Looking for summer holiday activities in Keswick and Cumbria that your children will actually be interested in?
We’ve compiled a list of all the best activities to keep the whole family entertained, right across the whole of Cumbria and the Lake District. There’s something for everyone here, so feel free to grab a pen and start taking notes!
Catch a film!
They’re a classic for a reason, and Cumbria has plenty of independent cinemas to support!
If you’re spending the summer in Keswick, why not visit the Keswick Alhambra Cinema? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a cinema half as beautiful, witht original film reels decorating the lobby ceiling, and two state-of-the art screening rooms. As well as the big titles, you’ll find a carefully-curated selection of independent films, event cinema, and re-runs of all your favourites.
Thank God for the temperature-controlled rooms in this heat!
If you fancy trekking further out west during your stay, or you’re a born-and-bred marra, head to the Parkway Cinema in Workington. Alongside all the current blockbusters, they also run a Senior Screening every Tuesday morning which includes a film, hot drink, and biscuits, for only £5. The Parkway sits in Dunmail Park, which means that those that aren’t fancying a film can go shopping, for a leisurely lunch, or chill in the foyer with a coffee (or something stronger!).
Get out and about!
Need to touch grass?
For screen-free entertainment, get out on a walk in nature! Bring the pups, bring a picnic, and probably your big coat (it is Cumbria, after all…).
We’ve compiled a list of flat and accessible walks in the Lake District, and this list from Countryfile gives a bit more inspiration, especially if you’re after something a bit more substantial to tire out the dogs (or the kids, or the husband… or yourself?).
Weather permitting, there are plenty of coastal walks that are worth it for the ice cream alone! Twentyman’s, anyone? I’d recommend a walk along Allonby based on childhood nostalgia alone, but there is also a cracking surf bar, children’s play area, and ice cream shop too to entice!
For all the jam-eaters and jam-curious, St Bees also has wonderful ice cream, a café, playground, and enough shoreline to stop you from feeling cramped in busy periods.
Animal & Wildlife Activities
It’ll come as no surprise that there are plenty of places to see animals of all kinds: farms, safari parks, aquariums… We’ve got plenty, and all over the county, with special offers for kids, groups, and special exhibits!
Here are a few of our favourites:
- Lake District Wildlife Park
- Walby Farm Park
- The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lake District Coast Aquarium
Let’s Get Physical!
Looking for something a bit sportier? This page gives a list of all sport and leisure centres in the Lake District & Cumbria. You can check individual pages for details of what’s on, including special offers for the holidays, one-off workshops and events.
A blast from the past!
Cumbria is rich in history, which means we have a wealth of museums! Everything from roman museums to castles, local history to a preserved Victorian villa. Poets, pencils, boats, and Beatrix Potter!
Even better, a lot of museums are free to enter, or offer subsidised entry fees for young people. Seasonal events mean that you can visit the same place more than once, and with many museums having on-site cafés, you can grab a brew and a few minutes to yourself!
This comprehensive list will give you all of the best-rated museums in Cumbria, but we’d especially recommend the following:
Head out into the big city!
It’s no New York, but Carlisle is Cumbria’s only city, and there’s always plenty to do!
Just an hour’s drive from Keswick and most major towns, with great access via train and bus too, a day trip to Carlisle is a great addition to any Lake District break for tourists, and a nice change of scenery for locals.
To find out everything that’s going on in Carlisle, from new events to new, local businesses, check out The Social Co on Instagram!
