Keswick, Cumbria
Keswick Museum has been in its arts and crafts building in Fitz Park since 1898, five minutes' walk from the town centre, and it is the town's best rainy hour for the price. The galleries cover the geology, history and people of the area, the shop, cafe and Community Gallery are free, and the current headline is Outside In, a hands-on digital gallery with an original video game in which children explore the Lake District and create a set of Musical Stones.
It is open daily from 10 to 4. A family ticket is £21.50 and, usefully for anyone staying in Keswick for a week, it covers return visits for a year. Under 5s are free. There is a Mountain Rescue Trail through the galleries until the end of 2026, and the learning team runs holiday crafts, including clay gargoyles for Halloween on 29 October.
What it costs: Adult £8.50, student £6.75, child 5 to 15 £4.75, under 5s free. Family of two adults and up to three children £21.50, one adult family £13. All tickets give free return visits for 12 months. Shop, cafe and Community Gallery free.
An hour making a clay gargoyle, or whatever creepy creature takes their fancy, with the museum's learning team. Adults do not need a ticket unless they are crafting, but must stay. Messy, in the good way.
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