You are here: Home > Things to Do > Arts and Culture > Cultural Family days out around Keswick
Did you know, the first-ever pencil was made in Keswick – from graphite mined nearby? The pencil industry continues there today – and Derwent pencils are used across the world. At the town’s Derwent Pencil Museum you’ll discover lots of pencil-related stuff – including how to improve your observation and drawing skills.
Take the family to a free demonstration by a professional pencil artist or sign up your young artists to a workshop. After the younger ones have sharpened their drawing skills, the grown-ups can wander round Keswick and buy some local bakes and produce for a picnic lunch on the side of the lake.
The former railway line from Keswick to Penrith is now a scenic footpath – a great place for a family walk. Stop off at the mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle for your picnic whilst taking in the views of two of England’s highest mountains, Hellvelyn and Skiddaw. It’s a dramatic Lakeland setting – so this may be the first chance for the young artists in the family to put what they’ve learned into practice. Remember to take along a sketch book!
Do a loop, returning to Keswick via Springs Ghyll – with views of Derwentwater and Cat Bells ahead. Back at Keswick, and there’s time to take hire a boat or a canoe and explore Derwentwater - one of England’s most beautiful lakes.
Once back on dry land pop along to Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake.
Located on the shores of Derwentwater, Theatre by the Lake hosts a year-round programme of original productions and visiting shows. Described by the Telegraph as “the most gorgeously situated theatre in England” – Theatre by the Lake presents a wide-ranging programme from contemporary to classic in a truly remarkable Lake District location.
Useful Postcodes:
Derwent Pencil Museum – CA12 5NG
Theatre by the Lake – CA12 5DJ
AN INTIMATE ACOUSTIC TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF JONI MITCHELL.. PRESENTED BY 5 PIECE BAND 'THIS FLIGHT…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Public Conveniences.
Electric bike charging point, located at Mae's Tea Rooms & Gallery, Uldale. A donation is…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Buses to and through Grasmere: 555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere -…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five…
Where the Lake District meets the sea - an intoxicating mix of coast, mountain scenery of the…
Get ready to sing your heart out and spread joy with Cathy Marcangelo.
Inspired by grasses, cow parsley, poppies and much more, on this workshop you can create your own…
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
A local landowner, Sarah Losh (1785-1853), designed St Mary's in 1840, partly in memory of her…
Pitch up, sit back, and relax - our dedicated touring area has top-notch facilities for caravans,…
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
Hayes Garden World is the perfect place to relax and revive on any trip to this, the largest garden…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
Public toilets located adjacent to the car park.
Electric bike charging point, located at The Old Crown, Heskett Newmarket. A charge of 50p or £1…
Photography tours and workshops under the guidance of Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the…
National Trust property on main footpath up to Langdale Pikes. A lovely river walk past small and…
Inspiring art and craft workshops based in a stunning open plan studio. Treat yourself to a special…
The Byre is one of three luxurious cottages sitting within a large converted Victorian barn at the…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL