Keswick is a good base for exploring the steep sided glacial valleys of  Borrowdale and Buttermere, or for trying some of the surrounding walking routes such as Scafell Pike, Skiddaw or Blencathra.  This attractive market town originally grew up on the trade of wool, leather, and later on pencils. 

Boat trips are an inexpensive way to see around the lake, and they allow you to stop of at various points along the way.  If you are feeling energetic you can combine this trip with walking all or part of the 10 mile circuit around Derwent Water.

If you are looking for some indoor acitivities, Keswick has a leisure pool, an indoor climbing centre, and a cinema. The town is also home to the Cumbrian Pencil Museum.  An important historical land mark is the Castlerigg Stone Circle that comprises of 38 Chunks of Volcanic stone, some of these are almost 8ft tall and have stood for 4000-5000 years.