Top 10 Parking in Keswick
Updated: May 15, 2025
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Searching free and convenient parking in Keswick can feel like a difficult challenge especially during peak tourist seasons in the Lake District. If you are searching for free parking around Keswick town center convenient points near to Derwentwater or overnight parking points this guide covers all the best no charge parking locations insider tips and alternative solutions.
Keswick is one of the most popular destinations in the Lake District, attracting hikers families and adventure seekers. With paid car parks like Booths Supermarket and the Lakeside Car Park charging hourly costs visitors often search for free parking points in Keswick to save money especially when exploring around attractions like Catbells Castlerig Stone Circle and Derwentwater.
Locations of Free Parking in Keswick
Searching easy and free parking in Keswick can be a challenge but there are a few easy and convenient points if you know where to search. Booths supermarket parking offers free stays for shoppers (up to 2 hours) making it ideal for quick trips to Keswick town center. Around Lake Road car park provides short term parking while Portinscale (just outside Keswick) has some unrestricted roadside parking. For those visiting Derwentwater or hiking Catbells consider parking at Great Wood car park (National Trust members park free).
Wallace Lane also has limited free spaces near Whinlatter Forest. If you’re attending Keswick Market or the Mountain Festival arrive early to snag free street parking on Stanger Street or Brundholme Road. Always check signs, as Keswick parking costs apply in most council run car parks. For motorhome parking try Keswick Leisure Pool (limited free periods). Plan ahead to avoid fines.
| Location | Distance to Town | Time Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crow Park | 5 min walk | No limit (but fills early) | Best for Derwentwater access |
| Old Railway Station | 10 min walk | No limit | Large area but often busy |
| Lake Road (sections) | 2 min walk | 1 hour free | Strictly enforced |
| Latrigg Car Park | 20 min walk | No limit | Great for hikers |
| Castlerigg Stone Circle | 15 min drive | No limit | Beautiful views |
Time-Restricted Free Parking in Keswick
Searching easy and free parking in Keswick is possible if you are mindful of time limits. Both supermarket parking provides 2 hours free for shoppers ideal for quick visits to Keswick town center. Around Lake Road car park provides 30 minutes free perfect for picking up supplies. For huge stays Portinscale (just outside Keswick) has unrestricted roadside parking though places fill fast. Hikers heading to Catbells or Derwentwater can use Great Wood car park (free for National Trust members) or Wallace Lane which has limited free parking around Whinlatter Forest.
Keswick Market days (Tuesday & Saturday) see early birds securing free points on Stanger Street or Brundholme Road but check signals some are 1 hour max. Disabled parking in Keswick is time restricted in some areas while electric vehicle charging bays often include small free periods. Avoid fines by noting restrictions Keswick parking charges apply in most council run car parks like Skiddaw Street and Rheged Centre. Plan ahead for stress free parking.
| Location | Free Times | Normal Charges | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booths Supermarket | After 6pm – 8am | £1.50/hour | 90 min free with purchase |
| Council Car Parks | Sundays | £1-£8/day | Check individual car parks |
| Main Street bays | After 5:30pm | £2.50/hour | 30 min free loading |
Paid Parking in Keswick Options
Searching easy and convenient parking in Keswick often means using paid car parks especially around the bustling town center. The Lake Road car park and Skiddaw Street car park are central points with little stay and long stay parking points ideal for shopping or visiting Keswick Theatre by the Lake. Costs vary by duration so check posted rates typically starting at £1.50/hour. For those exploring Derwentwater or hiking Catbells the National Trust’s Great Wood car park (non members pay) or Portinscale pay and display points provide easy access.
Keswick Mountain Festival and Jazz Festival attendees should arrive early as demand spikes around Rheged Center and Booths supermarket (free parking expires after 2 hours). Motorhome parking in Keswick is available at Keswick Leisure Pool car park (fees apply) On the other hand electric vehicle charging bays often include paid parking after a free grace period. Use PayByPhone or RingGo for online payments just don’t overstay, as Keswick parking costs include strict enforcement.
| Car Park | 1 Hour | 2 Hours | 4 Hours | All Day | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booths Supermarket | £1.50 | £3.00 | £5.00 | £8.00 | £10.00 |
| Lakeside Car Park | £2.00 | £3.50 | £6.00 | £9.00 | £12.00 |
| Rawnsley Centre | £1.20 | £2.40 | £4.50 | £7.00 | Not allowed |
Free Parking in Keswick
While most central parking in Keswick requires payment savvy visitors can still find free parking points. The best known point is Booths supermarket parking which provides 2 hours free for customers perfect for quick trips to Keswick town center. Around some sections of Brundholme Road and Stanger Street provide unrestricted parking if you arrive early especially useful on Keswick Market days (Tuesdays & Saturdays).
