12 things we love to do in Keswick
One of the best things about staying at High Skydes is having so much of the Lake District right on your doorstep. With the beautiful River Greta just below the garden and Keswick's shops, cafés and pubs a three-minute stroll away, you can leave the car behind for much of your holiday.
Whether you're here for mountain adventures, family fun or a relaxing break, there's plenty to enjoy. Here are twelve of our favourite things to do.
1. Wander to Friar’s Crag for one of the finest views in Europe
Take a leisurely stroll through Keswick to the shores of Derwentwater, perhaps stopping in Hope Park for an ice cream or a game of crazy golf. Look out for the statue of Max the Miracle Dog along the way!
Continue along the wooded lakeshore to Friar’s Crag, where the view opens across the lake towards the dramatic Borrowdale mountains. The Victorian writer John Ruskin considered it one of the finest views in Europe, and it's easy to see why. Find a bench, watch the light on the water and take your time.
2. Take to the water on beautiful Derwentwater
There's something magical about seeing the Lake District from the water. Hop aboard the Keswick Launch for a leisurely cruise, or get off at Hawes End and wander through Brandelhow Woods, with its secluded bays and perfect picnic spots.
Alternatively, hire a rowing boat or motorboat and explore at your own pace. You can even visit St Herbert's Island, once home to a seventh-century hermit and the inspiration for Owl Island in Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.
Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
Photo: Derwentwater launches, by Michael Walsh, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
3. Climb Latrigg and see if you can spot High Skydes below
You don't have to travel far for spectacular mountain views. Set off from the cottage, follow the River Greta and climb through Brundholme Woods to Latrigg, the lovely little fell overlooking Keswick.
Allow around three hours for the round trip. At the summit, rest on the famous bench and enjoy breathtaking views of Keswick, Derwentwater and the surrounding mountains. See if you can spot High Skydes below!
For a shorter outing, drive to the Gale Road car park and follow the accessible limited mobility path to the viewpoint.
Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev
4. Step back 4,500 years at Castlerigg Stone Circle
Just outside Keswick, Castlerigg Stone Circle stands on a grassy plateau surrounded by a magnificent panorama of mountains. These ancient stones have stood here for around 4,500 years, and nobody knows exactly why they were placed here.
Stand among them, soak up the atmosphere, and imagine the people who gathered here thousands of years ago.
It's free to visit, and you can either walk from Keswick or drive up for a shorter outing.
5. Find your favourite Lakeland pub
After a day on the fells, there's nothing quite like settling into a cosy pub with a good pint and a hearty meal.
Keswick has plenty to choose from. The Dog & Gun is famous for its delicious Hungarian goulash and generous portions. The Wainwright is a great choice for real ale, while The Pheasant Inn, near Fitz Park, offers traditional pub food in a welcoming setting.
Many local pubs welcome dogs and muddy walking boots. And with so many within walking distance of High Skydes, there's no need to worry about driving home.
Photo: The Wainwright Pub Keswick by Jennifer Petrie, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148126420
6. Enjoy Fitz Park, just across the river
A footbridge over the River Greta takes you from High Skydes into beautiful Fitz Park, with its wide green spaces and wonderful views towards Skiddaw.
Children will love the playground and BMX track. And everyone can enjoy the cafe, watch a cricket match on a summer afternoon or explore the fascinating Keswick Museum with its exhibitions, talks and children’s activities.
The park is also perfect for a peaceful evening stroll with the dog, when the town quietens down and the mountains catch the last of the sunlight.
7. Have an adventure in Whinlatter Forest
Just a short drive from Keswick, Whinlatter Forest is a wonderful place for outdoor adventures.
Explore beautiful woodland trails, hire mountain bikes or brave the exhilarating treetop challenges at Go Ape. Younger children will love the WildPlay trail, with plenty of opportunities to climb, scramble and explore.
If you prefer a gentler pace, follow one of the scenic walking trails and stop for coffee and cake afterwards. Keep your eyes open for red squirrels — Whinlatter is one of the best places in the Lake District to spot them.
Photo: Whinlatter Forest by Ian Capper, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
8. Treat yourself to some wonderful food
From cosy cafés to exceptional fine dining, Keswick has plenty to tempt you.
For something special, try the creative, flavour-packed dishes at Fellpack, or head into nearby Whinlatter Forest for an unforgettable meal at the Michelin-starred Cottage in the Wood.
Other delicious (and dog friendly) restaurants we love include the Indian street food at Barua, particularly their famous onion bhaji; tapas at Bar eS; creative dishes at Fabrica; and LRB for a pancake brunch.
And sometimes nothing beats a traditional chippy. Much loved chippy The Kingfisher is just around the corner from High Skydes — close enough for your fish and chips to still be piping hot when you get home.
9. Keep everyone entertained, even on rainy days
A little Lakeland rain needn't spoil the fun. Keswick has some brilliant attractions for children and grown-ups alike.
At The Sandbox Café, take control of realistic remote-controlled diggers and construction vehicles in a giant indoor sandpit. Kids love it here! Visit The Puzzling Place for mind-bending optical illusions, or see one of the world's largest pencils at the Derwent Pencil Museum.
For artistic adults, we love the felting workshops at the Happy Herdwick, and the Makers Mill has regular workshops from block printing to botanical painting and jewellery making.
Visit the beautiful Thornthwaite Gallery and Tea Room where you can enjoy a pot of tea and a fruit scone while sitting among the art. Or take a tour of the Keswick Brewery, and sample their award-winning beers.
Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
10. Browse the shops and discover Keswick's bustling market
Keswick is a lovely place for a leisurely wander, with independent shops, galleries, outdoor specialists and inviting cafés.
For walking boots and outdoor gear, George Fisher is a Keswick institution, renowned for its knowledgeable staff. Pop into Brysons, the traditional bakery, for freshly baked treats and their famous Cumbrian plumbread.
On Saturdays, and Thursdays during the seasonal market, the town centre comes alive with stalls selling local food, crafts, gifts and more.
And with Booths and the Co-op nearby, it's easy to pick up everything you need for a relaxed evening at the cottage.
11. Spend an evening at the theatre or cinema
You don't have to travel far for a wonderful night out.
Theatre by the Lake enjoys a stunning setting beside Derwentwater, with an excellent programme of plays, music, comedy and family performances throughout the year.
Or step back in time at the Keswick Alhambra, a charming family-run cinema dating back to 1913. Its beautifully restored auditorium is full of character, while its intimate second screen seats just 28 people.
Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll back through Keswick to your cosy cottage.
Photo by Alexander P Kapp / The Alhambra / CC BY-SA 2.0
12. Stay in, slow down and enjoy High Skydes
Of course, you don't have to go anywhere at all.
Start the morning with a leisurely breakfast, looking out towards the fells. Sit in the garden with a cup of tea, listening to the birdsong and the River Greta bubbling below.
After a day exploring, put your feet up with a good book, enjoy a glass of wine in the evening sunshine, or bring home fish and chips and curl up on the sofa with a film.
Sometimes the best part of a holiday is having absolutely nothing to do.
Make High Skydes your Lake District home
Mountain adventures, gentle lakeside walks, welcoming pubs and plenty of opportunities to relax — it's all waiting for you in Keswick.
Come and enjoy it from your own peaceful cottage beside the River Greta.