Keswick offers several ways to plan your stay: a route between two places, a signposted circular walk by the lake, as well as a museum, theatre and market. To plan your visit, it is worth first deciding whether you want to focus on a circular walk, a route through fields, a boat trip or culture. You do not need to combine the options into a fixed itinerary; organise your day according to the type of route and your interests.

Routes between places and by the lake

The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail is 5 km each way and follows the route of the former railway from Keswick to Penrith. Temporary works or closures may affect access; check before setting out. Howrahs Path connects Keswick and Portinscale via fields and runs through the countryside as a wide, level path. There are bus stops at both ends. This means you can walk the route one way; check current bus services in advance. Local conditions can also 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 walk starts by the lakeshore at Keswick Launch. This gives you the choice between a route through fields and a circuit that takes in the lakeshore and woodland. As path conditions can change, check them before setting off.

Derwentwater by boat

Keswick Launch offers trips on Derwentwater all year round, departing from the Keswick boat landings. The boats stop at seven landing stages around the lakeshore; alternatively, you can take a 50-minute circular cruise on Derwentwater. This gives you different ways to enjoy an outing on the water: a cruise with a specified duration or the 10-mile walk. Check the current operating status and travel options before your trip.

Museum, theatre and market

Keswick Museum offers exhibitions, family activities and special events throughout the year about life in Keswick and its surroundings. The galleries explore geology, history, stories and people connected with the local landscape. Individual exhibitions and events may change; plan your visit around the current programme. Theatre by the Lake produces a wide-ranging programme of classic, modern and new plays each year on two stages. Individual productions also change. This gives you a choice between a museum experience connected to the town and its landscape and a yearly theatre programme as different cultural options.

Keswick Market adds to these options with food, clothing and household goods. The number of stalls and the range of goods may change over time.

Discover more destinations: Shap, Temple Sowerby, Askham, Spark Bridge, Threlkeld, Rusland, How, Mungrisdale

For the main travel overview: Cumbria.