Five great activities for Teenagers in Keswick (that don't involve fell walks!)

We love the Lakes and think it is a perfect holiday destination whatever your age. But we know that it’s not always easy to get the older kids up the fells so here’s our guide to some things to tempt the teenagers away from their screens….

Kong Adventure Climbing Walls

When the weather is wet in Keswick it’s a fun way to spend an hour or two. Catering for all ages from 5+ we usually go for the Krazy Kong hour long session where you race each other to scramble up a range of different climbing walls. Great fun and no previous climbing experience is necessary. https://www.kongadventure.com/

Crazy Golf/ Pitch and Putt – both situated in Hope Park. You're never too old for Crazy Golf!

Paddleboarding/kayaking/rowing

We have spent endless hours of fun paddleboarding and kayaking to various small islands in the lake. Or if you prefer to stay dry, hire a beautiful, wooden rowing boat from the shoreline in Keswick itself. Pack a picnic and head out to St Herbert’s Island for lunch. This lovely spot was fictionalized as Beatrix Potter’s Owl Island in The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin and, more recently, was used as Wild Cat Island in the 2016 Swallows and Amazons film. My medievalist friend assures me that the mound of rather dubious-looking stones on the island is the remains of St Herbert’s 7th century hermitage – it’s easy to see why St Herbert found such “profound peace” here; aside from the occasional wild camper you’re likely to have the island pretty much to yourself.

Pencil Museum

I’m sorry, but it must be done. Surely everyone needs to see the world’s largest coloured pencil?! This is a great little museum which tells the story of graphite mining in the area as well as how Cumberland Pencils were used to hide tiny maps sent to Prisoners of War during WW2.

Ghyll Scrambling

Who doesn't want to walk up a fell in a wetsuit then come back down via the icy pools and waterfalls of the ghyll? It sounds like a form of torture but it's hugely fun for ages 7 and up and challenging enough to keep the older ones happy too. We love it!

You'll find all the above on our Things to Do page here.