Best 5 activities in Keswick!

As lockdown measures ease we thought we’d put together an itinerary for an ideal staycation weekend in the lakes. Get your summer ready to look forwards to, and book a lovely lakes escape. Tell us what you think and leave a comment on our socials if you have any other recommendations!

#5 Walk around Buttermere with homemade ice cream.

Buttermere is a firm favourite mainly due to its unspoilt nature, home to tranquillity which is shown in its unyielding natural beauty. Outlined with a gentle path making for a gratifying 2–3-hour walk round the lakeshore. The most loved view is looking down the lake from the western end towards Fleetwith Pike, which dramatically stands proud against the fells which its near vertical cliff; Honister crag. Adjoining nature’s own amphitheatre of inscrutable rock, Haystacks. Alfred Wainwright’s favourite fell. Finish your walk with some fantastic homemade ice cream or a pint at the pub in Buttermere village.

#4 Mountain Biking, Whinlatter Forest Trail Centre

Home to the longest purpose-built trail in the Lake District. Whinlatter is great for whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just entering the world of two wheeled fun.

Whinlatter Forest has a great combination of climbs, descents, and single-track heaven on its various trails.

A personal favourite is 19km of off-road goodness, combining the North and South loops providing rear wheel drifting switchbacks, multiple line choices and epic views if you stop to catch then before berm heaven awaits on the descents.

#3 Sunset from surprise view with fish n chips

Named so because of its unremitting beauty, surprise view is worth the hair raising drive up over Ashness bridge once you get there, we promise!

Offering sublime vista’s across Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake (The Lake Districts only ‘official Lake’) the views offered from this location are simply breath-taking at all times of the day however being there for the evenings golden hour is simply unmissable, gaze over the sky illuminated like a phoenix rising from the ashes leaving the Skiddaw and northern fells range appear ignited under the fiery haze provided from the sun setting behind the Solway firth.

Personally, this view is best accompanied with Fish and Chips from one of Keswick’s ‘Chippies’ and a bottle of Cumbrian brewed Ale.

#2 Spa Day at The Falls Spa, Lodore Hotel, Lake District Hotels

What better way to soak away any aches and pains from a day in the mountains than the newly built ‘The Falls Spa’, with incredible views from the outdoor infinity pool and an incredible glass fronted panoramic Sauna giving you unobscured views of the magnificent Catbells range across Derwentwater. You can Indulge yourselves in treatments from Elemis or a mud ritual in the Rasul chamber along with various full or half day treatments specially tailored for everyone from the mountain explorer, mum to be or even for the distinguished gentlemen. Take advantage of exclusive use of the Spa Champagne Bar and enjoy your well being journey.

# 1 Via Ferrata & Mine Tours, Honister Slate Mine

Of course, we would recommend a day out here at Honister as the ultimate must do to finish off a magical weekend in the lakes.

For the adventurers looking to get their hearts racing and blood pumping the Via Ferrata is the perfect choice, requiring a reasonable level of fitness, cliff edge ladders and rocky traverses across a unique landscape. Don’t forget to stop and look down below your feet and appreciate the truly epic views. An adrenaline rush with a taste of history and essence of industrial mixed with natural beauty. Feel yourself fill with an unmissable sense of achievement as you reach one of the finest central views the Lake District has to offer, Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater. The Via Ferrata is not just for climbers and walkers but beginners and young families looking to create lifelong memories.

Follow your adrenaline thrilled experience with the second part of the All-Day Pass, Honister’s Mine Tour.Don your hard hat and miners’ lamp and take a step back into Honister’s rich 400 + year history on a fully guided mine tour.

Explore caverns and tunnels hand carved by men who dedicated their lives to their crafts. Hear how methods and machinery adapted and improved and learn how the craftsmanship has been passed down generations and is still used today to turn the 450-million-year-old ‘green gold’ into the finest stonework and roofing slates in the world.