Things To Do In And Around Keswick This Half Term
Keswick is a great place to bring the family whether it's for a week's holiday, a short break or a day out. We've put some ideas together for the half term week both indoors and out so you can be sure of a great time whatever the weather. Although the vast majority of businesses have now re-opened it's worth spending a little time planning your visit ahead of time with some businesses requiring or strongly recommending you to book tickets in advance in order to control numbers.
Head to the Park
We've a choice of outdoor play areas around Keswick. Fitz Park, close to the town centre, has a fantastic children's playground, outdoor gym, a multi use games area and BMX track as well as a large open recreational area. There are also grass tennis courts and a putting green. At the other end of town, close to the lake, Hope Park has crazy golf, putting, a pitch and putt course and remote controlled boats. Whinlatter Forest Park, just outside Keswick, has a wonderful adventure playground laid out as a trail through the forest where children can explore the natural environment. It includes an archimedes screw, secret doors in trees and a series of pulleys to move millions of little pebbles. Nearby at Mirehouse Historic House the grounds are home to four woodland adventure playgrounds and a heather path maze in the Bee Garden.
Go for a Walk
Take a look at our Family Walks page where you'll find a selection of routes from buggy friendly walks for young families to more challenging routes for those with older children. The recently re-opened multi-user railway trail between Keswick and Threlkeld allows families of all ages to get out together as you can use the path on foot, bike, scooter, buggy and wheelchair. There are lots of information panels along the way where you find out more about local nature and wildlife as well as the history of the railway. For a family map reading challenge why not head up to Whinlatter and try the Gruffalo orienteering course. Use a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.
Take a Walk on the Wildside
Take a walk with an alpaca, a unique chance to bond with one of the Alpacas as you lead them, feed them and even take them for a dip in the lake. Alpaca Meet and Greets are great for all the family, lasting around half an hour and allowing you to get up close. Or spend the day at the Lake District Wildlife Park - see over 100 species of wild and domestic animals in 24 acres of parkland set amongst breath-taking scenery. There are birds of prey and a rare breed farm animal collection. Play areas, picnic sites and a café make it a fun day out for all the family.
Indoor Fun
Head to Puzzling Place, a world of optical Illusions. Be amazed by interactive illusion exhibits, artwork and sculptures and see balls roll uphill in the anti-gravity room. Booking tickets before you arrive using the online booking system is strongly recommended. Book for the Derwent Pencil Museum by calling 01768 773626. Discover the history of pencil making and see the world's largest pencil.
Outdoor Adventures
There are a wide range of family activities around Keswick. Cycling is a fun way to explore the area and, if you haven't brought your bike with you, you can hire one from Cyclewise in Whinlatter Forest. Whinlatter is also home to Go Ape, a fantastic treetop adventure where you can swing through the trees or if you’d rather stay down on the ground, you can enjoy the all-terrain Segways to explore Whinlatter forest from a thrilling new perspective. Find out more about water based activities here including sailing, paddle-boarding, kayaking and canoeing.