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
Spend a day with Polly devising your own meaningful, printed 'piece' from a word, name or letter,…
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Located at the Village Hall in Melmerby. Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card and Textiles at…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
Learn the skills to undertake canoe expeditions including paddling skills and wild camping skills.…
Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, Mawson gardens, adventure playground, shop and…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
A tramper is available free-of-charge from the shepherd’s hut. Accessible routes around the…
The 'Brockmobile' electric bus is available to transport people who have difficulties walking from…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
At the Netherwood you can enjoy a traditional selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream…
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Come and join us for a day's Canoeing from Fell Foot. Fell Foot has amazing accessible facilities,…
Situated in the centre of Allonby that nestles in a sandy bay on the unspoilt Solway Coast. Our…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Located in the Berners Close car park. Recycle Cans, Card & Paper and Plastics at this site.
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the…
At The Fizzy Tarté you’ll be responsible for engaging with our guests during their visit,…
Now in its 12th year, the biennial New Light Prize Exhibition is an open art competition which…
Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, set in a Grade I listed Georgian…
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