Every Summer without fail, visitors flock to hotels in Keswick in their thousands- in fact, according to 2017 reports from Cumbria Tourism; the Borough of Allerdale received an average visitor number of 7.5million last year! But what is it that makes our part of the world so extra special? As a hotel in Keswick, we are often recommending places to visit in Keswick, and places near Keswick for our guests to explore. We thought we would share some of, what we think, are the best things about Keswick and the surrounding area- the things that make millions of people around the world every year think, ‘We love Keswick!’
Derwent Water:
Walk in any direction from your hotel in Keswick, and your view point is bound to include Derwent Water. This imposing, magnificently beautiful lake is the focal-point and heart of Keswick. Visitors cannot visit Keswick without at least a stroll along Derwent Water’s shoreline; watch the ducks and swans; hire a boat for a couple hours, or just sit, stare and contemplate.
Surprise view and Ashness Bridge:
A short drive down the beautiful Borrowdale Valley will bring you to the turning point for Surprise View and Ashness Bridge. Considered one of the most photographed, and most picturesque bridge views in the Lake District, Ashness bridge is just a short walk from the parking at Surprise view- a name which certainly lives up to its reputation. From Surprise View, visitors will discover a panoramic view of Derwent water and the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’. A well photographed and painted scene; a breath-taking view, and a great place for a picnic!
Mountains near Keswick:
Surrounded on all sides by some of England’s highest mountains, Keswick is the perfect starting point for a day on the hills. Start in the village of Seathwaite, in the Borrowdale valley, and walk up the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike. Start from the door of Dale Head Hall in Thirlmere for an epic amble up Helvellyn; England’s favourite walk. Or fancy something a bit easier? The Catbells ridge was also amongst the top voted walks in England. A hike up Walla Crag is another popular, lower (but still high enough) walk option for families, with views across Keswick and Derwent Water that will take your breath away. Read more about family walks in the Lakes HERE
Keswick isn’t just a pretty place to walk, it’s also brimming with culture. Theatre by the Lake in Keswick offers plays; both indoor and out, throughout the year. As an ambassador to Theatre by the Lake, you can save three pounds per ticket when you stay with us at Dale Head Hall… ask us about it on check-in.
Boating on the Lake:
What better way to spend the day than splashing around on the lake. Hire a rowing boat in Keswick and create your own Swallows and Amazons adventure on Derwent Water. An experience for kids and big-kids alike. Stop off at one of the Lake’s islands for a picnic and a swim; taking in the views across to Borrowdale and up to Catbells, before splashing your way back to Keswick.
WARNING – Be aware when swimming in Derwent Water (on the posting date of this article 26/10/18), ESPECIALLY DOGS- there have been recent discoveries of BlueGreen Algae deposits in Derwent Water – click here for more details: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/policies/algae
Outdoor gear Shops in Keswick:
One thing Keswick is not short on, is outdoors shops. It’s not surprising, considering the surroundings- that Keswick is THE place to purchase your outdoor gear. With more than 15 outdoor shops to choose from, there’s gear for every budget and experience level- and probably some items you don’t even know you want yet- dangerous!
It's not only gear shop that Keswick is great at! Visit the twice weekly outdoor market, for fresh produce straight from the farmers; local made gifts and delicacies, as well as clothing; yummy food, and much more! Read about why the Lakes is the best place for markets HERE
Restaurants and Cafes in Keswick:
Another Keswickian speciality seems to be the abundance of amazing cafes and restaurants. A big plate of fish and chips at the end of a long hike can be just what the doctor ordered, and the Old Keswickian in the town square have a perfect upstairs, sit-down restaurant where you can people-watch to your heart’s content; while chowing down on the culinary delight that is a big, battered fish! If you fancy something more international, Keswick has a great range of restaurants; from Italian and Chinese, to Indian or French- you’re bound to find something the whole family can agree on! Our favourites include: Bella Italia; The Wild Strawberry; Lakeland Spice; Golden Hill Chinese, and Merienda.
Castlerigg Stone Circle:
Sitting in prominence above Keswick, Castlerigg Stone Circle is considered one of the UK’s oldest standing stone sites. Even older, most experts agree, than Stonehenge. A beautiful setting for a picnic, or a destination walk from Keswick. The views from Castlerigg are stunning, and the stones are open to the public all year round- no fences, no fees. In our humble opinion, it is the best stone circle in Britain.
