Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • Sustainable Stays
      • Dog Friendly Accommodation
      • Family Accommodation
      • Accommodation with a Swimming Pool
      • Accommodation with Gyms
      • Accommodation with Hot Tubs
      • Group Accommodation
      • Luxury Accommodation
      • Something a Bit Different
      • Spa Breaks
    • Accessible Accommodation
    • B&Bs & Guesthouses
    • Hotels
    • Lake District Cottages
    • Self Catering Accommodation
    • Camping, Glamping, Caravans and Lodges
    • Holiday Parks
    • Hostels
    • Pubs with Rooms
    • Restaurants with Rooms
    • Holiday Homes for Sale
    • Cottage Agencies
  • What's On
    • Challenge Events
      • 13 Valleys
      • Great North Swim
      • Windermere Marathon
      • Cross-Bay Walks
      • Traditional Sports
      • Gurning Festival (Egremont Crab Fair)
      • World’s Biggest Liar
    • Cultural Events
      • Winter Droving
    • Festivals
      • Cockermouth Live!
      • Lake District Music Summer Festival
      • Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
      • Marmalade Festival at Dalemain
      • Fells for All Festival
      • Dave Day
    • Food Events
    • Galleries & Exhibitions
    • Markets
    • Add your event
  • Things to Do
    • Bookable Experiences
    • 50 Great Cumbrian Experiences
    • Lake District Attractions
    • Adventure Activities
      • Adventure on the Water
      • Adventure Training
      • Extreme & Off Road
      • Rocks & Ropes
    • Arts and Culture
      • Let's Go Culture
      • Famous Artists, Poets & Writers
      • Festivals
      • Galleries & Exhibitions
      • Independent Cinema
      • Museums
      • Theatre & Live Performance
    • Experiences
      • Aerial Experiences
      • Animal Experiences
      • Bushcraft Experiences
      • Craft Demonstrations & Workshops
      • Food & Drink Experiences
      • Gift Experiences
    • Guided Tours
      • Coach & Minibus Tours
      • Guided Cycling
      • Guided Walks
      • Nature & Wildlife Tours
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Forest Bathing
      • Gym & Swim
      • Massage
      • Wild Swimming
      • Yoga
    • History and Heritage
      • Cumbrian Castles
      • Cumbrian Churches
      • Historic Houses, Parks & Gardens
      • King Arthur in Cumbria
    • Outdoor Activities
      • In the Air
      • On the Land
      • On the Water
      • Cycling
      • Walking
      • Boat Hire
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding & Pony Trekking
      • Lake Cruises & Boat Trips
      • Sporting Activities
      • Hen & Stag Activities
      • Team Building activities
      • Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Shopping
      • Virtual Christmas Market
      • Cumbrian High Street Shopping
      • Local Produce
      • Markets in the Lake District, Cumbria
      • Shop Online
    • Accessible Activities
    • Family Days Out
    • Wildlife & Nature
    • Safety/Adventure Smart
  • Food and Drink
    • Dog Friendly Places to Eat
    • Family-friendly places to eat
    • Afternoon Tea
    • Breweries & Distilleries
    • Cafés
    • Fine dining
    • Foraging & Bushcraft
    • Local Produce
    • Pub Food & Gastro Pubs
    • Restaurants
    • Vegetarian & Vegan
    • Food & Drink in Cumberland
  • Explore Cumbria
    • Areas of Cumbria
      • The Lake District
      • Carlisle & Hadrian’s Wall
      • Eden Valley & North Pennines
      • Morecambe Bay
      • Western Lake District & Coast
      • Where The Lakes Meets The Dales
    • Towns & Villages
    • Lakes of the Lake District
    • Travel
      • Let's Go Car Free
      • Getting To Cumbria
      • Getting Around Cumbria
      • Car Parking and Car Charging
      • Group Travel
    • Year of the Coast
    • World Heritage Cumbria
    • Mountains & Fells
    • Harbours & Marinas
  • Ideas and Inspiration
    • Cumbria Tourism Awards 2025
    • Starring Great Britain: The Lake District, Cumbria
      • timeline
      • Gallery of Locations
    • Lake District, Cumbria Bucket List
    • Selfie Guide
    • Dark Sky Cumbria
    • Suggested Itineraries
    • Sunny day ideas
    • Rainy day ideas
    • The National Trust in the Lake District
    • Spa Breaks
    • Romantic Breaks
    • Family Holidays
    • Dog Friendly Holidays
    • Bespoke Holidays
    • The Inn Collection Group in the Lake District
    • Sustainable Stays
    • Caring for the environment
      • Lake District Foundation
      • Safety/Adventure Smart
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Access for all - Adventure for Everyone
      • Accessibility on film
      • Adventure for all - Ideas and Inspiration
    • Tourist Information Centres
  • Weddings
    • Wedding Venues
      • Exclusive Use Venues
      • Venues with Accommodation
    • Wedding Suppliers
    • Wedding Fairs & Events
    • Stag & Hen Parties
    • Honeymoon & Minimoon
    • Transport
    • Spa Treatments
  • Conferences & Event Spaces
    • Conference Venues with Rooms
    • Attraction Venues & Meeting Spaces
    • Functions, Banquets and Corporate Event Venues
    • Team Building
    • Event Organisers, Catering & Suppliers
  • Prizes & Guides
    • Subscribe to our Newsletter
    • Free Holiday Guide Downloads
    • Gift Vouchers
    • Download Free Desktop Wallpaper
    • Download Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Prize Draws
      • Win two Pure Lakes Candle or Soap Making Experienc
      • WIN a £250 Holiday Voucher for Woodclose Park
      • Win a £500 holiday voucher
      • WIN two Forage & Nibble vouchers with Forage Box
      • Win a break in the Lake District, Cumbria
      • Win a stay at North Lakes Hotel & Spa
    • 2025 Dogs Love Cumbria Guide Photo Competition
  • Let's Go Lake District Blog
  • Special Offers

