Keswick
The area around Keswick has been inhabited since Neolithic times as evidenced by the Castlerigg Stone Circle and the name Keswick, the meaning of which is “Cheese Farm” dates back to the 13th century when King Edward I granted the then Lord of the Manor, Thomas, a charter to hold a market every Saturday. During the 16th century small scale mining developed resulting in the production of graphite pencils and today the town thrives on tourism with millions of people vising the area to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the town and the numerous activities that are carried on within the Lakes.
Activities
Keswick is situated to the north of the Lake District National Park between Skiddaw mountain and Derwent Water and boasts a good range of pubs, cafés, restaurants, galleries and shops and interesting attractions, such as the Puzzling Place, the Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick Brewery, pitch and putt at Hope Park. On the Lake there are rowboats for hire and the Keswick Launch provides a water bus service around the lake. Why not take the launch across the lake and then walk up Catbells and see if you can find Mrs Tiggy Winkle, the Hedgehog washer woman created in Beatrix Potters the Tale of Mrs Tiggy Winkle.
With an extensive selection of restaurants and cafés eating out in Keswick is a very pleasant experience and evening entertainment can be found at the Theatre by the Lake, our local Alhambra Cinema or there is usually live music at one or more of the town's pubs.
Using Keswick as a base, there are a great range of outdoor activities available such as fellwalking, rock climbing, ghyll scrambling, mountain biking or paragliding, and water sports such as wild swimming, windsurfing or sailing.
Mick has been coming to the Lake District walking since he was a boy and is very knowledgeable about the area and is very happy to advise on routes. He has completed 196 Wainwrights and aims to finish them this year and Sue is slowly catching him up.
Events
March
Words by the Water
www.keswick.org/whats-on/festivals/words-by-the-water
Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria is the venue for this exciting literature festival. During this Festival writers and readers get together to share the pleasure of books, words and ideas. Theatre by the Lake sited right on the edge of Derwentwater is a striking venue. There are talks, lectures, discussions, workshops, book launches and special exhibitions.
May
Keswick Half Marathon
TBA
Keswick Half Marathon is said to be one of the most scenic half marathons in the country. The challenging course takes you around Derwentwater with an extra loop into the Newlands valley. Visit Website: www.keswickhalfmarathon.co.uk
Keswick Jazz and Blues Festival
www.keswickjazzandbluesfestival.co.uk
Britain’s foremost celebration of traditional and mainstream jazz, embracing styles from New Orleans, Swing and ragtime to big band and hot club. Venues are spread around the town of Keswick, in the middle of the Lake District.
Keswick Mountain Festival
Back again in 2024
www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk
A weekend of world class sporting events, fun and challenging outdoor activities, festival camping, speakers and live music.
June
The Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge
7th May 2023
www.fredwhittonchallenge.co.uk
The Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 112 mile sportive around the Lake District, starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott & Wrynose passes.
Keswick Beer Festival
2nd to 3rd June 2023
www.keswickbeerfestival.co.uk
Sample a wide range of beers whilst gazing out towards Skiddaw, whilst inside the beer tent there is live music to entertain.
The Lakesman Triathlon
18th June 2023
www.thelakesman.com
The long-distance Lakesman features the classic 2.4mile swim, a 112 mile cycle and full 26.2 mile marathon run. Based in Keswick with a transition area by Theatre by the Lake, the swim takes place in the crystal clear waters of Derwentwater. The Triathlon will appeal to both the experienced or novice endurance athlete, the all-road course avoids mountain passes and fells to keep elevation to a minimum. The 2016 event was also ranked as one of the UK's best triathlon and independent research found that 100% of spectators would come back to watch the event again.
Keswick Midsummer Festival
TBA
Keswick Town Council Presents a weekend of free to attend events.
Midsummer Rock Concert - TBA - A stage is set up in the town centre in front of Moot Hall featuring local live acts
Proms in the Park - TBA - Inspired by the BBC Proms in the Park, this is a relaxed event in Fitz Park listening to classical, opera and local brass bands
Scruffs Fun Dog Show - TBA - This is a fun, family event held in Fitz Park where your four-legged friends can enter various classes including the "waggiest tail" and the "best biscuit catcher"
July
King Pocky’s Derwentwater Regatta
TBA
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/borrowdale-and-derwent-water/features/king-pockys-derwent-water-regatta
A weekend of fun filled activities on, in or off the water. All water activity sessions are provided by local outdoor providers and will include canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, sailing dinghies, a catamaran and a Viking longboat. The regatta takes place at Crow Park, just beside Keswick's Theatre by the Lake, and there are spectator sports for those who prefer to stay dry. There's a free family activity zone with miniature raft-making, stone skimming, catch a water minibeast, wild art and Jemima Puddleduck's water play. There are free sports and games to play including badminton, volleyball, frisbee golf and strider-bike races.
August
Keswick Agricultural Show
August 2023 - TBA
www.keswickshow.co.uk
Held every August Bank Holiday on the Pump Field, Old Braithwaite Bridge Road
Braithwaite, Keswick. There is a free shuttle service from the town to the site and free parking next to the site. There is lots to do and see at the Show including Cattle, Ponies, Horses, Sheep, Dogs & Poultry, home produce marquee, handicrafts, horticulture, fell racing, arts and craft marquee, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, children’s activities and amusements and vintage displays.
September
Lakeland Trails
3rd September 2022
www.lakelandtrails.org/keswick
Starting and finishing at Fitz Park, in Keswick, the 5km Derwentwater Sport Trail,the 10km Derwentwater Trail Run, 15km Derwentwater Trail Race and 15km Derwentwater Trail Challenge.
November
Keswick Christmas Lights Switch on.
18th November 2022
December
Keswick Victorian Fayre
4th December 2022
Takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes live entertainment on stage in the Market Place and Packhorse Court, Children's Funfair. Over 30 charity stalls, selling a selection of Christmas homemade crafts, produce, festive food and drink.
For Best Prices Please Book Direct:
Walkers Welcome
Cyclists Welcome
Keswick Tourism Member
Stay in the English Lake District
Stay in the English Lake District