Local Area
Walking & cycling
There are so many great walks and places to cycle near Kestrel Lodge Campsite. Whether ticking off the wainwrights or just wanting to explore the spectacular Cumbrian scenery.
There's a number of lesuirely walks, explore Bassenthwaite Lake, Dodd Wood, and Dash Falls, or venture out to nearby fells such as Little Cockup, Great Cockup, Sale Fell and Binsey. For those seeking a more challenging walk, the infamous Skiddaw, Little Man, Ullock Pike or Blencathra are excellent options too. Additionally, the Cumbria Way offers a longer journey for those looking to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty, and take a multi day trip.
This and many more all from the tent pitch! And with only a short drive, you can access so much more the Lake District has to offer,; Ambleside, Borrowdale, Buttermere, Keswick, Langdale's and many more places not too far away.
Adventurous Activities
Wild Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Climbing, Gyll Scrambling, Paragliding... and so many more adventures can be had here. Here is just some inspiration ...
Keswick Extreme
A local outdoor adventure company that can take you on a variety of adventures during your stay, from Ghyll Scrambling, River Tubing, Climbing and more.
See their website to book your activities online, they do recommend booking in advance keswickextreme.com
Honister Pass
Adventures at Honister range from a fascinating guided tour of this working slate mine, to the underground advenure of Climb the Mine, an exhilarating Via Ferrata, Canyoning and more!
With a café and walks in the area there is so much to explore up Honister Pass. Find out more at honister.com
Kong Adventure, Keswick
Fun for everyone indoor and out at Kong Adventures in Keswick; Krazy Kong, climbing walls, escape room, kids hard play, outdoor climbing sessions, gyhll scrambling and more, there's even a cafe on site. See their website to book your activities kongadventure.com
Go Ape, Whinlatter
In England's only true mountain forest, Whinlatter has some of the most amazing views. Swing through the trees on a Tree Top Adventure with their Go Ape high ropes course and zip wires.
Or why not hire an all-terrain Segway and take you own scenic tour of the forest. There is lots of ideas, events and information at forestryengland.uk/whinlatter or goape.co.uk
Places to Eat and Drink
The Lake District has so many great places to eat and drink, from great country pubs, cafes, restautrants, distilleries and even train carriages. Here are just a few local ideas!
Sun Inn, Bassenthwaite
A mile away from the campsite, this dog friendly pub offers a great choice of local drinks, food and even takeaway pizzas. So why not stop off as the perfect end to your walk. See more on their website suninnbassenthwaite.co.uk or book a table on 017687 76439
Bassenthwaite Lake Station
Enjoy a beautiful breakfast, lunch or a lovely afternoon tea all aboard the replica Orient Express Railway Carriage. Dogs are welcome too, with a nature reserve opposite for a short stroll after lunch. Make a reservation or find out more online basslakestation.co.uk
Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite
A short drive over the other side of Bassenthwaite lake is this recently restored 17th Century coaching inn. With food served until 9pm daily and it's also dog friendly. See more on their website inncollectiongroup.com/pheasant-inn/
The Old Sawmill Tearoom
Other Nearby Attractions
The Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite
With over 100 species of animals, the Lake District Wildlife Park here in Bassenthwaite has so much to offer for a great day out. Wildlife talks, experience days, animal feeding, soft play, a cafe and gift shop too. No need to book, see more information online at lakedistrictwildlifepark.co.uk​
Lakes Disitllery
On the North shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, visit for a tour of this award winning distrilliery, sample their whisky, gins and vodka in their distillery store or stop for a taster and dine in their on site Bistro. Find our more on their website or book a tour at lakesdistillery.com
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Puzzling Place, Keswick
A great interactive experience in the world of optical illusions, fun for all the family and great wet weather activity. Based in the centre of Keswick, buy tickets online and see more it has to offer here puzzlingplace.co.uk
Lakes Cruises, Derwent Water
Explore Derwent Water with a cruise of the lake, relax taking in the picturesque scenery with a tour of the lake or stop off on jetty's along the way. Or why not captain your own boat and hire one for an adventure of your own.
See more on Keswick Launch keswick-launch.co.uk/
Theatre by the lake, keswick
This theatre is one of the most beautifully situated theatres in the world, based on the shores of Derwent Water in Keswick. It offers some amazing performances, creative workshop and interesting talks, this is a great place to go for an evening of entertainment or to spend a rainy day. Find out what's on and book your tickets on their website theatrebythelake.com.
Rheghed centre, penrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes. So whether your wanting some artistic inspiration, in the mood for some shopping or fancy a film, this is a great place to meet family and friends. Find out more about what's on at rheged.com
Threlkeld Mining Museum
Based in Threlkeld Quarry, just outside of Keswick, this great place has been lovingly restored to showcase lots of old machinery, with real demonstrations and a trip on a narrow gauge railway. See more at
threlkeldquarryandminingmuseum.co.uk
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Pencil Museum, Keswick
Home to the world's first pencil, this great little museum is a perfect rainy day activity. Based in the centre of Keswick it also has a gift shop and coffee shop and lots of information and exhibitions all about the world of the pencil! See their website here.
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