Local Attractions

Derwentwater has been described as 'The Queen of the Lakes'. It’s easy to see why.

The surrounding area is an incredible haven for hikers and those who enjoy the outdoors, as well as those who enjoy sailing and watersports.

A Trip On The Lake

Take a leisurely cruise on Derwentwater, overlooked by majestic wooded fells. Choose from escorted tours around the lake, or maybe hire a self-drive motor or rowing boat.

Cars of the Stars Museum

Take in the brilliant Celebrity Motor Museum at Keswick, and see everything from the original Batmobile to Lady Penelope’s pink limousine from the Thunderbirds film. A souvenir and autograph shop is available for visitors. The museum is located just two miles from our hotel on Standish Street in Keswick.

Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens

This family run historic house has strong literary connections in a located in a fantastic setting. This attraction features live piano music, children's quizzes, four woodland playgrounds, and both lakeside and poetry walks in the attractive grounds. An excellent tea room specialising in Cumbrian food is also available for guests. Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens is located just five miles drive from Derwentwater Hotel in Underskiddaw, Keswick.

Theatre by the Lake

Situated on the shore of Derwentwater, Theatre by the Lake is Cumbria's only year-round theatre. The theatre hosts a wide range of drama, dance, music, comedy and films, plus a selection of seasonal plays during summer, Christmas and Easter. The Theatre by the Lake is just over two mile’s drive away from Derwentwater Hotel in Lakeside, Keswick.

Cumberland Pencil Museum

Keswick is the home of the first pencil, and the Cumberland Pencil Company. The museum features a replica of the Seathwaite Mine where graphite was first discovered over three centuries ago. The museum allows you to trace the history of pencil production and see how the Cumberland Pencil Company manufactures pencils today. This attraction is located less than two miles from the Derwentwater Hotel at the Southey Works in Keswick.

The Puzzling Place

This attraction is a unique concept which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In the Ames Room you can watch yourself grow and shrink, or why not try the Hologram Gallery featuring amazing 3D pictures projecting into space. Another popular attraction is the Anti-Gravity Room which turns everything you have ever learned about gravity on its head! The Puzzling Place is located at Museum Square in Keswick, just under two miles from the Derwentwater Hotel and Derwent Manor Apartments.

Friars Cragg

Visit the ancient site of the Ruskin Stone on the shores of Derwentwater. This promontory was described by Ruskin as one of the three most beautiful scenes in Europe, and is thought to have taken its name due to the location being the point from where monks made their pilgrimage to a nearby island.

The Wetlands Walk

Our Wetlands Walk, all contained within the grounds of the hotel, is extremely popular, and unique amongst Keswick hotels. These are snippets from our guide which is available at Reception.

"Walk towards the lake until the pond becomes visible. Continue along the path, which now becomes a leafy tunnel, until a view to the right opens up revealing the wetlands. Here you are likely to come across wrens, greater spotted woodpeckers and redpoll."

"Continue towards the lake where the ground is drier and the path edged with sorrel... look around at the mountains here and see Latrigg to the left, pale green beyond the trees, with the brooding mounds of Skiddaw behind."

"As you approach the water’s edge, notice vetch, wild roses and a young alder tree."

Please note: Some of the local attractions listed above may be seasonal and guests are advised to check opening hours prior to their visit.