For those visiting Derwentwater or hiking Catbells the National Trust’s Great Wood car park offers free parking for members. Roadside places along Portinscale (just west of Keswick) often have no charges though they fill quickly during peak seasons like the Keswick Mountain Festival. Remember: most council run car parks like Lake Road and Skiddaw Street costs fees and disabled parking in Keswick still requires displaying a Blue Badge. For motorhome parking consider overnight stays at approved sites rather than risking fines in town.
| Location | Distance | Walk Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portinscale | 2 miles | 40 min | Quieter alternative |
| Hawes End | 3 miles | N/A | Catbells hike start |
| Borrowdale Road laybys | 1-2 miles | 20-30 min | Early morning arrivals |
Free parking on public streets
- Brundholme Road (near roundabout) best for walkers
- Helvellyn Street
- Leonard Street
- Southey Street
- Blencathra Street
- Wordsworth Street
- Greta Street
- Stanger Street
- Crossthwaite Road (near junction with Brundholme Road)
Free on-street parking in Keswick
You can park for free at disc zone on-street locations in Keswick between 6pm and 8am. These locations are close to the town centre and other popular attractions. These on-street parking locations include:
- Station Street
- The Headlands
- Station Road
Conclusion
Finding the right parking in Keswick requires balancing convenience and cost. While free parking in Keswick exists at Booths supermarket (2-hour limit) and select streets like Brundholme Road these spots fill quickly during peak times like the Keswick Mountain Festival or market days. For longer stays paid options like Lake Road car park or Skiddaw Street car park offer reliable short stay and long stay parking near the town center with cashless payment via RingGo or PayByPhone.
Hikers visiting Catbells or Derwentwater can utilize National Trust parking (free for members) at Great Wood while Portinscale provides alternative roadside spaces. Disabled parking in Keswick is available but requires proper permits and electric vehicle charging stations often combine free charging with paid parking limits. During events like the Keswick Jazz Festival or summer holidays arriving early is key consider park and ride options from nearby areas if needed. Motorhome parking is best at designated sites rather than risking town center restrictions.
Whether you prioritize free parking Keswick options or paid convenience planning ahead ensures more time enjoying Keswick’s lakes fells and festivals and less time circling for spaces. Always check signage carefully as enforcement is strict making awareness the ultimate parking in Keswick tip.
People Also Ask
Where can I find free parking in Keswick?
The most reliable free parking in Keswick is at Booths supermarket (2 hours free for shoppers). Some on-street parking is available on Brundholme Road and Stanger Street, but check for restrictions.
How much does paid parking cost in Keswick?
Keswick parking charges vary by location. Short-stay car parks like Lake Road or Skiddaw Street start at around £1.50/hour, while long-stay options cost £6-£10 per day.
Are there any 24-hour car parks in Keswick?
Yes, Lake Road car park and Rheged Centre parking offer 24-hour access, but fees apply.
Can I park overnight in Keswick?
Some car parks (like Keswick Leisure Pool) allow overnight parking for a fee. Motorhome parking is restricted in town use designated campsites instead.
Is there disabled parking in Keswick?
Yes, disabled parking in Keswick is available in most car parks (Blue Badge required). Some on-street bays offer extended free periods.
Where is the best parking for Catbells?
The closest parking for Catbells is at Great Wood car park (free for National Trust members) or roadside spots near Hawes End.
Where can I park to visit Derwentwater?
Use Derwentwater parking at Kettlewell car park or Portinscale, but arrive early in peak season.
Is there parking near Whinlatter Forest?
Yes, Wallace Lane parking near Keswick or the official Whinlatter Visitor Centre car park (fees apply).
Where should I park for Keswick Theatre by the Lake?
Where should I park during the Keswick Mountain Festival?
Use long-stay parking at Skiddaw Street or park at Rheged Centre and take a shuttle.
Is parking difficult during Keswick Market days?
