Last Updated on July 26, 2026
Over the last couple of years, we've spent our summer holidays in Keswick, most recently in July 2026 when my sons were 15 and 19. We keep coming back because it's one of our favourite places in the UK. The scenery is breathtaking, there are loads of outdoor adventures, and there's plenty to keep teenagers entertained too.
If you're planning a trip to the Lake District, here's our tried-and-tested four-day Keswick itinerary. Feel free to swap the days around depending on the weather or what your family enjoys most.
Day 1 – Cruise on Derwentwater and /
or Climb Catbells
One of our favourite days was combining a boat trip across Derwentwater with a climb up Catbells.
Catbells is often described as the perfect family mountain. It's challenging enough to feel like a real adventure without being too difficult. The climb is fairly steep in places, and there's a section of easy scrambling near the summit that older children and teenagers will love. The reward at the top is spectacular panoramic views across Derwentwater and the surrounding fells.
The main route can be busy, especially during the summer holidays, but we descended via the opposite side of the fell and hardly saw another person. It felt much quieter and more peaceful.
You can either download a Catbells circular walk from OS Maps or simply follow the popular route to the summit and back.
If climbing Catbells is not your thing, you can do a full tour of the lake which takes about 50 minutes and has some fantastic views. You can get off to explore a particular area, then get back on at any point. After your boat trip, why not take some time to get an ice cream, feed the ducks, skim stones, paddle in the water (if the weather is good!).
Getting There
There is a small National Trust car park at the foot of Catbells, but it fills up quickly in peak season, so aim to arrive before 9am if you're planning to drive.
Instead, we chose to catch one of the Keswick Launch boats across Derwentwater to Hawes End Landing, which made the day feel even more special.
A useful money-saving tip is to park at Keswick Rugby Club. Parking costs just £5 for the day and, if you press the "Pay & Sail" button on the payment machine, you'll receive a voucher giving you 15% off your Keswick Launch tickets. The boat trips aren't particularly cheap, so it's a worthwhile saving for families.
Evening
After your walk, head back into Keswick for dinner.
We ate at The Dog & Gun, which is famous for its delicious Hungarian Goulash. It's well worth trying, although there are plenty of other options on the menu if goulash isn't your thing.
Day 2 – A Relaxed Day Around Keswick
After yesterday's hike, today is all about slowing the pace.
Morning
Head to Hope Park, where you'll find both crazy golf and pitch and putt. We've tried both, and they're great fun for families with teenagers. Arriving earlier in the morning usually means shorter queues during the school holidays.
Afterwards, spend some time wandering around Keswick's independent shops, outdoor retailers and cafés.
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Lunch
There are plenty of lovely cafés and pubs in Keswick, but if the weather is nice, grab a picnic and enjoy lunch outdoors.
Our favourite picnic spots are:
Hope Park
The grassy lakeside area beside Derwentwater
Crow Park, with its fantastic mountain views
Afternoon
The Puzzling Place
If you're looking for something a little different, head to the Puzzling place .
We visited on a rainy afternoon with our two teenagers and were pleasantly surprised by how much we all enjoyed it. It's packed with optical illusions, interactive exhibits, mind-bending puzzles and clever photo opportunities. It's excellent value for money and surprisingly entertaining for adults as well as teenagers.
Day 3 – Cycle to Threlkeld
One of the highlights of our trip was hiring bikes and cycling along the old railway line towards Threlkeld.
We rented our bikes from Whinlatter Bike Hire before joining the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail.
The route is mostly traffic-free, making it suitable for families. Apart from a short stretch at the beginning and end, you're cycling along a peaceful path surrounded by some of the Lake District's most beautiful scenery.
The old railway tunnels, bridges and mountain views make this ride feel really special.
Halfway along, we stopped at the lovely Threlkeld Coffee Shop, where we treated ourselves to coffee, cold drinks and homemade cake before cycling back to Keswick.
Afternoon
If the weather is warm, spend the afternoon relaxing beside Derwentwater.
There are several places where you can paddle, skim stones or even enjoy an open-water swim if you're confident in the water. The views across the lake towards Catbells are stunning and it's a lovely place simply to sit and relax after the morning's bike ride.
If the weather isn't on your side, Keswick has plenty of indoor attractions including:
More time exploring The Puzzling Place if you haven't already visited
Finish the day with an ice cream while strolling along the lakeshore before heading out for dinner.
Other Things to Do Near Keswick
If you're staying for longer than four days, or you'd like a few alternative ideas, here are some other great activities nearby:
Walk up Blencathra for an unforgettable mountain hike with spectacular views.
Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of Britain's oldest and most scenic stone circles.
Hire kayaks, paddleboards or rowing boats on Derwentwater.
Take a scenic drive over Honister Pass, stopping to admire the views.
Explore Honister Slate Mine, where you can tour the mine or tackle the Via Ferrata adventure.
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Visit Lodore Falls before stopping for lunch or afternoon tea at the nearby hotel.
Visit the Lake District Wildlife Park.
Walk to Friar's Crag, one of the easiest and most rewarding viewpoints in Keswick.
Explore the beautiful gardens at Mirehouse & Gardens.
Drive to Ullswater and enjoy a walk to Aira Force Waterfall.
Take a ride on the Ullswater Steamers.
Go wild swimming in one of the many lakes and tarns (only if you're experienced and conditions are safe).
Browse Keswick's outdoor gear shops if you love walking and hiking.
Watch a performance at the Theatre by the Lake, one of the UK's most beautifully located theatres.
Treat yourself to one of Keswick's famous ice creams before taking an evening stroll around Derwentwater.
© 2025 - Travels With Louise
