Our Guide To Winter In Keswick
Get 2024 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 week's blog we share with you some of our ideas for things to do and places to go.
Watch Out for Wildlife
When there are fewer people around, it can be a good time to spot wildlife. So far I've seen a buzzard on a fence post by the road and red squirrels burying acorns in my flowerbeds. In previous years I've seen deer and even a stoat. If you'd like to find out more, have a read of one of our past blogs all about where and when you can spot wildlife in the Lake District.
Enjoy a Weekend of Films at Keswick Film Festival
Keswick's annual Film Festival returns from the 29th February to 3rd March. The Festival will bring the best of independent and world cinema to the Alhambra with hopefully some special guests coming to town. The new-look Alhambra cinema will be able to show niche events in its new 28 seater second screen whilst screens at Rheged and Theatre by the Lake are also often used. The line up for the Film Festival programme is starting to be released now so keep an eye on their website for the latest news.
If you can't make the weekend of the Film Festival you can watch a wide range of films including the latest releases at the Keswick Alhambra in their beautifully restored auditorium or on their new smaller second screen.
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 has a number of exhibitions including 'Living Here' where you can find out how humans shaped the landscape you see today, from neolithic axes to mining and farming in the area, and 'Explorations and Experiments: Early Scientific Discoveries in the Lakes' - an exhibition telling the story of what makes Keswick such a hotbed of scientific discovery in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Tickets at Keswick Museum and Wordsworth Grasmere are valid for one year so an extra bonus is, if you come this winter, you can visit the rest of the year for free.
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.
Keep an eye out for our next blog for everything you need to know about pampering yourself in Keswick.
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 page for 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 Trail is a smooth-surfaced 10km out and back off-road route suitable for all the family.
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!).
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 for February half term or a weekend break 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 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 [email protected] or give us a call on 017687 75738.