Outdoor Activities Near Keswick
If you're looking for a destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery, look no further than Keswick. Keswick is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and biking to kayaking and climbing, there's no shortage of things to do and see here. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, Keswick has something for everyone. In this blog, we'll explore some of the top outdoor activities to do in Keswick and why it's a must-visit destination for any outdoor lover.
Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter Forest is just a 10 minute drive from Keswick and is England’s only mountain forest. Whinlatter offers a huge range of things to do, while enjoying stunning views of Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater, and Keswick.
There are ten walking trails including the new WOW trail, and three purpose-built cycling and mountain biking trails that you can use to explore the forest, with bike hire available if you forgot to bring your own! Kids can enjoy the Whinlatter WildPlay trail, which has nine different play areas including giant swings, a climbing wall, water features, and a secret path.
Whinlatter is also home to Go Ape, a fantastic treetop adventure where you can swing through the trees to enjoy stunning views of Grisedale Pike and the Coledale Fells.
If you’d rather stay down on the ground, you can still enjoy the Go Ape Forest Segway, where you’ll go off road on all-terrain Segways to explore Whinlatter forest from a thrilling new perspective.
Whinlatter is also a great place to sit back and relax, with a café, picnic, and BBQ areas, to enjoy the beautiful scenery and see if you can spot some of the rare wildlife that calls Whinlatter home.
Rock Climbing
Keswick Climbing Wall and Newlands Adventure Centre has an indoor climbing wall for rainy days, suitable for climbers of all abilities, and offers lessons for anyone who wants to give climbing a try for the first time. With both indoor and outdoor archery there's something to choose from, whatever the weather. Outdoor sessions cover everything from ghyll scrambling to kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing and high ropes. if you've got a head for heights there's a 180m zipwire with a bird's eye view of the fells as you zip through the air. Have a go at abseiling from the top of the 14m tower either via the traditional backwards method or for the brave, a forwards abseil leaning out over the drop facing the ground. Younger kids will love the Rookery Woods Adventure Play designed for little adventurers aged eight and under with zip-wire, archery, climbing, slides, maze, low ropes, orienteering and more.
Mountain Memories offer rock climbing, abseiling and more for individuals or groups of families or friends.
Rookin House Equestrian and Activity Centre
A short drive from Keswick, Rookin House offers an unrivalled variety of outdoor activities with Blencathra providing a fantastic mountain backdrop. There's a varied and challeninging assault course. Enjoy the Lakeland countryside from the back of a horse or try the argo cat , an amphibious all terrain vehice. Pick and mix to have an adventurous day filled with different activities. Choose from all these and more besides - paint-balling, archery both indoors and out, bushcraft, human bowling, go-carts, command tasks, fishing, quad bikes, clay pigeon shooting and off road vehicles.
Fun in the Water
With the lakes and ghylls, there are plenty of ways you can have fun on or in the water.
Derwent Water Marina is based on the shores of Derwentwater in Portinscale and from them you can hire paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and pedalos. Whether you fancy exploring the Islands or shoreline with a group of friends or with your family they've something for everyone. Their hire season runs from April through to the end of October.
Ghyll scrambling is similar to canyoning or gorge walking. It involves descending a ghyll through a series of slides and jumps into pools of water. We have lots of ghyll scrambling guides you can book with.
Honister Slate Mine
Located at the head of Honister Pass in the centre of the Lake District, just under half an hour’s drive from Keswick, Honister Slate Mine offers a range of indoor and outdoor adventures for a range of ages and abilities. Honister is also the last working slate mine in England, with slate products available to buy including house signs, homeware, and dining.
There are a number of adventures you can take part in at Honister Slate Mine, including guided underground mine tours where you can learn more about the history and workings of the mine, as well as two Via Ferrata climbing routes, and an adrenaline-pumping Climb the Mine experience deep in the heart of the mountain.
If you or a member of your party doesn’t want to take part in the more adventurous activities, the Bait Cabin Cafe serves locally sourced food and hot drinks and is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views of the Honister Pass.
Outdoor Swimming
If the lakes and meres are calling and you fancy a dip, then why not call up Swim On The Wild Side for a Guided Swim Tour. They are are Cumbria’s only fully qualified, coached swim holiday operator and our Guided Swim Tours are a unique opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful locations and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Lake District World Heritage Site. Or if you are experienced then contact them for one of their bespoke tours.
Accessible Adventures
If you have a disability or need some extra support, you can still enjoy some accessible outdoor activities. Whinlatter has trampers you can hire for the trails from Lake District Mobility. And for a supported holiday, Calvert Trust is a residential outdoor centre delivering adventure holidays for people with disabilities.
Climbing, Cycling and Walking
We hope that you’ve been inspired to get out and about and try some of these fun activities whilst visiting Keswick. There also numerous climbing, cycling and walking routes around Keswick, which you can find details for on our website. Have a look as well at our adventure pages for more inspiration.
There are climbing routes for everyone from beginners to experienced climbers. Walking is a great way to get around Keswick (especially if you’ve brought your dog on holiday with you!) and our range of walking routes vary from easy, family-friendly routes, to some high-energy treks.
Cycling is also 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.
Before taking part in any outdoor activities, especially if you’re heading out for a walk on the fells, we recommend reading our safety on the fells page for some useful tips about how to stay safe while exploring the beautiful Lake District landscape.
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