Dolly Waggon

Things to do

Discover the beauty and adventure of the Lake District right on our doorstep.

Explore the Lake District

Dolly Waggon is perfectly situated to explore the vast array of activities and attractions Keswick and the Lake District has to offer. From challenging hikes to gentle strolls, picturesque villages to serene lakes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Keswick, is the undisputed outdoor capital of the UK. There’s a wealth of activities to choose from: from abseiling to zorbing. For indoor entertainment, the award winning Theatre by the Lake stages a rolling programme through the year, as well as a literary and mountain festival, but there’s also the Beer Festival.

The market town of Cockermouth – which became famous in November 2009 for the major floods, is only a 15 minute drive. It has a great array of shops, restaurants, cafes and other attractions such as the childhood home of the poet William Wordsworth; Wordsworth House is now managed by the National Trust. There’s also Jennings Brewery with its popular tours around the brewery.

Lots of things to do..

Click the titles to discover more...

  • Catbells - A popular fell offering stunning panoramic views across Derwentwater and the surrounding valleys. Perfect for walkers of all abilities with routes ranging from easy to challenging.
  • Derwentwater - One of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District featuring scenic boat tours, water sports, and picturesque shoreline walks. Home to historic islands and woodland paths.
  • The Pencil Museum - A unique museum celebrating the world's first graphite pencil. Featuring interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and the world's largest color pencil collection.
  • Skiddaw - England's fourth highest mountain offering challenging walks with rewarding 360-degree views. Popular with experienced hikers seeking high-altitude Lake District scenery.
  • Theatre by the Lake - Award-winning theatre hosting world-class productions, comedy shows, and family entertainment throughout the year. A cultural hub for the Lake District community.
  • Castlerigg Stone Circle - A prehistoric stone circle dating back 5,000 years, standing majestically on a hilltop with panoramic Lake District views. One of the most atmospheric ancient monuments in England.
  • Whinlatter Forest Park - England's only mountain biking centre with trails for all abilities, forest walks, and a visitor centre. Surrounded by beautiful woodland with panoramic Lakeland views.
  • Keswick Mountain Festival - A celebration of outdoor sports and adventure, running in May. Expect a fully immersive experience, combining world-class mountain sports, live music, inspirational speakers, top outdoor brands, and a tempting selection of food and drink.
  • Keswick Museum - Explore the history, art, and culture of the Lake District through interactive displays and curated collections. Housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion with period rooms.
  • Borrowdale Valley - A stunning glacial valley renowned for dramatic mountain scenery, riverside walks, and picturesque villages. Gateway to some of the Lake District's most spectacular landscapes.
  • The Pheasant Inn - A traditional pub serving high quality food and local real ales with indoor and outdoor dining options.
  • Blencathra - A distinctive mountain with multiple hiking routes offering varied difficulty levels. Popular among photographers for its striking appearance and commanding views across the northern lakes.
  • Keswick Launch - Historic passenger boat service on Derwentwater offering scenic cruises, island hops, and scheduled sailings. Established in 1880 and still operating with traditional charm.
  • Keswick Market Square - Vibrant market town centre featuring independent shops, farmers markets, and street events. The heart of Keswick with weekly markets and seasonal festivals.
  • Chase Adventure - Let our experienced team guide you on some of the most exciting activities the Lake District has to offer. Based in Keswick, the UK adventure capital, we offer a wide range of activities for all abilities from Ghyll Scrambling to Challenge Events.
  • Keswick Mountain Festival - Annual celebration of mountain culture featuring speakers, films, exhibitions, and outdoor events. Held in May attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.
  • Latrigg - A modest but rewarding fell with excellent panoramic views of Keswick and Derwentwater. An ideal shorter walk with stunning vistas accessible to families and casual walkers.
  • Keswick Alambra Cinema - Built in 1913, The Alhambra is one of the UK’s original picture houses, showing films to local and visitor audiences almost continuously since opening a year later.
  • Keswick Agricultural Show - Keswick Show takes place on August Bank Holiday Weekend on the outskirts of Keswick near Braithwaite. One of the oldest shows in the county.
  • Keswick Brewing Company - Artisan brewery and tap room crafting authentic ales using Lake District water. Visitors can tour the brewery and sample locally-produced craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere.

And it doesn't end there...

Just a few more reasons why Keswick is such a popular choice:

Adventure Capital: It is a major centre for outdoor activities, including world-class hiking on fells like Skiddaw and Catbells, as well as ghyll scrambling, mountain biking in Whinlatter Forest, and various watersports on Derwentwater.

Stunning Scenery: The town sits between the "Queen of the Lakes," Derwentwater, and dramatic mountains like Blencathra, providing iconic viewpoints such as Friar's Crag and Surprise View.

Vibrant Market Culture: The historic Keswick Market, held on Thursdays and Saturdays, has operated for over 700 years and is a top spot for local food, artisan crafts, and gifts.

Unique Cultural Attractions: You can visit the quirky Derwent Pencil Museum (home to one of the world's largest pencils), the mind-bending Puzzling Place, and the renowned Theatre by the Lake.

Historic Sites: It serves as the gateway to the 5,000-year-old Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most atmospheric and visually striking prehistoric monuments in Britain.