Introduction
Welcome to Keswick
Explore the Lake District National Park from Keswick.
The market town of Keswick is surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes and is home to the novel Pencil Museum where you can find out the history of pencils. Keswick is the perfect location for an activity break with great walking and cycling available on the doorstep.
Map
YHA hostels in Keswick
YHA Borrowdale
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WiFi
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Meeting room(s)
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Free parking on premises
YHA Hawse End Bunkhouse
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Free parking on premises
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Self-catering kitchen
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24-hour access after check-in
YHA Honister Hause
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Mountain view
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Near bus stop
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No WiFi
YHA Keswick
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WiFi
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Waterfront
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Self-catering kitchen
YHA Skiddaw Bunkhouse
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Cycle store
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Self-catering kitchen
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Licensed bar
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Things to do in Keswick
Five free things to do in Keswick
Climb a mountain
Overlooking Keswick is one of the tallest peaks in the Lake District, Skiddaw. Climbing this mountain is not for the faint-hearted; it is a steep walk to the top but an achievement you can look back on proudly.
Enjoy the water
Keswick is next to Derwentwater, which is three miles long and one mile wide, giving you plenty of picturesque shoreline to walk around, sit and relax by, or even take a dip in!
Cycling
If you take your bicycle along, you'll be rewarded with a host of great riding routes to suit all ages and fitness levels - on and off-road.
The Puzzling Place
This museum in the town centre is full of extraordinary optical illusions and puzzles guaranteed to leave you scratching your head.
Fitz Park
Fitz Park is a great place for families, as adults can enjoy strolling through the beautiful countryside or play a little miniature golf, while kids can have hours of fun on the extensive outdoor play area.
Enjoy an activity break in the Lakes
There is a reason why the Lake District is the number one UK holiday destination for many outdoor enthusiasts - the sheer range of different things to see and do. The vast lakes themselves provide opportunities for all manner of watersports from canoeing to windsurfing and sailing, while the hills provide great walking, climbing and cycling routes, and endless caves to explore within them.
A week spent in the Lakes is often not enough for all the activities on offer, but Keswick is a great place to base your stay, providing ready access to all of them and plenty of local amenities.
Things to do
Boat trips on Derwentwater
Cruise the lake stopping at the lakeshore jetties where you can change boats, or enjoy the 50 minute trip around Derwentwater.
Keswick Golf Club
An 18 hole golf course offering a unique golfing experience - with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Lakeland Fells.
Keswick Launch Company
Daily launches around the lake stopping at Keswick, Nichol End, Hawes End, Low Brandlehow,, High Brandlehow, Lodore and Ashness Gate.
Keswick Leisure Pool
With its warm waters, wave machine and 'black hole' flume there's fun for all the family.
Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
With its large collection of exhibits, the museum is a fascinating place to discover old Keswick and the Lake District. See the museum website.
Osprey View Point
Spectacular view of the ospreys flying to and from their nest and, most amazing of all, catching fish from Bassenthwaite Lake.
The Pencil Museum
Enter through a graphite mine replica and follow the path of pencil making from the reign of Elizabeth 1st to the present day.
The Puzzling Place
Stuffed with puzzles, gadgets and curiosities The Puzzling Place is guaranteed to have something to amuse, entertain or puzzle you.
Theatre by the Lake
One of the most beautifully located theatres in England, hosting film and literary festivals throughout the year.
Walking and Rambling in Keswick
If you're planning on staying at YHA Keswick, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the area...
View some of our popular Keswick blog posts
Why we love YHA Keswick
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Discovering National Parks – The Lake District
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Dog friendly youth hostels
Dog owners can take advantage of our range of dog-friendly youth hostels that offer camping pods, cabins, tipis, bell tents and pitch up facilities in their grounds...