The Puzzling Place is an interactive world of optical illusions in central Keswick, perfect for a rainy day or a fun break from the fells. Visitors of all ages can explore unusual rooms, holograms and clever exhibits that make familiar sights appear impossible.
What is The Puzzling Place?
Opened in 2001, the attraction’s World of Illusion is filled with mind-bending displays. Rather than a traditional museum where you simply read labels, it encourages visitors to look twice, take photographs and try to work out how the illusions are created. It is popular with couples, groups of friends, families and grandparents as well as children.
Things to see and do
The Ames Room
Watch friends and family appear to grow or shrink dramatically as they move from one side of a specially shaped room to the other. It is one of the attraction’s most memorable photographic opportunities.
Anti-Gravity Room
Enter a room where the arrangement of surfaces and visual clues makes gravity seem to behave strangely. The room itself does not move, but the effect can make slopes and everyday objects appear to defy expectations.
Holograms and optical illusions
Discover the hologram gallery, sideways room and displays of unusual images, sculptures and interactive illusions. Expect surprising perspectives and plenty of opportunities for discussion.
Ticket prices
Adults
Children aged 16 and under
Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children)
Under 5s
Senior admission (over 65s): £4.50. These prices are published on the official attraction website and may change.
Check tickets, availability and book through the official Puzzling Place website. This is a direct link, not an affiliate link. Outside local school holidays, advance booking is usually unnecessary. For busy school holiday dates, booking in advance is recommended.
Photos of The Puzzling Place, Keswick
Opening hours and best time to visit
Winter (1 November to 19 March): Tuesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Closed Mondays outside local school holidays. January: closed Monday to Friday.
Summer (20 March to 31 October): normally open daily, 11am–5.30pm. During local school holidays, opening is generally daily from 10am–5.30pm, except Christmas school holidays, when 11am–5pm applies. Confirm the date-specific schedule on the official opening hours page.
Allow approximately 45 minutes for the visit, although some people stay longer. The attraction can be especially popular on wet days in school holidays, so arriving early or booking ahead can help.
Accessibility, facilities and visitor tips
Important accessibility information: The Puzzling Place is on the first floor and visitors must climb a flight of stairs. The attraction states that it currently does not have wheelchair access.
The attraction has no on-site visitor parking, public toilets or café. Public car parks and facilities are available within a short walk of the town centre. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome free of charge.
Address and contact details
Address: Museum Square, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DZ.
Telephone: 017687 75102
Email: info@puzzlingplace.co.uk
Official website: puzzlingplace.co.uk
From Keswick’s pedestrianised town centre, walk towards the pedestrian crossing near the outdoor shops. Museum Square is down the side passage; the attraction is upstairs on the left.
Get directions to The Puzzling Place.
Explore more of Keswick
See our Keswick visitor guide for places to eat and visit, browse more attractions in the Lake District attractions guide, or explore the Business Directory. For outdoor days when the weather improves, head to our Routes & Trails collection.
Information checked on 9 November 2026 against the official Puzzling Place website. Prices, opening hours and access arrangements can change. Independent editorial listing.