Keswick Museum: A Window into Lake District Heritage
Discover Keswick’s rich heritage through unique exhibits, interactive displays, and a charming Victorian setting in the heart of the Lake District.
Keswick Museum, located in the heart of Keswick, Cumbria, offers a captivating journey through local history, art, and geology. Housed in a charming Victorian building since 1898, it features unique exhibits such as the musical stones, a giant relief map of the Lake District, and the famous 700-year-old mummified cat. The museum is family-friendly, with interactive displays and a nearby optical illusion attraction, making it a rich cultural experience for all ages.
A brief summary to Keswick Museum
- Station Rd, Keswick, Keswick, CA12 4NF, GB
- +441768773263
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan for a 1-2 hour visit to fully explore the museum and enjoy the adjacent Puzzling Place for optical illusions.
- Purchase an annual ticket to revisit the museum anytime within 12 months at no extra cost.
- Check ahead for café opening times, especially during winter holidays when it may be closed.
- Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience and better opportunities to enjoy exhibits without crowds.
- Combine your visit with a stroll in Fitz Park to enjoy the museum’s scenic riverside setting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Regular local buses run from Keswick town center to the museum area, taking approximately 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£3. Service frequency varies, with fewer buses on Sundays.
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Walking
From Keswick town center, the museum is a pleasant 15-minute walk along mostly flat terrain through Fitz Park. The path is accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Car
Street parking is available near the museum, though spaces can be limited during peak times. Parking fees vary, typically £1-£3 per hour. The area is accessible by car but can be busy on weekends.
Keswick Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Keswick Museum
Historic Roots and Architectural Charm
Keswick Museum was established in 1898 to serve both locals and visitors, housed in a Victorian-style building that has retained much of its original character. The picture gallery, added in 1907, enriches the museum’s cultural offering. Despite modern upgrades like electric lighting and heating, the museum preserves its historic ambiance, providing a fitting backdrop for the diverse collections within.Unique Exhibits That Tell Local Stories
The museum’s collections span centuries, from Roman artifacts to industrial heritage. Among its standout exhibits is the lithophone, or musical stones, a rare geological instrument that once played for Queen Victoria. Another intriguing highlight is the 700-year-old mummified cat, discovered in a nearby church, which fascinates visitors with its mysterious history. The museum also showcases a large relief model of the Lake District, crafted in 1834, offering a detailed tactile experience of the region’s landscape.Engaging Experiences for Families and Curious Minds
Keswick Museum is designed to be interactive and accessible, with hands-on exhibits that appeal to children and adults alike. The adjacent Puzzling Place offers a complementary experience with optical illusions and brainteasers, enhancing the visit. The museum’s layout encourages exploration, making it a lively and educational destination for families.Setting and Surroundings in Fitz Park
Nestled in the scenic Fitz Park by the river, the museum benefits from a tranquil environment that invites visitors to enjoy both cultural enrichment and natural beauty. The park setting enhances the museum’s appeal as a peaceful retreat within Keswick, perfect for combining indoor discovery with outdoor relaxation.Visitor Amenities and Practical Information
The museum operates daily from 10:00 to 16:00, with last admission at 15:30, and is closed for a few weeks during the winter holiday season. Admission fees are reasonable, with tickets valid for 12 months, encouraging repeat visits. Facilities include restrooms and a café serving local produce, although the café may close seasonally. A small gift shop offers unique souvenirs. The museum is generally accessible, though visitors are advised to check specific accessibility features in advance.Preserving and Celebrating Local Heritage
Keswick Museum plays a vital role in preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake District. Its collections and exhibitions celebrate the region’s history, from industrial arts to literary connections with poet laureate Robert Southey. The museum’s ongoing commitment to education and community engagement makes it a cornerstone of Keswick’s cultural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Rydal Cave
19.8 km
Experience the stunning beauty of Rydal Cave in Ambleside, a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes.
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens
21.0 km
Explore the enchanting Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, a perfect blend of history, art, and stunning landscapes in the heart of Penrith.
The Cockpit Stone Circle
21.3 km
Explore The Cockpit Stone Circle, an ancient historical site near Penrith, where history and natural beauty converge in a tranquil setting.
The Bridge House
21.8 km
Explore the historic Bridge House in Ambleside, a stunning 17th-century riverside gem in the heart of the Lake District's breathtaking landscapes.
Ambleside Roman Fort
22.7 km
Experience the rich history at Ambleside Roman Fort, a key archaeological site in the heart of the Lake District, offering stunning views and engaging exhibits.
Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae.
22.8 km
Discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae, a remarkable fortress in the heart of the Lake District.
Greystoke Pillar
23.1 km
An enduring 18th-century stone obelisk near Penrith, marking local heritage amidst Cumbria’s tranquil countryside.
Eskdale Mill
24.3 km
Experience the rich history and stunning landscapes at Eskdale Mill, a heritage museum nestled in the heart of the Lake District.
National Trust - Tarn Hows
24.7 km
Discover the serene beauty of Tarn Hows, a nature reserve in the Lake District with stunning landscapes and tranquil walking trails.
National Trust - Wray
25.0 km
Explore Wray Castle, a Victorian gem on Lake Windermere offering stunning views, rich history, and beautiful gardens in the heart of the Lake District.
Penrith Castle
25.1 km
Explore the enchanting ruins of Penrith Castle, a historical marvel in the heart of Penrith, offering insights into medieval architecture and heritage.
Lowther Castle & Gardens
25.2 km
Explore the majestic Lowther Castle & Gardens, where history meets natural beauty in the heart of the Lake District.
Mayburgh Henge
25.4 km
Explore the ancient wonders of Mayburgh Henge, a significant Neolithic monument steeped in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Penrith Clock Tower
25.4 km
A neo-Gothic Victorian clock tower in Penrith’s Market Square, honoring local heritage and the Musgrave family legacy since 1861.
National Trust - Townend
25.4 km
Explore the picturesque Townend, a historic farmhouse and garden in the Lake District, where heritage and nature meet in a beautiful setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Keswick War Memorial
0.2 km
Explore the Keswick War Memorial, a serene tribute to bravery set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Lake District.
Keswick Methodist Church
0.3 km
A welcoming Methodist church in Keswick offering spiritual sanctuary and community connection in the heart of the Lake District.
Keswick Alhambra Cinema
0.4 km
A charming century-old cinema blending vintage charm with modern projection, nestled in Keswick’s vibrant town centre.
Puzzling Place
0.5 km
Discover mind-bending optical illusions and interactive exhibits in Keswick’s captivating Puzzling Place.
Derwent Pencil Museum
0.6 km
Explore the world’s pencil heritage through immersive exhibits, rare artifacts, and creative workshops at Keswick’s iconic Derwent Pencil Museum.
Hope Park
0.8 km
A beautifully maintained, accessible park in Keswick offering vibrant gardens, recreational golf, bird watching, and a welcoming café near Derwentwater.
Crosthwaite Church, Keswick
1.3 km
Historic Crosthwaite Church, Keswick—where 1,500 years of faith, art, and nature converge in tranquil Lake District beauty.
Friars Crag
1.5 km
A short stroll from Keswick leads to one of the Lake District’s most iconic viewpoints, where Derwentwater unfolds beneath dramatic fells and literary history lingers by the shore.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
2.2 km
Explore the ancient mysteries of Castlerigg Stone Circle, a historic landmark in the stunning Lake District with breathtaking views and rich heritage.
Derwentwater
3.0 km
Explore Derwentwater’s breathtaking lake, dramatic fells, and charming Keswick shores in England’s iconic Lake District.
Brandlehow Park
3.6 km
A peaceful National Trust park on Derwentwater’s quiet western shore, perfect for lakeside strolls, picnics, and views of Catbells and the Borrowdale fells.
Ashness Bridge
4.0 km
Historic stone packhorse bridge with iconic Lake District views over Derwentwater, nestled in Keswick’s scenic hiking landscape.
Catbells
4.6 km
Experience the breathtaking views and accessible trails of Cat Bells, a beloved Lake District fell near Keswick with iconic panoramas over Derwentwater.
Surprise View
4.7 km
Breathtaking panoramic views over Derwent Water and Skiddaw from a peaceful, accessible Lake District vantage point.
Lodore Falls
5.0 km
Experience the breathtaking cascade of Lodore Falls nestled in the heart of the Lake District’s Borrowdale Valley.
Essential places to dine
The Cottage In The Wood
5.8 km
Michelin-starred fine dining nestled in Whinlatter Forest with cozy rooms and stunning views of the Lake District’s Skiddaw mountains.
Herdwick Willy’s Bar & Bistro
11.0 km
A relaxed bistro-bar nestled in Bassenthwaite’s scenic Croft Holiday Park, serving fresh pizzas and light fare with countryside views.
