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Things to do when you stay in Keswick

A comprehensive guide to the best things to do in and around Keswick

· Food and Drink,Attractions,Family,Culture,History

Summer is here and you’re planning your stay in Keswick, in the Lake District. If you haven’t already booked your perfect Keswick hotel, check out Dale Head Hall Lakeside Hotel’s blissful Lakeview rooms now, and get an automatic 10% discount when you book in advance!

places to stay in keswick

There is so much to do in and around Keswick, all times of the year, we hardly know where to begin. But let’s break it down and take a look at some of the best things to do in Keswick this Summer.

Places to eat in Keswick

The Wild Strawberry – A splendid little café, serving a wide variety of foods for hungry walkers, including plenty of choice for vegetarians and those on a gluten free diet.

Casa Bella – An Italian restaurant, serving excellent pizzas, pasta, and even their own delicious range of gelato!

Merienda – A fabulous choice for vegetarians and vegans, Merienda serves delicious and wholesome food, inspired from all over the world.

Lakes Bar And Bistro – Enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, or just a coffee at this versatile little bistro.

The Old Keswickian – Fish and chips, and people watching. This excellent little fish and chip shop has an upstairs restaurant overlooking the main square and Moot Hall. GF options available too!

The Kingfisher – An excellent fish and chip shop, with upstairs dining and gluten free options.

The Square Orange – A cosy little bar, serving delicious tapas, artisan coffee, and live music.

The Filling Station Café – A fabulous café on the outskirts of Keswick. Serves the best breakfasts and brunches in Keswick in our humble opinion! Perfect for vegetarians too.

The Pheasant Inn – A lovely little Lake District pub on the outskirts of town. The Pheasant serves wholesome pub-grub, for weary hikers and travellers.

Golden Hills Chinese – One of the most popular eating spots in town. Excellent, fresh Chinese food, to take away or eat in.

Shopping in Keswick

Fatface – A clothing store, chain retailer selling outdoor casualwear and accessories for men, women and children.

White Stuff – Beautiful prints and good quality clothing for men and women

George Fisher – An outdoor store, with the community at its heart. George Fisher is somewhat of an institution in Keswick. They don’t just do outdoors clothes; there is a café on premises, and they run lots of outdoor events throughout the year.

Blacks – If you’re looking for great quality and top-brand outdoor gear, Blacks has got to be one of your first ports of call.

Paramo – Hardcore outdoors enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that this world renowned outdoor gear brand has a shop in Keswick.

Cotswold Outdoors – A great range of outdoor clothing, footwear, climbing, and camping equipment.

Peter Rabbit And Friends – If you love Beatrix Potter, you absolutely must pop in to The Peter Rabbit shop when you’re in town.

The Herdy Shop – Herdy is a Lake District created brand, that sells all sorts of unique herdwick designed products. If you're looking for the perfect Lake District gift, then stop by.

Podgy Paws – The Lake District’s most popular pet supply shop. Head to Podgy Paws for huge range of awesome outdoor gear for your furry friends.

Treeby And Bolton – If you like to shop for Quality collectables and fine art, from local artists, then Treeby and Bolton is where you’ll want to head. With a gallery, a shop, and a café, it’s so much more than just an art gallery.

shopping in Keswick

Things to do in Keswick

KingKong Climbing wall – The perfect thing to do with the kids on a rainy day. Hit the walls, or enjoy a spot of bouldering. There are areas designed especially for the kids, and even a café for parents that don’t fancy partaking.

The Lakes Distillery – Not quite in Keswick, but still worth a mention. The Lakes distillery in Cockermouth, create whisky, gin and vodka on-site. You are able to take part in a tour of the distillery; purchase some great gifts from their shop, and even enjoy a fabulous meal at their bistro to top off a great day out!

The Pencil Museum – Did you know that Keswick is a pencil town? Or, that the queen gets her pencils from Keswick? Find out all there is to know about the art of pencil making and the history of Keswick as a pencil town. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to join in with one of their many events throughout the year too.

Puzzling Place – Nothing is what it seems at Puzzling Place. The perfect, quirky, mind-bendingly fun thing to do on a rainy day with the family.

Theatre By The Lake – Enjoy an evening matinee at Theatre By The Lake. See here for latest shows. Get £3 off each ticket when you stay with us at Dale Head Hall!

The Alhambra Cinema – This quaint little cinema is a joy to visit, showing a selection of box office hits, and arthouse cinema to suit all tastes. The décor and atmosphere alone is worth a visit.

Fulton’s Jewellery Works – Fultons offers the whole shebang when it comes to jewellery. Sign-up for a masterclass in jewellery making; or just browse the beautiful, Lake District crafted jewellery on offer. Top it all off with a splendid artisan coffee. Heaven.

Honister Slate Mine – Climb in the mine; explore the mine and it’s history, or brave the via-ferrata. Honister also has a huge range of slate products for sale, all created on-site.

Platty+ - Hire a kayack; paddleboard; learn to sail, or head out on a Viking longboat on Derwent Water, with Platty+. Make sure to book in advance.

Rowboats On Derwent Water – Hire a row boat on the shores of Derwent Water, and enjoy exploring all the islands and wildlife that Derwent has to offer. A perfect excuse for a picnic on a sunny day.