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Keswick is one of my favorite towns in the Lake District, England’s largest National Park. The ideal base for exploring the northern lakes, Keswick has easy access to so many outdoor activities. But, given the great British weather, you’re probably going to need to plan some things to do in Keswick in the rain on your next visit. Just in case.
Where is Keswick, England
Keswick in the northern part of the Lake District in the county of Cumbria. It is one of the largest towns inside the national park, and therefore one of the easiest to get to.
From Carlisle, Cumbria’s only city and typical starting point, it is a 45-minute drive to Keswick. There is also a bus that goes all the way there, bus 554 from Carlisle, which takes an hour and 15 minutes to get there.
From Penrith, one of Cumbria’s other largest towns which is right off the M6 motorway, it takes less than half an hour to drive. There’s also the X4 Gold bus from Penrith railway station to Keswick, taking about 40-minutes.
Where to stay in Keswick
The best place you can stay in Keswick is one of its charming, and plentiful, Bed & Breakfasts. B&Bs are the lifeblood of the Lake District, and in my opinion are way better than any hotel.
For one, they all typically, as the name suggests, include breakfast. For another, they are usually owned and operated by locals who are so friendly, and always happy to give you ideas of how to plan your day.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: B&Bs and Guest Houses seem pretty interchangeable, however the latter may not always offer breakfast options so check before you book.
In the center of the town are a few larger hotels, usually doubling as pubs, such as The Kings Arms. The Skiddaw Hotel is another nice one.
If you are planning only a day trip to Keswick, you might make your base just outside the Lake District in Penrith or Carlisle. Both have a number of hotels, but Carlisle is a little bigger with a few more options. Try the historic Crown & Mitre Hotel in the city center, or The Halston for a newer place with a fabulous restaurant.
Keswick weather – what you can expect
There’s a reason everything is so green here, or why there are so many picture-perfect lakes. Keswick has, on average, 200 days a year where there is at least some rain. That’s a pretty high percentage – so now you see why you’ll need a couple of back up plans if you don’t want to get wet.
Even in the height of summer the temperature in Keswick rarely gets above 20°C (68°F). It’s more likely to be around 15-18°C (59-64°F). And in the winter, it rarely gets below freezing but you will find a lot of rain.
I’ll admit, this will definitely makes it a little more comfortable doing some mountain climbing and hiking all around this region. But it also means the weather can be unpredictable and you should prepare for it all.
TOP TIP: Even in the summer, carry a rain jacket and assume you might get rained on at least once or twice. Layers are the key, especially as the clouds roll in and out pretty much constantly.
Top things to do in Keswick in the rain
While a little rain shouldn’t put you off visiting the Lake District, it’s a good idea to plan some things to do in Keswick in the rain. More so should the rain be more than just a passing shower. Here are some of my top picks.
Derwent Pencil Museum
An entire museum centered around pencils? You bet. The Lake District was once a highly prolific mining area. Copper, tin, slate and even graphite which, you guessed it, is what’s used to make pencils.
As a kid growing up in the region, every school heads to the Derwent Pencil Museum on at least one class trip. Find out how pencils are made as well as see the world’s largest coloring pencil on display.
Lake District Afternoon Tea
This should be on your list whether it’s raining or not, however it is a good way to spend a couple of hours on a rainy day. Treat yourself to a unique British tradition – afternoon tea, featuring a selection of sandwiches, savory pastries and deliciously sweet dessert items.
Each place does it slightly differently, so I like to try somewhere new every time. While my favorite places in the Lake District for afternoon tea are Storr’s Hall and The Daffodil, which are further away, Keswick has some great options too.
The Wild Strawberry is a delightfully quaint café featuring delectable patisserie style pastries and yummy freshly made sandwiches. Indulge a little with this extravagant option. For something a bit more traditional, you can’t go wrong with Bryson’s of Keswick, an institution in the Lakes. Plus you can buy extra things from their bakery to take home.
Derwentwater Lake Cruise
Don’t let the rain stop you going out on the water. Boat rentals are available for more fair weather days, but the Derwentwater Lake Cruise from the Keswick Launch Co. has covered indoor seating as well as outdoor spaces.
You can take a 50-minute cruise around the lake, or get off at one of the stops along the way. Some drop off at scenic points, others at smaller villages. Either way, this could keep you busy, and mostly dry, for a couple of hours or more.
Keswick Climbing Wall
Kids and adults will both enjoy challenging themselves at the Keswick Climbing Wall. Craving some outdoor exercise but it’s pouring down outside? This is one of the best things to do in Keswick in the rain.
Take one of dozens of routes up the walls at this indoor activity center Рall with views of the Lakes outside. They even have a caf̩ on site, which serves reasonably priced food.
