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Keswick is one of the most popular destinations in the North Lakes. The pretty market town is backed by mountains to one side and the shores of Derwentwater on the other and offers a bustling centre to explore.

The town is a wonderful place to be when the sun is shining, but it is also pretty fantastic when isn’t. You will find plenty of fun and interesting things to do in Keswick when it’s raining.

Here we have compiled a list of our favourite indoor activities in Keswick:


1. Puzzling Place

Image of BBC Presenter Michael Mosley with Andy Wallace at Puzzling Place in Keswick

This quirky attraction is full of optical illusions, 3D images a gallery of holograms and an antigravity room. Puzzling Place is not just one for the kids, it’s fun for adults too!

For more information please visit the Puzzling Place website.

Puzzling Place is also listed in our post on things to do in the Lake District when it’s raining.


2. Theatre by the Lake

Exterior photograph of the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick

A performance at the Theatre by the Lake is sure to be a great way to spend a rainy day. Located on the edge of town, between Derwentwater and the Lakeside car park. It plays host to Cumbria’s leading professional theatre company, who produce a whole host of plays.

Take a look at what’s on at the Theatre by the Lake.


3. Kong Adventures

Child on Rock climbing wall with instructor

If you aren’t a fan of the rain but still want to get your adrenaline fix, Kong Adventures is a great place to visit. There are bouldering and climbing walls, as well as an escape room. For kids, there is a play area, climbing wall and indoor caving, all of which is sure to tire out any little tearaways.

For more information on activities, take a look at the Kong Adventures website.


4. Keswick Museum and Art Gallery

An exterior photograph of Keswick museum and art gallery

Located just a stone’s throw from the town centre is the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery. The award-winning attraction has a range of exhibits and collections, including the story of Keswick in 100 Curious Objects. Inside the museum is West Cafe, just in case you need a slice of cake or two!

For opening hours and prices, take a look at the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery website.


5. Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

A photograph of a steam train with passengers passing through the Lake District towards Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

This attraction offers a fascinating insight into the history of lead and copper mining. The museum offers a wealth of information in its exhibits, but the tour of the quarry is the highlight!

For opening hours, take a look at the Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum website.


6. Mirehouse and Gardens

An exterior photograph of Mirehouse and its surrounding gardens

Mirehouse and Gardens is an award-winning visitor attraction situated just three miles from Keswick. The house was purchased by the present owner’s father in 1961, who renovated and revived the property. The downstairs has been opened to the public and offers a range of beautiful rooms to explore, as well as historic items to observe. Namely, manuscripts of Francis Bacon’s works as well as letters from the likes of Wordsworth, Southy, Tennyson, Thomas Carlyle and John Constable.

The gardens are also a treat – however, they may be best explored on brighter days!

For house and garden opening hours, check the Mirehouse and Gardens website.


7. Derwent Pencil Museum

A photograph of inside the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick

The Derwent Pencil Museum makes a great way to while away a dreary afternoon. This attraction is actually home to the very first pencil, and through different displays and installations, you can see how the humble pencil began.

For opening hours and prices, please take a look at the Derwent Pencil Museum website.


Browse our range of holiday cottages in Keswick, we have a wide selection of different properties that are ideal for a getaway in the Lakes. Otherwise, why not look at our full range of cottages across the Lake District.


If you are in thinking of visiting the South Lakes and are wondering what you can do when its bad weather, why not take a look at our post on things to do in Windermere when its raining.


Images Courtesy of: Stinglehammer (CC BY-SA 3.0); Ian Capper, The Carlisle KidIan Cunliffe (CC BY-SA 2.0);