Our Guide To Winter In Keswick
Winter in The Lake District is a beautiful time of year, with the high chance of snow, crisp, frosty mornings, potential cloud inversions that can last all day and it is a much quieter time to visit the national park (before or after the Christmas Holidays), it truly is a great time to visit.
If you do not have plans to visit Keswick before the end of 2024, why no get 2025 off to a great start and blow away the cobwebs with a winter break to Keswick, whether that be the luxury of a full week away, a cosy weekend break, or even just a day out. The average temperatures in winter are around 5 degrees so you'll need to wrap up warm. If you do find you haven't quite come prepared for the weather you'll find we have plenty of shops where you can get fully kitted out. In this blog we share with you some of our ideas for things to do and places to go.
Go on a Winter Walk
Wrap up warm and head out on an invigorating winter walk - don't forget to reward yourself with a treat in one of our cafes at the end. There are fewer people around in the winter months so you can often enjoy the stunning scenery all to yourself. Have a look at our walking page for some ideas - we have some lovely low-level routes ideal for winter with fantastic views up to the often snow-capped fells. Try this route to Castlerigg Stone Circle which is spectacular in all seasons, but especially so if there happens to be a covering of snow. Make sure you are well equipped to set off on a walk with good footwear - the paths can get quite boggy in the winter. (and the summer!) or icy, so microspikes come in handy,
Watch Out for Wildlife
When there are fewer people around, it can be a good time to spot wildlife.
See if you can spot red squirrels, deer, stoats, birds of prey and more.
Why not have a read of one of our past blogs all about where and when you can spot wildlife in the Lake District.
Visit A Spa
Overlooking Derwentwater, the Falls Spa is the perfect place to relax, to take stock, and immerse yourself in a world of natural beauty. The heated pool will keep you warm while you look over the lake and fells.
The Spa at Underscar is set in stunning grounds of ancient woods and parkland on the lower slopes of Skiddaw fell, with treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and gym a day here is guaranteed to be rejuvenating.
Get on Your Bike
Keswick is a great place to either bring your own bikes or hire them whilst you are here with both mountain and electric bikes to choose from. Have a look at our cycling pagefor more information. For off-road cycling trails Whinlatter Forest, just outside Keswick, is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District. Trampers are also available at Whinlatter Forest from Lake District Mobility which you can hire for minimal cost to enjoy an amazing 2.5 miles waymarked trail with spectacular views of the forest. If you prefer cycle routes with more gentle gradients the Keswick Railway Trailis a smooth-surfaced 10km out and back off-road route suitable for all the family.
Enjoy the Great Indoors
If you prefer to stay indoors and keep warm as much as possible during the winter months, we don’t really blame you. And luckily Keswick has plenty for you to enjoy indoors too. We have a variety of indoor attractions which stay open throughout the winter months.
Keswick Museum, Puzzling Place, Derwent Pencil Museum, Rheged Centre are fantastic places to visit if you want a day indoors.
Or why not watch a show or a movie at The Theatre by the Lake or Keswick Alhambra Cinema.
Indulge in some Retail Therapy
When the days are short it's lovely to have a couple of hours at the end of the day out browsing around the shops. Keswick’s town centre has a wide choice of shops from familiar chains to independent shops and galleries unique to Keswick. The Thursday market takes a break till mid February but the popular Saturday market is on all year round.
If you're here with the family and the children are not overly fond of shopping they may enjoy the Keswick Mouse Trail. The free trail starts from outside Keswick Cheese Deli in Packhorse Court where you can pick up a trail leaflet. See if you can find Gerald and all his little mouse friends playing hide and seek around the town.
Book Your Next Adventure in Keswick
Now more than ever, our businesses need you to book direct through visitkeswick.com. Every booking through our website is a direct, commission free booking with the provider and helps us to continue providing a quality website packed full of information for your visit. If you do choose to book on the providers own website or by phone, please be sure to let them know that you found them on the Visit Keswick website.
If you need any information or advice, we will be more than happy to help you. Just email us at info@keswick.org or give us a call on 017687 75738.