Check out the small independent shops
You can’t go to Keswick and not want to spend all your money on locally made crafts and artwork. There are so many incredible independent shops all around the town. Try Cherrydidi, on of my favorites for some unique gifts to take home. The Orchid House is another fun place for those looking to take home décor to the next level.
I never leave Keswick without a trip to Ye Olde Friars Of Keswick, my favorite chocolate and sweet shop in the Lake District. Find traditional British sweets, childhood favorites and local delicacies here.
Last but not least is the The Herdy Company shop. Herdwicks are a breed of sheep native to the Lake District. Not only are they impeccable climbers and therefore easily live on the hilly farmland, but they are kinda cute and always look a little like they’re smiling. The obsession with Herdy sheep is real with locals. Find cute souvenirs at this unique shop.
Rain or shine, you can also find the Keswick outdoor market happening on the main street every Thursday and Saturday. Homeware items, fresh food and produce, and all sorts of trinkets and gifts are for sale at the outdoor stalls.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Market day gets busy, so if you’re not staying in Keswick, head there early for parking.
Grab a proper pint in a British pub
Did you even go to the UK if you didn’t visit a traditional pub? What should be topping all lists of things to do in Keswick in the rain is a cold beer in a cozy pub. Find the right one and you’ll get some homemade “pub grub” food to go with that pint.
It’s the perfect rainy day activity, and will make you feel like you’re a local in no time. Even better? In the Lake District you can always bring your 4-legged friends into the pubs. That’s right, dogs are allowed. Kids too.
My favorite Keswick pubs are The Dog & Gun, the Pack Horse Inn and The Kings Arms Hotel which also does a great lunch menu.
Go see a play
Close to the Keswick Launch is the Theatre By The Lake. Here you can watch a play, or take the kids to a show. A great way to pass a couple of rainy hours in the Lake District, check out their listings for matinee and evening performances.
With tickets often starting from around £10, this is one of the most inexpensive things to do in Keswick in the rain. Try the little café next door for lunch or an afternoon snack. They have delicious cakes and sandwiches.
St. John’s Church
A pretty little small town church, you don’t have to attend a service to appreciate St. John’s. Only a few minute walk from the center of Keswick, tourists don’t often walk this way so its usually quite quiet.
Dating back to the 1830s, St. John’s has some beautiful stained glass windows. If you’re around towards the end of the year, they often have unique displays for Remembrance Day on November 11th.
Try some locally made spirits
A pint in a pub not strong enough for you? The Lake District has some fantastic distillers making top notch spirits. Some of the little stores in the town will sell local sprits and often have samples. Try Love The Lakes store and find some yummy Kendal Mint Cake vodka or Sticky Toffee Pudding rum.
But if you want something more local to Keswick head on over to the Spirit of Keswick shop where you can discover many types of gin, whisky, vodka and rum. You’ll find just as many fun flavors at the Herdwick Distillery just a few minutes walk away.
Visit one of the best outdoor gear stores in the UK
Prepare for some adventurous outdoor activities once the rain has dried up. Or get some waterproof gear so the rain doesn’t bother you. Either can be done at the many outdoor shops in Keswick. The best has to be George Fisher.
The shop is a Keswick institution. You’ll find everything you wanted and more at this iconic store. Prices don’t come cheap for good gear, but you can happily while away a bit of a rainy day here.
Castlerigg
A mini Stonehenge right in the heart of the Lake District – plus it’s free. That’s right, there are other ancient stone circles in England other than the famous one everyone knows.
Sure, it’s outside on an exposed hill in the middle of a field. But even in the rain this place is magical.
In fact, I would argue that seeing it on a cloudy, rainy day adds way more mysticism to an already eerie location. That’s why I’m including it on this list of things to do in Keswick in the rain.
Only a few minutes drive from the town, make sure you don’t miss Castlerigg, rain or shine.
And a few ideas for when it dries up…
It can’t rain all the time, right? Let’s hope not. In the event you see a break in the clouds and some sunshine peeking through, hurry outdoors to take advantage. And if you’re in need of a few ideas, here are my top picks
Get out on the water
They don’t call it the Lake District for nothing. When it’s not falling from the sky, there’s still plenty of water in the many lakes, waterfalls and rivers all around Cumbria.
Keswick is on Derwentwater, which has row boat rentals as well as paddleboard opportunities. Both are fun, and a great way to spend an hour or two. And don’t forget the Keswick Launch which is just as nice in the sunshine as it is in the rain.
