Visiting Keswick?
Keswick is a charming market town located in the heart of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England.
Nestled amidst the stunning scenery of the Lake District, Keswick is a popular destination for visitors who are looking to experience the great outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, climbing, and water sports.
One of the best things about Keswick is its location. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in England, the town is the perfect base for exploring the Lakes.
To the south are the wooded surrounds of Derwent Water, which lead to the volcanic rock of Borrowdale.
To the north is the great hulk of Skiddaw, built on softer smoother slate. From the top of Skiddaw, the Scottish hill and the Isle of Man can be seen from the summit on a clear day.
The Keswick to Threlkeld railway Trail is a 5km level disability-friendly route along the route of the old railway line.
To the east is the Helvellyn range, which is easy to reach from Keswick.
Derwent Water is typical of everything that is beautiful in the Lake District.
The lake is ringed by mountains and is dotted with islands that can be reached by one of the ferries that ply the stretches between the seven landing stages around the lake.
Whether you’re looking to hike up one of the many fells in the area, such as Skiddaw, Blencathra or Catbells, or take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Derwentwater, there’s something for everyone in Keswick.
Other attractions close by are Ashness Bridge, Bowder Stone and Millican’s Cave.
Although the town can get packed with tourists, the town itself is full of character, with a range of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
A good starting point for visitors is Keswick’s Moot Hall. With its central location in the town, it has long since been a focal point for gatherings.
The present building dates from 1813 and houses the town’s information centre.
The Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, on Station Road, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the area, while the Theatre by the Lake is a popular venue for live performances, including plays, music, and comedy.
Another interesting visit on a wet day is the Derwent pencil Museum at Southey Works in the town.
You can marvel at one of the world’s largest colouring pencils at 26 feet long, and be fascinated by the collection of secret Second World War-themed stationery.
Fitz Park is a 28-acre public park with a riverside setting and glorious open views towards Skiddaw and Latrigg.
It is an ideal spot for picnics, walks, and sports. The park is divided into two areas: Upper Fitz and Lower Fitz.
Upper Fitz is a smaller formal area with a bowling green, grass tennis courts, a putting green, and an arboretum. Lower Fitz is a larger open recreational area with a cricket pavilion, a children’s playground, a multi-use games area, gym equipment, and a BMX track.
Fitz Park is also home to the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a collection of artifacts and artworks relating to the history and culture of Keswick and the Lake District.
Overall, Fitz Park is a popular and well-maintained park that offers something for everyone.
Finally, no visit to Keswick would be complete without trying some of the local produce. The town is known for its delicious Cumbrian food and drink, including famous Cumberland sausage and locally brewed ale.
It’s no wonder that Victorian guidebook writers dubbed Keswick ‘the capital of the Lake District’.
