, so if a particular performance is important to your trip, check the latest dates.

Keswick Market complements these cultural attractions with everyday essentials and other market goods: items for sale include food, clothing and household goods. The number of stalls and the selection may change over time. This gives you a varied picture of the options available when planning your trip: walking routes and activities on the lake sit alongside the museum, theatre and market, without requiring you to limit your stay to a single focus.

Discover more destinations: Lindal in Furness, Seascale, Windermere, Westward, Temple Sowerby, Barrow-In-Furness, Stainburn, Kirkby Stephen

For the broader travel overview: Cumbria.