Don't Miss

  • Summer | Description

    Summer in the Lake District, Cumbria

  • Sign up to receive our newsletter containing news and special offers from the Lake District, Cumbria.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

  • Site Logo
  • Print Logo
Site Search Icon

My Planner

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Already saved an Itinerary?

List All My Saved Itineraries

Language
  • DE
  • EN
Menu

You are here: Home > Things to Do > Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by the Lake

A Performer Interacting with the Audience at Every Brilliant Thing at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • A Performer Interacting with the Audience at Every Brilliant Thing at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Visitors at the Entrance to Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Audience Enjoying a Show at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Performers of The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District © Paula Raith Photography
  • Theatre Seating at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Visitors Watching a Performance at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Stage Set for a Show at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Performers of Around the World in 80 Days at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Performers of 39 Steps at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District © Tony Bartholomew
  • Stage at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Exterior of Theatre by the Lake at Nighttime in Keswick, Lake District
  • Performers of Around the World in 80 Days at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Steps Leading to an Entrance at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Performers on Stage at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Performers on Stage at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Performers of Around the World in 80 Days at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Performers of The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District © Paula Raith Photography
  • Scenic Photo of Derwentwater and Mountains near Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
  • Scenic Photo of Derwentwater and Mountains near Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District

Type:Theatre

Theatre By The Lake, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

Add Theatre by the Lake to your Itinerary

Website

Email

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel017687 74411

About

Theatre by the Lake is one of the most beautifully situated theatres in the world. It’s a busy, vibrant creative hub hosting all sorts of different artforms and festivals with a reputation for creating top notch theatre productions.

‘Artistically sharp, stunningly situated' – New Statesman

'Combines a spot as idyllic as anywhere on Earth, with first class theatrical entertainment' – Daily Telegraph

'The most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain' - The Independent

The Theatre houses two stages. The Main House is its big space, seating 400. It's a modern, airy and comfortable venue and lots of people say they really love it. The Studio Theatre is its smaller stage for an audience of up to 100. It's an intimate, modern venue. If you like being close to the action then you will adore this space.

So if it’s a great night out you’re after (following a day on the fells perhaps), or a chance to channel some creativity, you’re in for a treat when you visit them. You’ll see actors at the top of their game on its stages, meet local heroes and national treasures. They’ve work to make you laugh, question, contemplate and cry, and everything in between.

As well as hosting visiting companies and touring work, Theatre by the Lake stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays throughout the year, culminating in a much-loved family Christmas show.

There are lift to all levels and wheelchair users can get to all front-of-house and backstage areas. Both auditoria have enhanced-hearing and induction loop systems. Free wifi is available in both the Theatre building and Café by the Lake.

Tickets can be purchased online on their website, where you can choose your own seat and see views of the stage before you buy. Alternatively, call the Box Office, they will be happy to advise you on 017687 74411 – its open from 9.30am to 8pm daily (6pm on non-performance nights).


Exhibitions

There is also two gallery spaces hosting exhibitions from the work of professional artists to our local school children’s proudest work. Admission is always free. As both galleries are occasionally closed to the public, please check in advance with the Box Office on 017687 74411 if you have only one opportunity to visit an exhibition.
 

