Hope Park

Hope Park is a medium-sized park on the southern fringe of the popular town of Keswick and it's partner lake, Derwentwater. It is named after the benefactor Sir Percy Hope, who dedicated the land to the local community in 1925, wishing to provide "a pleasure ground and garden for recreation and enjoyment." Today, it provides a community space with various family-related activities including pitch and putt golf, a nature trail, a small floral garden, picnic areas, a bird hide, ice cream kiosk and dog-friendly café.

The grounds can be walked and there are seats along the paths to sit and enjoy the floral displays in summer. The park is in the care of Keswick Town Council, along with Fitz Park to the north. It lies adjacent to the -owned Crow Park, which is primarily an open, green space with stunning views across the lake towards the Derwent Fells and the Borrowdale Valley. It also makes a good base for the 10-mile circular walk around Derwentwater or, for those with an interest in a leisurely boat ride, Keswick Launch is only a short walk away where round-trip tickets can be bought.

Hope park is easily accessible from the town centre. Parking is available at Lakeside Car Park on Lake Road, or Central Car Park just off the B5289; both are pay and display. The quaint and well-maintained gardens are a favourite amongst visitors, many of which relax with an ice cream or simply watch the world go by. New flowers are planted every year and existing trees and shrubs are cared for meticulously by a team of gardeners. The park can get very busy at times, especially during those hazy summer days, where queues for ice cream and the excitable screams of children playing are commonplace.

Originally, the park opened as a golf course in 1927. After Sir Percy's death in 1974, the Hope Park Trust was established and Keswick Town Council became the park's custodians for the benefit of locals and visitors alike.