Yes, parking near Keswick Market (Tuesdays & Saturdays) fills quickly—arrive early or use Booths supermarket parking (2-hour limit).
What’s the best parking for the Keswick Jazz Festival?
Keswick Leisure Pool car park or Rheged Centre parking are good options, as town centre spaces fill fast.
Can I pay for parking by phone in Keswick?
Yes, most car parks use PayByPhone or RingGo—check signs for zone numbers.
Are parking fines common in Keswick?
Yes, Keswick parking charges are strictly enforced—always check time limits and pay properly.
Do parking fees change on weekends or holidays?
Most Keswick car parks charge the same rates daily, but demand is higher on weekends.
Is there a park-and-ride near Keswick?
While Keswick doesn’t have an official park-and-ride, the Rheged Centre (just off the A66, 5 miles east) offers 500 free spaces with a frequent #X4/X5 bus service to town (£2-3 fare). During major events like the Mountain Festival, they run special shuttles. Alternatively, consider parking at Penrith Railway Station (14 miles away) and taking the 30-minute X4/X5 bus (£6.50 return).
Where can I charge my electric vehicle in Keswick?
Keswick has 6 EV charging points:
- Lake Road Car Park (2x 7kW, £0.45/kWh + parking fees)
- Booths Supermarket (2x 22kW, free for 1 hour while shopping)
- Rheged Centre (4x 50kW rapids, £0.50/kWh)
Pro Tip: The ChargePlace Cumbria app shows real-time availability. Avoid ICEing – fines apply for blocking EV bays.
Can motorhomes park overnight in Keswick?
Strictly no overnight parking in town car parks. Your best legal options:
- Keswick Camping & Caravan Club Site (£30/night, 10-min walk to town)
- Castlerigg Hall (£25/night with lakeside views)
- Braithwaite Village (free layby parking 2 miles west, max 24hrs)
Warning: Cumbria Police regularly ticket overnight stays at Derwentwater viewpoints.
What’s the cheapest long-stay parking in Keswick?
Skiddaw Street Car Park offers the best value:
- £8 all day (6am-6pm)
- £3 evening rate (6pm-12am)
- £10 24-hour ticket
Compare to £12 at Lake Road. For weekly stays, the Rheged Centre offers £35/week passes – though you’ll need to bus into town.
Are there any secret free parking spots in Keswick?
These lesser-known options sometimes have spaces when town is full:
- Brundholme Road (west side past the school – no restrictions)
- Eskin Street (unmarked bays near the pencil museum)
- Southey Hill (steep residential road, 15-min walk to center)
Important: Always check for new permit zones – restrictions change annually.
What time do car parks fill up in summer?
Peak season (July-August) filling times:
- Lake Road: Full by 9:30am weekdays, 8:45am weekends
- Booths Supermarket: 2-hour spaces gone by 10am
- Great Wood (Catbells): Overflowing by 8am on sunny days
Local Tip: Visit popular sites like Derwentwater before 8am or after 6pm.
Can I park for free at Keswick Leisure Pool?
Only with validation:
- 1 hour free with pool admission (show receipt)
- 3 hours free for swim lesson parents
- £2/hour otherwise (max 4 hours)
The 120-space lot has ANPR cameras – don’t risk overstaying as fines are £70.
Where should I park if visiting Rheged Centre?
Rheged offers:
- 500 free spaces (no time limit)
- Dedicated coach parking
- EV charging (4 rapids)
- Secure motorcycle bays
Bonus: Parking is free even if you’re just using their cafe/theater – no purchase required.
Is parking free after 6 PM in Keswick?
Most car parks switch to free parking evenings:
- Lake Road: Free 6pm-8am
- Skiddaw Street: Free 6pm-6am
- Booths: Free after 8pm
Exceptions: Private car parks like the Pencil Museum enforce 24/7 pay-and-display.
What’s the best parking strategy for a stress-free Keswick trip?
Answer: Follow this local-approved plan:
- Early Birds: Arrive by 8:30am for guaranteed spaces
- Tech Help: Pre-download PayByPhone/RingGo apps
- Backup Plan: Pin Rheged Centre on your maps as overflow
- Hikers: Use Great Wood (NT members) or Braithwaite village
- Shoppers: Time visits to Booths’ 2-hour free window
- EV Drivers: Charge at Booths while shopping
- Festivals: Book accommodation with parking included
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