The local history collection stretches back to Roman times, and includes such items as the famous 500 year old cat, a penny farthing cycle, and a man trap.

One of the prime exhibits is a set of musical stones (below), variously termed the stone dulcimer, the rock harmonicon or the geological piano. It has travelled to London where performances were given to Queen Victoria.

Keswick Museum was founded in 1871 and is housed in the town's former Market Hall. It is a small but interesting museum and contains a variety of objects and displays covering the social and natural history of the area. It has a wide range of interactive exhibits, activities and events that are designed to bring history to life and to educate and inform visitors about the region. The museum showcases a range of objects from the local area and beyond, including a large collection of artefacts that have been donated by local people.

Some of the most popular exhibits include the old photographs of Keswick from the 19th and 20th centuries, the geological collection, which includes rocks and fossils from the local area, and the local history section, which covers the area's culture, industry and famous people. The museum also has a range of activities and events that are designed to engage visitors, such as guided walks, talks, family activities and educational school visits. There is also a gift shop and a café where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments. The museum is a great place to visit for all ages and is a great way to discover more about the area and its history.