Summer Fun in the Lake District

Bassenthwaite & Keswick

The areas around Bassenthwaite and Keswick, nestled in the stunning Lake District, offer a fantastic range of activities perfect for a summer getaway. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature

Lake Activities

Enjoy the beautiful Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake with a variety of water-based fun:

Boat Trips: Take a scenic cruise on the Keswick Launch on Derwentwater, allowing you to hop on and off at different jetties to explore. You can also find scenic boat trips on Bassenthwaite Lake.

Watersports: Both lakes are perfect for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. You can rent equipment or take lessons from places like Derwent Water Marina or Platty+ at Lodore.

Wild Swimming: For those who enjoy a refreshing dip, designated areas offer opportunities for wild swimming in the cooler lake waters.

Walking & Hiking

Lace up your boots and explore the breathtaking fells and forests:

Catbells: A popular and rewarding fell walk near Keswick, offering stunning panoramic views over Derwentwater. It’s a moderate hike, taking around 2-3 hours round trip, making it suitable for families.

Skiddaw: For a more challenging adventure, consider climbing Skiddaw, one of England’s highest mountains. Various routes are available, including gentler slopes on the northern and eastern sides.

Whinlatter Forest: England’s only true mountain forest, featuring numerous walking trails of varying lengths and difficulties.

Dodd Wood (near Bassenthwaite): Home to an Osprey viewpoint (best seen from March to September) and color-coded walking trails. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife at the nearby Dubwath Wetland Nature Reserve.

Bassenthwaite Lake Walks: Explore the peaceful shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, with walks to historic St. Bega’s church or through tranquil woodlands.

Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail: This 10km multi-user off-road route is perfect for walking, cycling, or even pushchairs and wheelchairs, offering gentle gradients and informative panels about local nature and history.

Cycling

Hit the trails and enjoy the scenic routes:

Whinlatter Forest: Offers exhilarating mountain biking trails, including the Altura trail. You can also rent bikes from Cyclewise here.

Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail: Excellent for family cycling.

Adventure Activities

Get your adrenaline pumping with these exciting options:

Honister Slate Mine: A unique, award-winning experience offering mine tours. For thrill-seekers, try England’s first Via Ferrata (a protected climbing route) or the Infinity Bridge. They also have “Climb the Mine” suitable for families.

Go Ape Whinlatter: Experience a treetop adventure with high ropes courses and explore the forest on all-terrain Segways.

Ghyll Scrambling/Canyoning: Splash, hike, climb, and scramble your way along cliff faces and down mountain streams with providers like Keswick Adventures or Keswick Extreme.

Keswick Climbing Wall & Outdoor Activity Centre: Offers indoor and outdoor climbing, an indoor ice wall, a large bouldering area, and even an indoor caving experience.

Lake District Wildlife Park (near Bassenthwaite): A beautiful 24-acre parkland featuring over 100 species, including impressive bird of prey displays. You can even enjoy an “Ultimate Animal Experience.”

Alpacaly Ever After (near Bassenthwaite): Enjoy a unique and gentle experience walking with alpacas, suitable for the whole family.

Indoor & Cultural Attractions

Perfect for a rainy day or when you fancy something different!

In Keswick

Derwent Pencil Museum: Discover the fascinating history of pencil making and see the world’s largest pencil.

The Puzzling Place: A fun and interactive museum of optical illusions, complete with an Anti-gravity Room and Hologram Gallery.

Theatre by the Lake: Enjoy professional drama productions, including a dedicated summer season of plays.

Keswick Alhambra Cinema: Catch the latest films in a traditional cinema setting.

Keswick Museum & Art Gallery: Explore local history and art.

Keswick Market: Held every Thursday and Saturday, offering local produce, artisan crafts, and gifts.

King Kong Climbing Centre: Another fantastic indoor climbing option with various facilities.

Near Bassenthwaite

The Lakes Distillery: Located next to Bassenthwaite Lake, offering tours to discover how their whisky, gin, and vodka are made, followed by a bistro experience.

Mirehouse & Gardens: A beautiful manor house with fantastic adventure playgrounds on its grounds, including a “Forest Hazard Course” for older children.

Relaxation & Unique Experiences

Picnics & Scenic Views: Find a tranquil spot by Derwentwater or Bassenthwaite Lake for a picnic, or head to iconic viewpoints like Surprise View or Castlerigg Stone Circle for breathtaking panoramas.

Local Food & Drink: Savor traditional Cumbrian fare at pubs like The George Hotel in Keswick, or try the Hungarian goulash at the Dog & Gun. Many establishments pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients.

Shopping: Browse the independent shops and outdoor equipment retailers in Keswick, such as George Fisher

*Copyright – Images used with permission from Cumbria Tourism*