Start at the lake
Derwentwater sits ten minutes' stroll from the town centre. Follow the path past Hope Park to Friars Crag, one of the most photographed viewpoints in England, with Catbells rising across the water. From the boat landings you can take the Keswick Launch right around the lake, hire a rowing boat or kayak for an hour, and hop off at any of the jetties for a wander.
Climb something
Catbells is the classic first fell: a short, satisfying scramble of 451 metres that families have been climbing for generations, with a summit view over the whole of Derwentwater. If you want something gentler, Latrigg rises directly behind the town and rewards half an hour of easy walking with a grandstand view of Keswick and the lake. Walla Crag is the quieter middle option, and Skiddaw looms over everything for those with a full day and proper boots. For a different kind of thrill, the Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine clips you to the cliff face along the old miners' route up Fleetwith Pike.
Step back five thousand years
Castlerigg Stone Circle stands on a plateau east of town, ringed by fells on every side. It is older than Stonehenge, free to visit and open all hours. Go early or late for the light and you will often have it nearly to yourself.
Around town
Keswick market has run since medieval times and fills the main street on Thursdays and Saturdays. The town is full of independent outdoor shops, galleries and cafés. Keswick Museum and Art Gallery tells the town's story, and the Derwent Pencil Museum celebrates the world's first pencil, made from Borrowdale graphite. In the evening, Theatre by the Lake stages a year-round programme in one of the loveliest settings of any theatre in the country.
If the weather turns
This is the Lake District, so have a plan B. Whinlatter Forest, a few minutes up the pass, has sheltered trails and mountain-biking for all ages. The Alhambra cinema has been showing films since 1913. And a long lunch is always a respectable way to wait out the rain.
Refuel with us
However you spend the day, you will come off the fells hungry. We are at 91 Main Street with fresh, never frozen chicken, marinated for 24 hours and flame-grilled to order in your choice of spice. Gather the family around a sharing platter, bring your own bottle, or grab click and collect for a picnic by the lake. Book a table and we will keep the grill hot for you.