
1.9 mi
✏️Derwent Pencil Museum
The Derwent Pencil Museum is a family-friendly attraction in Keswick, Cumbria, celebrating the history of the pencil. Housed in a former pencil mill, it features:
- The world's largest pencil
- Interactive exhibits on pencil making
- A colouring and drawing studio
- A gift shop with Derwent art supplies
- Historical displays including wartime secret pencils
It's ideal for children aged 3 and up, with hands-on activities. The museum is mostly indoors, perfect for rainy days. Facilities include a café and accessible toilets.

1.9 mi
🧩The Puzzling Place
A hands-on museum of puzzles, optical illusions, and brain teasers in the heart of Keswick. Perfect for curious kids and families who love interactive challenges.
Highlights:
- Over 50 exhibits including holograms, mind-bending rooms, and 3D puzzles
- The 'Gravity Room' and 'Impossible Triangle' are crowd favourites
- A cozy cafe serving drinks, cakes, and light bites
- Gift shop with puzzle games and souvenirs
Facilities: Toilets, baby-changing, pushchair-friendly access. Suggested visit time 1-2 hours. Best for children aged 4+, but all ages enjoy the illusions.

1.9 mi
⛴️Keswick Launch Company
Experience the beauty of Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Company's scenic cruises. Boats run regularly from Keswick, stopping at several jetties around the lake. Kids love the open-air deck and spotting wildlife. Boats are pushchair and wheelchair accessible.
- Suitable for all ages, from babies to grandparents.
- Facilities: toilets, café, and ice cream at Keswick landing stage.
- Tips: buy a 'Hop on, Hop off' ticket to explore multiple stops. Check weather for open top deck.
- Average cruise length: 45-60 minutes. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) around £35.

4.4 mi
⛏️Honister Slate Mine
Honister Slate Mine offers an exciting underground adventure through one of the last working slate mines in England. Families can take a guided mine tour (lasting about 1 hour) where kids can see original tools, learn about mining history, and even try chiseling slate. The mine stays a constant 8°C, so bring warm clothing.
For older children and thrill-seekers, the Via Ferrata is a must: a rock-climbing route along the mountain with zip lines and bridges. Minimum age for Via Ferrata is 10 years. The site also has a café serving hot food and drinks, a shop selling slate souvenirs, and picnic areas. Note that the Via Ferrata operates in all weather but may close in high winds.

8.0 mi
🦜Lake District Wildlife Park
Set in 24 acres of beautiful parkland at the foot of Skiddaw, the Lake District Wildlife Park is home to over 100 species of animals from around the world. Highlights include walk-through lemur and wallaby enclosures, daily bird of prey displays, and a reptile house. The park also features a large adventure playground, animal handling sessions (seasonal), and a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. It's a fantastic day out for families, with activities suitable for toddlers through teenagers.
- Hands-on experiences: Lemur walk-through, animal encounters
- Play areas: Adventure playground, soft play area indoors (for rainy days)
- Facilities: Gift shop, baby changing, accessible paths, free parking
- Practical tip: Arrive early for the bird show (11am) to get a good spot. Wellies recommended in wet weather.

12.0 mi
🏞️Meeting of the Waters
The Meeting of the Waters is the scenic confluence of the River Brathay and River Rothay near Ambleside in the Lake District. It's a popular spot for families, offering shallow, safe paddling areas for children and gentle walking trails through woodland. The surrounding area is ideal for picnics, though there are no on-site facilities, so bring your own supplies. Parking is available nearby but may incur a fee.
- Best for ages 2+, supervised paddling and short walks.
- Free to visit, with no admission charge.
- Limited facilities; public toilets and cafes a short drive away in Ambleside.