The Inn on the Lake
13.5 km
Elegant lakeside retreat blending Victorian charm with modern comfort on Ullswater’s scenic shores in the Lake District.
Cockermouth Brewers Fayre
16.3 km
A welcoming family-friendly pub and restaurant in Cockermouth offering classic British dishes, hearty breakfasts, and a spacious beer garden with countryside views.
New Dungeon Ghyll - Langdale
17.4 km
Rustic hotel and lively bar nestled in Langdale Valley, perfect for walkers seeking comfort and community in the Lake District.
The Jumble Room
17.5 km
Vibrant bohemian restaurant in Grasmere serving creative international dishes with local Cumbrian produce in a lively, eclectic setting.
Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel Great Langdale
17.6 km
A welcoming climbers’ inn with traditional charm, hearty fare, and stunning mountain views in the heart of Great Langdale.
Rampsbeck Restaurant
18.2 km
Contemporary British dining with lake views, seasonal Cumbrian produce, and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere in Watermillock.
Horse and Farrier
19.1 km
Lake District gastropub serving exceptional seasonal cuisine in a charming village setting near Ullswater.
Stove Restaurant & Bar
19.4 km
Relaxed dining with wood-fired pizzas and seasonal dishes in the heart of the Lake District’s Great Langdale.
1863 Restaurant with Rooms
20.3 km
Elegant boutique lodging and Michelin-level modern British dining in the heart of Pooley Bridge, overlooking Ullswater’s serene beauty.
The Clickham Inn
21.0 km
A stylish Mediterranean tapas inn near Penrith offering authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and a dog-friendly atmosphere on the edge of the Lake District.
The Wild Duck Inn
21.2 km
Experience the charm of The Wild Duck Inn: where American flavors meet local hospitality in Branthwaite.
Dodds Restaurant
21.9 km
Authentic Italian and modern European cuisine served with warmth in the heart of Ambleside’s scenic Lake District.
The Priest Hole Restaurant
22.1 km
Historic charm meets hearty British cuisine in the heart of Ambleside, with locally sourced dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Alternative
0.4 km
Discover original gifts and Lake District treasures at Alternative, Keswick’s beloved family-run gift and interiors shop.
Peter Rabbit & Friends Ltd
0.4 km
Step into a storybook world at Peter Rabbit & Friends Ltd, Keswick’s enchanting toy shop and café inspired by Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters.
Love the Lakes Keswick
0.4 km
Discover unique Lake District gifts and local crafts in the heart of Keswick’s charming market town.
CONQUER Trading Post
0.5 km
Discover authentic Lake District spirit through unique patches, crafts, and gifts at Keswick’s vibrant Conquer Trading Post.
Booths, Keswick
0.6 km
A premium supermarket and café in Keswick, offering local Lake District produce, fresh counters, and community-focused shopping.
The Barn
20.2 km
Discover locally sourced gifts, quality outdoor gear, and delightful treats at The Barn in scenic Pooley Bridge.
RockShop
21.9 km
Discover unique gifts and delightful toys at RockShop in Ambleside, a must-visit for family-friendly shopping and local crafts.
The Unicorn
25.4 km
Discover unique gifts and artistic treasures in Penrith’s beloved independent shop, The Unicorn, open Monday to Saturday.
Dunmail Park Shopping Centre
27.7 km
Discover the vibrant Dunmail Park Shopping Centre in Workington, where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together in harmony.
Suziebou
28.2 km
Discover unique gifts, stylish fashion, and locally sourced homewares in the welcoming boutique of Suziebou in Dalston, Carlisle.
Booths, Windermere
28.9 km
Explore Booths Windermere: a premier supermarket and café blending local flavors, quality produce, and community spirit in a historic setting.
Forget Me Not
29.0 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures at Forget Me Not, Windermere’s charming boutique in the heart of the Lake District.
The Original Man Shop
29.8 km
A distinctive men's gift and fashion boutique offering style and charm in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Pretty Things
29.8 km
Discover stylish ladies' fashion and warm hospitality at Pretty Things, a charming boutique in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Herdy Bowness
29.9 km
Whimsical Lake District gifts celebrating the beloved Herdwick sheep with quality, character, and charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ramblers Bar and the Candleroom
13.4 km
A charming lakeside pub and restaurant in Glenridding with scenic views, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
Castle Bar
16.1 km
Historic 16th-century pub in Cockermouth with award-winning design, local ales, sunny beer garden, and vibrant sports bar atmosphere.