Fun and games
Prefer dry land for your activities? Why not have a round of mini golf in Hope Park. Or a picnic on a nice warm day. There are plenty of green open spaces to enjoy. Pick up a frisbee or other lawn games from one of the many stores in town.
Explore more of Keswick’s surrounding areas by renting a bike for an afternoon, or a full day. Whinlatter Bikes or E-Venture Bikes are both centrally located and will have you blazing a couple of trails in no time.
Outdoor activities
Got some more energy in you? Really, even after everything else on this list? Well, then you need to check out some of the hiking trails around Keswick.
For a more relaxed pace head out past the Keswick Launch for a stroll to Friar’s Crag. But if you’re feeling adventurous and looking for the perfect view over Keswick on a clear day, it’s got to be the Latrigg circular trail.
As someone who’s also done Latrigg summit on a cloudy, rainy day, I can attest that a sunny day will help you see Keswick instead of just imagining its existence. But either way, the hike is not too long and a great introduction to Lake District hiking.
The perfect Lake District base
Keswick is a central town, with many amenities, plenty of places to stay, and lots of rainy day activities. But when the sun shines again, you’ll see how it can be an even more incredible place to visit.
Take advantage of the nice weather while you have it, but don’t be afraid of a little wet weather either. There are so many things to do in Keswick in the rain that you can’t be bored. And if you have access to a car, there’s so much more nearby to see.
I always enjoy exploring the pretty Lake District villages such as Ambleside and Hawkshead. All have places to duck into on a rainy day.
If you grow up in the Lake District you’re always prepared for the rain, even when the day starts out super sunny. Learn from us locals and embrace it. You’ll still be happy you visited.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you visited Keswick on a less than sunny day? What are your favorite things to do in Keswick in the rain?
I do love a post which offers things to do rain or shine. We never mind getting wet (we figure we’ll dry out eventually!) and you’ve suggested loads of great things to do in the Lake District. It was nice that you included some outdoor activities as well. We’ve visited the area a few times over the years and absolutely love it – such a beautiful region. But we did miss out on Castlerigg – a real shame because we love standing stones – and the pencil museum. We will no doubt return. Oh – and you can never go wrong with afternoon tea or a pint at the pub!
Having visited (and gotten soggy in) the Lake District on several occasions, I like that you included rainy day activities. It is a gorgeous area and the locals are so welcoming. I haven’t spent much time in Keswick and I see that needs to be fixed on my next visit.
I really wish I had seen the pencil museum. That kind of quirky museum is always a good time.
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
The UK has so many interesting places to see and Keswick is one of them! A bit like Ireland I’m guessing always prepare for rain! A proper pint would always go down nicely after a day of exploring. The image of the lake here is great – did you take this? But I would certainly do paddleboarding before the pint and not after 😅
Yes, I took the lake photos last month when I was visiting. Such a lovely place
It’s been many years since I was up in the Lake District and your post reinforces that idea that I should take a trip back there sometime soon.
The scenery is indeed wonderous and encapsulates some of Britain’s finest landscapes.
Lots of good info here on the region and that photo of the row of brown boats lined up along the shoreline is beautiful
Looks like a great town for a weekend getaway! Relax on the water one day with those beautiful views and the next learn about pencils (who knew there is a museum devoted to them? haha) of course you have to end both days with a pint! Never let the rain stop you from exploring!
I’ve heard so much about the Lake District and would love to do some hikes in the area. The rain situation must be similar to Vancouver, so I think I could handle it, but it’s good to know there is lots of options for things to do. I like the idea of the climbing wall with views of the lakes outside, and I can see myself buying lots of gear at the George Fisher shop. And a pub seems like a must-do no matter what the weather!
From heritage, to afternoon tea, to the pencil museum, there’s no doubt that Keswick has plenty to explore and have a good time. Outdoor activities are definitely a plus. And an article that talks about what to do on rainy days, is an article with particularly important information. How many times do we allow ourselves to be distracted by days when the weather is not good. This is proof that there are no bad days to go for a walk 🙂
Stunning sceneries we have here Emma and the idea of a melancholic walk in the rain make up for that restrospective self-love moment. I would definetely do it for a few kilometers and when I had too much of my own inner drama, there’s always a pint or a tea to be had and then I’m off again to the land of Wordsworth and daffodils 😉 #flyingbaguette
Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/
I gotta be honest here, even tho the Lake District has an outstanding natural beauty, it would not be very high on my list of a revisit. The weather…there I said it! I’m just not build for rainy and grey. If I do end up in Keswick one day by any chance, you will most likely find me looking around the independent local shops or at an afternoon tea session. The local hikes would also engage me once the weather has cleared up, but knowing this part of the island, god knows when that happens ha
Carolin | Solo Travel Story