Itinerary Planner

Keswick Full Day Itinerary

Morning – Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre

Whinlatter is England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1,000ft above sea level, the forest and visitor centre provides a whole range of outdoor activities for everyone. 

Start at the visitor centre, where the staff will give information and help plan your morning. Enjoy some retail therapy in the forest shop or sample morning coffee and cake at Siskins café, eating out on the balcony whilst overlooking the woods, red squirrels and woodland birds.

For children, the Whinlatter WildPlay trail is a fantastic 600m long trail with 9 different play zones. Try the climbing wall or giant timber climbing frame, the archimedes screw to move water uphill and the fairy kingdom with its secret path. Whinlatter is great for walking, with miles of waymarked trails that start near the Centre. There are suitable walks for people of all abilities, which take in spectacular views across the fells and forests.

The forest also offers excellent mountain biking, with the red-graded Altura trail and blue Quercus trail. If you've never tried orienteering, Whinlatter's permanent orienteering course is the perfect place to start. The Bassenthwaite Ospreys can be seen live from their nest on a giant screen in the exhibition or in their natural environment from the Dodd Wood open air viewpoint (April - Aug).

From Whinlatter, take the A66 to Portinscale and follow signs to Lingholm Estate which is 15 minutes by car.

Lunch – The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden

Beatrix Potter stayed at Lingholm whilst writing several of her stories. At The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden you can explore part of the grounds that inspired the tales of Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and her most famous character, Peter Rabbit. Serving a range of locally sourced foods alongside artisan breads and cakes, a visit to this fantastic café and gardens will not disappoint.

Afternoon – Alpacaly Ever After & Keswick Launch

Alpacaly Ever After offer alpaca walks around the beautiful grounds of Lingholm and along the shores of the famous Derwentwater. The private grounds are teeming with wildlife and closed to the general public, with the chance to spot deer, red squirrels and hares.

Walks last around an hour & a half and are available at flexible times to suit you. Bring your wellies or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet! 

From Lingholm, you can take the path down to Nichol End Jetty (walk time 10 minutes).  Enjoy a lake cruise on the Keswick Launch and experience the beauty of Derwentwater, with breathtaking views of the surrounding fells. Enjoy special views of Skiddaw, England’s fourth highest mountain, Catbells, and the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’.

Take the 50-minute round boat trip or disembark at one of the eight jetties en-route and take a lakeland walk via well-marked paths to famous landmarks such as Ashness Bridge, Lodore Falls, Grange in Borrowdale and Brandelhow.

Derwentwater is 3 miles long, 1.5 miles wide and 72 feet at its deepest point. Cruises sail past its four islands, now owned by the National Trust and each with its own special history; Derwent Island, Lord’s Island, Rampsholme and St Herbert’s Island.

The four launches have open & covered decks and operate on a regular timetable throughout the year. Rowing boats and motor cruisers are also available for hire, so you can explore the lake at your own pace.