Lakeside Café & Restaurant

Lakeside Café is open from 9am. We serve breakfast until noon, offering a tempting range of hot rolls and muffins featuring various combinations of Cumbrian bacon, Cumberland sausage and free range eggs. For lunch there is soup, tasty hot and cold sandwiches, salads and hot dishes. Come with the papers and watch the light change by the minute over Derwentwater.

From 5.30-8pm you can dine in comfort all year round with pre-theatre meals (available with or without booking a performance) including a choice of starters, main courses and sweets made largely with foods produced in Cumbria. Add a glass of wine or beer - and enjoy the view!
For table reservations and more information please call 017687 81102 or visit the Food & Drink section of our website.


Spotlight Café

Relax and unwind in our Spotlight Café. Located on the ground floor of the theatre it's open from 11am, serving the Lakeside Café & Restaurant menu for those who are peckish, or just coffee and cake for those on the go. In the evening during a show it's an atmospheric bar serving everything from champagne to local ale. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Whether you’re watching a show, visiting the café or dropping in for a workshop you can be sure of a famous friendly Cumbrian welcome.

Access Information & FAQ

Follow us on social media:

Instagram   Facebook   TikTok   Twitter/X   LinkedIn

 

Book Tickets

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

* Varied opening times. Please check performance times as it may not be possible to admit latecomers.

Guide Prices

Please ring for details.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible Toilet
  • Autism Friendly
  • British Sign Language
  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Facilities for hearing impaired
  • Level Access
  • Wheelchairs available

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Telephone (public)

Site Features

  • Regional Tourist Board Member

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Access Information

Attractions Self Assessment

Accessibility NotesPlease sign up to book accessible tickets on line before your visit to ensure you have a great visit.

Entrance

Automatic door at the main entrance
Entrance is well lit

Public Areas

Baby changing facilities
Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
Good contrast between the floor and walls
Hearing loop installed in public areas
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
From the entrance to reception / ticket area
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
To the gift shop
Lift equipped with raised floor numbers or braille numbers or letters
Visitor information available in large print (14pt and over)
Visitor information available in audio format

Food

Children's menu
Good contrast between the floor and walls
High chairs for children
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair

Parking

Designated parking for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
The route from the parking area to the entrance:
Is flat (i.e. without steps)
The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is solid

General

Audible alarm system
Clear signage
Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
Effective lighting for visually impaired visitors
Good colour/tonal contrast for visually impaired visitors
Hearing loop system
Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Visual alarm system
Wheelchairs provided
Free

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Tripadvisor

Awards

  • Other AwardsSelf-assessed Accessibility Information Self-assessed Accessibility Information
  • Cumbria AwardsMember of Cumbria Tourism Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbtlake

Related

Food at Lakeside Café Restaurant in Keswick, Lake DistrictLakeside Café Restaurant, KeswickLocated next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…

Map & Directions

Map Link

Click here to view map

Road Directions

From M6 jct 40 and follow A66 towards Keswick, follow brown signs to Theatre and Lakeside. On foot the theatre is a 5 minute walk from the centre of Keswick.

Public Transport Directions

Accessible by Public Transport: Penrith station is 24 miles away.

What's Nearby

  1. Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co.

    Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats…

    0.07 miles away
  2. Photo coming soon
    Hope Park

    Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors…

    0.21 miles away
  3. St. John's Church, Keswick
    St. John's Church, Keswick

    The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire.…

    0.29 miles away
  1. Friar's Crag, Derwentwater, Keswick
    Friar's Crag, Derwentwater

    To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag…

    0.36 miles away
  2. Interior seating and layout at Crooked River Tap in Keswick, Lake District
    Crooked River Brewing Co

    Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom…

    0.38 miles away
  3. Beers from Keswick Brewery in Keswick, Lake District
    Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop

    Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…

    0.47 miles away
Previous Next

You may also like

  • Bookable Experiences

  • Download Guide

  • Gift Vouchers

  • Itineraries

  • E-newsletter Sign Up

  • Blog

Stay in Touch

Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media

Sign up for E-newsletter

Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria

Sign Up
  • Let's Go Lake District Blog
  • About Visit Lake District
  • Media Enquiries
  • Travel Trade
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Site Map
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy
  • World Heritage Cumbria
  • Romantic Breaks
  • Selfie Guide
  • Accommodation
  • What's On
  • Things to Do
  • Food and Drink
  • Lake District Weddings
  • Access for all - Adventure for Everyone
Contact Us

Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL

Made by Simpleview Logo
Beyonk Logo
Experience Booking Powered by Beyonk

Ratings Powered By

tripadvisor

Cumbria Tourism

© Cumbria Tourism