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A mini guide to
Keswick & Derwentwater: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk to the lake
Friar's Crag and the Keswick Launch landing stage are a short walk from the market place along Lake Road, so you can walk the shore without a car.
Take a boat with a walk
The National Park Authority suggests combining a one-way boat trip with a walk, bus or cycle. Keswick Launch stops at Hawes End, below Catbells, and at Lodore.
Plan for rain
The Authority says the Lake District has around 200 days of rain a year in the valleys. Keswick Museum, the Pencil Museum and the Theatre by the Lake are all indoors.
Borrowdale buses
The Authority says buses still run in Borrowdale in autumn and winter. Check Stagecoach for the service and times before you set out.
Use official boat times
Check the Keswick Launch website for sailings and tickets before you go.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Keswick & Derwentwater?
Keswick & Derwentwater is in Cumbria, England. A market town on the shore of Derwentwater, with a stone circle, a theatre and fells on every side. Nearby stops and stations include Bus 555, Bus X4/X5, Keswick Launch.
How long do I need in Keswick & Derwentwater?
2 days or more. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Derwentwater, Friar's Crag, Keswick Launch. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Bus 555 (Stagecoach); Bus X4/X5 (Stagecoach); Keswick Launch (Keswick Launch Co.). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 16 places to eat and drink in and around Keswick & Derwentwater, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 12 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Keswick & Derwentwater accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Keswick & Derwentwater
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Derwentwater
Lake in the northern Lake District, immediately south of Keswick.
Keswick Launch
Cruises around Derwentwater from the Lake Road landing stage, with stops including Ashness Gate, Lodore and Hawes End.
Theatre by the Lake
Theatre on the shore of Derwentwater, opened in 1999, with a summer repertory season.
The Lake District
More areas to explore
Ullswater & Pooley Bridge
A long lake with steamers, a waterfall and Helvellyn behind Glenridding
Open the mini guide →
Coniston & Hawkshead
Ruskin, Beatrix Potter and a boat on Coniston Water, between two small villages
Open the mini guide →
Wasdale & Eskdale
England's deepest lake and highest mountain, and a little railway through Eskdale
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Friar's Crag: DS Pugh, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Derwentwater: Jennifer Petrie, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Keswick Launch: wfmillar, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Theatre by the Lake: N Chadwick, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ullswater & Pooley Bridge: Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Coniston & Hawkshead: Martin Jeffries, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Wasdale & Eskdale: John260660, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Windermere & Bowness: Anthony Foster, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ambleside & Grasmere: Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Lake District