News and updates on Keswick Escapes
Discover more about Whats on and around Keswick, as well as property news and updates and further information.
Tour de France ! Coming to Keswick July 2027
Exciting sporting news for visitors and locals – the legendary Tour de France is heading to Cumbria in July 2027!
As part of the historic UK Grand Départ, the world’s most famous cycling race will begin its 2027 men’s Tour in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with the first stage finishing in Carlisle. Then, on Saturday 3 July 2027, the second stage will start right here in Keswick!
From Keswick, the riders will race through the stunning landscapes of the Lake District National Park – passing Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water and Windermere – before heading West.
This is one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted in the UK, expected to draw thousands of spectators on the day. It’s free to watch along the roadside, so you can soak up the atmosphere right here in our beautiful part of England.
Whether you’re a cycling fan or just love great events in stunning scenery, this is set to be a must-see summer moment.
Full details of the race can be found online ...
https://www.letour.fr/en/the-race/grands-departs/grand-depart-2027
Bluebird K7 – A Historic Return to Coniston Water in May 2026
In May 2026, Donald Campbell’s iconic jet hydroplane Bluebird K7 is set to make a historic return to Coniston Water.
The event, called “Bluebird K7 – The Festival,” will run from 11–17 May 2026, celebrating 70 years since Campbell’s first world water speed record on Coniston Water in 1956.
Bluebird K7 has been restored and prepared for this special appearance, and will be piloted by Australian water-speed specialist Dave Warby, continuing the legacy of speed record pioneers.
This week-long festival will feature more than just high-speed action on the lake — expect family-friendly activities, music and lakeside celebrations in and around Coniston village for visitors to enjoy.
It’s a rare chance to see one of the most legendary boats in British engineering history running again in its spiritual home, right where Campbell made his name.
Derwent Cottage Kitchen update completed
February 2026 - We’re delighted to share that Derwent Cottage has recently undergone a beautiful kitchen refurbishment, designed to enhance both comfort and style while keeping its much-loved Lake District country cottage charm.
The project included a full transformation — removing all wall tiles, replastering the walls, and installing a new dropped ceiling to accommodate modern inset lighting, along with hard-wired carbon monoxide and heat sensors for added guest safety.
The refreshed kitchen now features: Sage green doors inspired by the Lake District landscape, and a slate-effect backsplash reflecting the surrounding fells.
A larger sink with elegant antique brass taps and co-orditnated cupboard handles, plug sockets, and switches.
New inset ceiling lighting and upgraded extractor systems for improved ventilation.
We also took the opportunity to enhance other areas of the cottage, including:
🪞 A new pebble mirror and inset ceiling lighting in the bathroom.
🔥 Installation of a modern Hive heating system.
As always, we are continually updating our cottages to keep them fresh, welcoming, and comfortable for our guests.
We’re proud to have worked with local tradespeople, supporting skilled businesses within our community and helping create local employment.
Throughout the refurbishment, we were also mindful of environmental impact — aiming wherever possible to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials during the works.
We hope our guests love the new look as much as we do — we can’t wait to welcome you back to Derwent Cottage!
Professional photos to follow.....
Lake Road Brunch ...
Januray 2026 - If you’re staying in Keswick and looking for the perfect place to start your day, we recommend Lake Road Brunch — one of our favourite breakfast spots just a short walk from our Keswick Escapes self-catering properties - Derwent Cottage and Lilac Cottage.
During our recent visit, we enjoyed a delicious Full English breakfast that was beautifully presented, freshly cooked, and incredibly filling — exactly what you need before heading out to explore the stunning Lake District fells.
The quality of the ingredients really stood out, and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere made the experience even better.
Lake Road Brunch is ideal for guests enjoying a self-catering holiday in Keswick who want to treat themselves to an excellent brunch or relaxed morning coffee. Its central location makes it a convenient stop whether you’re planning a day of walking, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the town.
At Keswick Escapes, we love sharing local recommendations to help our guests experience the very best cafés, restaurants, and attractions in Keswick and the Lake District.
#Keswick #LakeDistrict #LakeDistrictHoliday #SelfCateringKeswick #KeswickEscapes #LakeDistrictFood #VisitKeswick
Winter 2025
Experience Keswick this November
as winter settles over Keswick, the fells and the town take on a peaceful calm. November is one of the most rewarding times to visit the Lake District.
Enjoy a gentle walk around Derwentwater, hopping on and off the Keswick Launch ferries if the weather changes, or stop for lunch at the Mary Mount Hotel overlooking the lake. For a sheltered stroll, follow the old railway path to Threlkeld and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
https://www.keswick.org/what-to-do/lake-derwentwater
https://www.keswick.org/what-to-do/walking/the-railway-walk
There’s plenty to do indoors — explore Keswick Museum & Art Gallery, catch a show at Theatre by the Lake, or try indoor activities with Keswick Adventures. You can even check out what’s on locally for seasonal events and attractions.
And sometimes, the rain brings its own rewards — waterfalls like Lodore Falls and the Borrowdale or Buttermere valleys are at their most spectacular after rainfall.
Our cottages make the perfect base for exploring further afield – from Buttermere, Grasmere Carlisle, Ambleside, and Windermere.
https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-go
Discover the quiet magic of Keswick this November — and book your stay today for a truly relaxing autumn escape.
Visit England 4* GOLD AWARDS 2025
We are delighted that Visit England have once again awarded Lilac and Derwent 4* Gold awards. The comments included
- Excellent standards of cleanliness noted in both properties, attention to detail noted.
- Two very well-maintained and managed properties, ideally located for central Keswick and exploring the local area's walks and activities.
- The high standards of presentation have led to the Gold Accolade being reconfirmed once again this year for both.
Whats on
https://www.keswick.org/whats-on/events
Provides the latest calendar of events including
- Courses and Workshops
- Arts and Crafts
- Guided walks and tours
- Theatre and cinema
- Sporting events
- Wellbeing
- Festivals and Shows
- Exhibition and Fairs
Autumn 2025
The Lake District Comes Into Its Own in Autumn
As the fells turn golden and the air grows crisp, Keswick becomes the cooler, quieter perfect place for a seasonal escape. Long or short walks through falling leaves, and the gentle pace of lakeside life all make autumn something truly special.
Head for the hills and enjoy breathtaking mountain views, while changeable weather offers the chance to slow down and savour the quieter pleasures. Take a leisurely stroll along the paths around Derwentwater, hop on and off the launch, and explore welcoming spots such as Portinscale, or theb hotels around the route our favourites are Lodore, and Mary Mount.
More to follow...
Our ambition is simple — to keep all our guests and followers updated with everything that helps create the perfect Keswick Escapes at our cottages.
From cottage refurbishments and new comforts, to local recommendations, seasonal highlights, and little touches we introduce to make your stay even more special, we’ll be sharing regular updates so you can see how we’re continually improving and caring for our holiday homes.
Whether you’re planning your next visit, returning for another stay, or simply love the Lake District as much as we do, we want you to feel part of the journey.
We’re passionate about creating relaxing, memorable stays — heres to your next perfect Keswick Escapes