All About Surprise View Keswick
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Surprise View Keswick is a breathtaking spot that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The area is famous for its stunning vistas, and it’s not hard to see why.
Surprise View Keswick is located at the end of a minor road from Borrowdale Road. The car park is small, but there is plenty of space to park.
From the car park, you can take a short walk to the viewpoint, or you can use public transport and walk a bit further. The view was unreal, and we saw so many people enjoying it, sitting on the benches and chatting with friends.
Surprise View Keswick Walk
The walk to the viewpoint at Surprise View Keswick is short and easy. The path is well-maintained, and there are no steep inclines or rugged terrain to navigate.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be greeted by one of the most spectacular views in the Lake District. The vista stretches out for miles, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake.
The viewpoint at Surprise View Keswick is also an excellent spot for bird watching. If you want to extend the walk, we recommend walking down the road to Ashness Bridge, and if you’re going to walk further, you can extend up to Walla Crag!
How to Get to Surprise View Keswick
Surprise View Keswick is located on Borrowdale Road, just a short drive from the town of Keswick. If you’re driving from Keswick, follow the signs to Borrowdale and look for the Surprise View car park on your left-hand side. It is located 3.5 miles from Keswick en route to the hamlet of Watendlath.
If you’re travelling by public transport, you can take the 78 bus from Keswick town centre. The bus stops at the Ashness Bridge car park, a short walk from the Surprise View.
Alternatively, you can catch the Keswick Launch to Ashness Bridge and walk up from there, which we did last time and recommend.
Surprise View Car Park Keswick
Surprise View is a National Trust car park along the scenic drive between Ashness Bridge and Watendlath Hamlet. It is a small pay-and-display car park that offers a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day.
To get to the Surprise View car park, please use postcode CA12 5UU or grid ref NY268189. You can also easily find it on Google Maps.
The car park has a total of around 15 spaces split across two areas. The upper car park is more suitable for those with mobility problems as it is nearer to the viewpoint, approximately 10m away.
Recent improvements have been made to the surface of the viewing point to provide better wheelchair access, but it is still imperfect.
For your convenience, you can pay by phone to park here. Take advantage of the incredible views that Surprise View has to offer!
It is free for National Trust members, or £1 for 30-minutes, £2.50 for up to 1 hour, £5 for up to 2 hours, £7 for up to 4 hours and £8.50 for all-day parking.
Surprise View Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Surprise View Keswick?
Surprise View Keswick is a stunning viewpoint located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake.
How do I get to Surprise View Keswick?
If you’re driving, you can follow the signs to Borrowdale and look for the Surprise View car park on your left-hand side. If you’re travelling by public transport, you can take the 78 bus from Keswick town centre. The bus stops at the Ashness Bridge car park, a short walk from the Surprise View.
Is there a fee to visit Surprise View Keswick?
No, there is no fee to visit Surprise View Keswick but you do have to pay for parking (unless you’re a National Trust member).
How long does walking to the viewpoint at Surprise View Keswick take?
The walk to the viewpoint is short and easy, taking at most 10 minutes.
What can I see from the viewpoint at Surprise View Keswick?
The viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Is there a cafe or toilet at Surprise View Keswick?
No, there are no facilities at Surprise View Keswick. However, there are cafes and restrooms in the nearby town of Keswick.
Can I bring my dog to Surprise View Keswick?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Surprise View Keswick. However, they must be kept on a lead at all times.
Overall Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, be sure to visit Surprise View Keswick. With its stunning views and easy accessibility, it’s a must-visit spot for any nature lover or keen photographer.
So when will you enjoy the tranquil beauty of Surprise View Keswick?