Ritson's Bar (Wasdale Head Inn)
17.0 km
Historic mountain pub at the foot of England’s highest peak, offering real ales, hearty food, and stunning Lake District views.
Wainwrights' Inn
19.2 km
A traditional Lakeland pub in Chapel Stile offering hearty local fare, fine ales, and a warm welcome near the Langdale Estate.
The Pooley Bridge Inn, Pooley Bridge
20.2 km
Traditional Lakeland inn with cozy rooms, hearty pub fare, and lakeside charm in the heart of Pooley Bridge village.
The Talbot Bar
21.5 km
Cozy Lakeland pub with hearty traditional fare, local ales, and a warm, dog-friendly atmosphere near Ambleside.
Golden Rule
21.8 km
A historic Ambleside pub offering traditional ales, cozy fires, and a welcoming atmosphere away from the tourist bustle.
The Vault
22.1 km
Historic charm meets fresh cocktails and tapas in Ambleside’s vibrant social hub, The Vault.
The Lily Bar
22.2 km
Ambleside’s independent bar blending rustic charm, local ales, live music, and quality dining in the heart of the Lake District.
Queens Head, Troutbeck
24.6 km
Historic Lake District pub and inn offering hearty fare, local ales, and cosy rooms with stunning Troutbeck Valley views.
Board & Elbow
25.3 km
A lively, family-friendly pub in Penrith serving traditional British classics, local ales, and offering a warm atmosphere with a charming beer garden.
Penrith Conservative Club
25.5 km
A welcoming social venue in Penrith offering lively events, a classic bar, and community spirit in the heart of Cumbria.
The Dog Beck
25.5 km
Historic charm meets modern hospitality at The Dog Beck, Penrith’s welcoming Wetherspoon pub open from early morning until late night.
The Warehouse
25.5 km
A lively multi-bar nightclub in Penrith offering vibrant weekend nightlife with music, dancing, and a welcoming social scene.
Lake District Cocktail Co.
26.6 km
Experience the art of cocktail crafting in the stunning Lake District with Lake District Cocktail Co., a mobile catering service that brings the bar to you.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The loose moose
25.4 km
A lively and welcoming nightclub in Penrith offering cocktails, music, and community spirit in the heart of Cumbria’s Eden District.
Windermere Social Club
29.2 km
A friendly and versatile social club in Windermere offering games, sports viewing, and community events in a welcoming atmosphere.
Wheelhouse Nightclub
30.0 km
Experience vibrant weekend nightlife with dynamic music, drinks, and dancing at Wheelhouse Nightclub in scenic Bowness-on-Windermere.
Secret Carlisle
34.5 km
Experience energetic nights and vibrant music at Secret Carlisle, the city centre nightclub where Carlisle’s historic charm meets modern nightlife.
Club Britannia
34.7 km
A vibrant social club in Carlisle offering live music, friendly vibes, and affordable drinks in a smart, welcoming setting.
Carlisle R A O B Club
34.9 km
Historic social club in Carlisle offering lively events and a welcoming atmosphere rooted in the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes tradition.
Black Box Music Institute
34.9 km
An intimate old-style nightclub and cultural hub in Carlisle offering live music, festivals, and art exhibitions in a vibrant setting.
secret bridge
39.3 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and lively music at Secret Bridge, Milburn’s premier nightclub near Penrith in the scenic Eden District.
The Lounge C9
54.7 km
Experience Barrow-in-Furness’ vibrant nightlife at The Lounge C9, where music, drinks, and community come alive every weekend.
Manhattans Nightclub
54.7 km
Barrow-in-Furness’s top nightclub for themed parties, DJ nights, and vibrant late-night entertainment on Cavendish Street.
Hollywood Nightclub
54.8 km
Experience the vibrant late-night pulse of Barrow-in-Furness at Hollywood Nightclub, where music and dance light up Cavendish Street.
The Five Arches
59.0 km
Experience the charm of The Five Arches pub in Dumfries - a cozy spot for local brews and delightful fare.
Railway Social Club
59.9 km
A friendly, community-focused social club in Dumfries offering affordable drinks, lively events, and a welcoming atmosphere near the town centre.
Dickies Bar
60.1 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and diverse drink selection at Dickies Bar in Dumfries, the perfect spot for relaxation and socializing.
Coach & Horses Inn
60.1 km
Discover the charm of Dumfries at Coach & Horses Inn, where traditional pub culture meets modern hospitality.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
