Keswick with small children

[BackIntoTheSun]

We are staying near Keswick at Easter with DC aged 5 and 1 and looking for recommendations of places to visit. I've been to Keswick before but not with kids. I know there's the pencil museum, we'll probably go to that. Is the Beatrix Potter World worth a visit? Also is there a steam train near Keswick or is it quite far to drive to? Any good kid friendly places to eat?

Thanks!

As well as all the above, the Lake District Wildlife Park is not too far from Keswick and is worth a visit. The Ravenglass steam railway is quite a bit further away on the coast but good for kids.

Lake District Animal Park is great for kids. Lots of animals to see and feed. Also lots of walks round the lake. Lots of family friendly pubs and restaurants in centre.

Pencil Museum used to be great but it got destroyed in flooding and what they've been able to put back is quite dull.

Agree on The Puzzling Place.

Kong Adventure has an indoor "hard play" area that is fun for littles.

Hope Park has crazy golf, boules and remote controlled boats.

There's a good aquarium in Maryport.

There's often something good on at Rheged.

I live not far from Keswick ( born & bred Cumbrian) and other than the few things already mentioned, there’s an aquarium at Maryport which isn’t very far from Keswick maybe 35/40 mins. It’s on the quayside and easy to find. Your little ones would enjoy it x

Sorry to side track - I'm also going to Keswick later this year. I was going to bring a paddle board. Does anyone know if you are allowed to use them on derwent?

@legalseagull

Yes you can - there were loads on there in the summer!

There’s a Wetherspoons for food

Yes but Derwent Water is infested with the highly invasive NZ Pygmy Weed and any lake users have to be scrupulously vigilant about not transferring it to other bodies of water in equipment, wet suits, clothing etc.

The walk to Threkeld is really lovely as PP mentioned - also great on bikes - which can be rented in Keswick - and there’s a nice tea shop in Threkeld which serves good scones and cake as a reward.

The coffee shop attached to the theatre is good and has a nice view of the lake and is near where you get the boats across.

Climb Catbells or Latrigg which are nice and easy hikes and go see the Castelrigg Stone Circle. It’s like a pocket stone henge.

As well as all the “throwing stones into the lake” suggestions, there’s a very cute little mini railway at Threlkeld quarry and mining museum - take a look at their Facebook page.

Castlerigg stone circle is a nice spot and kids can play around the stones.

Buttermere is particularly nice for walking around with kids.

Lakeside railway has steam trains and ties into the timetable for the boats on Windermere.

The walk to Threlkeld is great and there is a fabulous little cafe at the end with the world’s friendliest staff.

@ProtectorExtraordinaryOfTheCantonsOfNim Ah that's a shame about the pencil museum flooding, we haven't been since 2011.

Seems the Lakeside and Ravenglass steam trains are both about an hour away from Keswick, any idea if one is better than the other?

Lakeside and Haverthwaite is a full sized steam train but it's a very short trip. There is a small aquarium at one end but it's quite expensive and, IMO, not that good. Though small children might enjoy it. You can get combined tickets with a boat trip on Windermere. Its an easy and scenic drive from Keswick to Windermere but can be very congested in the season.Lots of places to eat in Bowness or the station cafe at the Haverthwaite end is lovely, but small so often full at busy times. There's a little play park at that end too.
Ravenglass is narrow gauge, and a longer trip. My boys loved the little engines when they were young. There's a nice play area at the Dalegarth end and a smaller one in Ravenglass. There are cafes at both ends and a nice pub, The Ratty Arms, in Ravenglass. It's also a short distance from Muncaster Castle which is another good place to visit.
I prefer Ravenglass personally, it's a bit quieter and you get a longer ride, but bothhave their appeal.

just had another thought - the bowder stone is also good fun- 5 year old probably like it - it's a giant stone you can climb up

@MrsAvocet thanks, this is useful info!

We went in Oct with our 5 year old who is a bit of reluctant walker!

However, the Ullswater steamers were a huge hit, we got one from Pooley Bridge to Aria Force which was a lovely walk even she did it without complaining (too much)

Te Rockshop in Ambleside was a really good find and Base Camp Cafe and Farmshop is lovely, loads of Alpacas there to look at!

Beatrix Potter exhibition was lovely but not a long activity.

Enjoy!

We climbed Catbells as it's said to be a fairly easy family hike, but the top was a bit scary (you have to scramble/climb onto the summit and it was very crowded), then it got incredibly windy as we were going down and we got cold, despite having warm stuff. So just a warning if you do it to be well equipped and that 5yo might struggle in parts (depending on 5yo of course)

@SockGoddess I've climbed Catbells and I struggled so I know my 5 year old would not manage it! We are from a very flat part of the country😂

Walking with Alpacas? Google Alpacaly Ever After. It’s close to Keswick.