Cultural Family days out around Keswick

Entertain the whole family with a host of cultural delights for all ages.

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