April Fools in Keswick: A Tradition of Mischief and Imagination
Here at Castlerigg Hall, we’ve always believed that a good April Fools’ Day should raise a smile, spark debate, and maybe even fool a few people along the way.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure (and occasional worry!) of being involved in several April Fools’ projects—both through my work with Keswick Tourism, with friends and here on the park. Looking back, it’s remarkable just how seriously some of these stories were taken.
David Jackson.
The Skiddaw Cable Car That Almost Was
One of the most memorable began during my time as a director of the Keswick Tourism Association. Our Tourism Officer, Linda Furniss, suggested an idea that was bold, eye-catching, and just believable enough—a proposed cable car running up the fells.
Armed with a photograph I’d taken while travelling in Austria, and a stunning view of Keswick from Latrigg by Stuart Holmes, I set to work in Photoshop. The plan evolved slightly, and soon the cable car was climbing none other than Skiddaw.
To make it more convincing, we added subtle details to the press release and social post—a possible revolving restaurant at the summit, hints rather than outright claims. The goal was simple: create engagement and let people slowly realise the joke.
When we posted it on April 1st 2014, the reaction was incredible. Some people were outraged, others were delighted, and many believed it entirely. Safe to say, it achieved exactly what we set out to do.
The image used from our motorhome holiday at St Gilgen in Austria
The final result with the cable car souring above Keswick
Renaming Keswick… to Kesmere?
Another Keswick Tourism project came from a surprising insight—many visitors didn’t realise Keswick even had easy access to a lake.
With the old tagline “Keswick on Derwentwater” no longer in common use, we wondered how to reconnect the town with its beautiful setting. The answer? Rename it.
“Kesmere” was born—borrowing the familiar “mere” from Windermere.
Once again, I was tasked with bringing the idea to life visually. Using images I took from our town map installations and a brilliant photograph by Rob Grange, I created a pretty convincing reveal moment. A few other alternative shots including cycle signs being changed completed the project.
The ‘unveiling’ of the renaming of Keswick to Kesmere
Changing the cycle way signs to avoid confusion…
The story behind the original photo
The original image itself has a story. It shows members of the Keswick Tourism Association, board members and mayor Andrew Lysser at the unveiling of a portrait created to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. From an idea KTA Tourism Officer Linda Furniss developed, it was wonderful to be involved. The portrait is a mosaic made from 100’s of photos submitted by locals and visitors. Slug and Bull, local web designers, created the mosaic and I had the enjoyable task of framing the work at Castlerigg Gallery using a handmade frame from Lowmoor Farm.
Later that year Linda and I had the honour and privilege of representing the KTA and presenting it to Her Majesty in person. It was a surreal moment for us both – to meet the Queen of our country and all the history that encapsulates. Also to contemplate all the historical figures of the world she had met – such as Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Neil Armstrong, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Marilyn Monroe and of course the Spice Girls.
The unveiling of the Queens portrait Photo: Rob Grange/KTA
KTA Chairman David Jackson and Tourism Officer Linda Furniss present the Portrait to the Queen
The Science of the Perfect Tent Peg
But we have been digressing. Back at Castlerigg Hall, our April Fools’ ideas have often leaned into the quirks of camping life.
This inspired a fictional book titled The Optimal Angle for Your Holiday Tent Peg, written by the entirely imaginary Guy Roope.
We didn’t stop at a simple post. We created a full book cover and even hosted a “book signing” event, complete with the mysterious author himself. Guests on site were querying why I was taking close up photos of tent pegs, but my lips were sealed.
The premise? A deep scientific exploration into peg angles, soil types, and even worm populations to assess the soil structure – all culminating in the perfect formula for pitching your tent.
Ridiculous? Absolutely. Believable? Just enough that we had one guest looking to purchase it following the collapse of his tent!
A very limited edition book!
Guy meets his fans at the book signing event
The Giant Easter Bunny on Derwentwater
Some April Fools’ ideas take on a life of their own—and this was certainly one of them.
Back in 2012, I was chatting with a friend whose family run a well-known chocolate shop in Keswick. He had acquired something rather unusual for Easter: a giant inflatable bunny, standing an impressive eight metres tall.
Originally planned for the town centre, we quickly realised it had far greater potential.
What if we placed it somewhere unexpected?
The plan was to inflate the bunny on Derwentwater, on the small outcrop known as Scarf Stones. We would take photos on March 31st and post them the next day.
So, at first light, we set off from Calfclose Bay. We had a canoe, a generator, and a compressor. The lake was freezing, but the conditions were calm.
We reached the stones and began setting up.
Then… nothing.
The generator refused to start.
We tried everything, but time ran out. I had to get back to open reception at Castlerigg Hall. In the end, we admitted defeat, put on our life jackets and paddled back—cold, frustrated, and slightly deflated ourselves.
Back at Castlerigg Hall, the problem became obvious.
We hadn’t turned on the fuel switch.
After a slightly embarrassed phone call, we agreed to try again the next morning.
So, on April 1st, we set off once more.
This time, everything worked.
The generator fired up. The compressor kicked in. Slowly, the giant bunny began to rise.
As it took shape, I paddled around taking photographs. Behind it stood Catbells, perfectly framing the scene.
The timing turned out to be even better than planned.
Instead of posting a prepared image, we now had something far more convincing. Early commuters heading into Keswick were greeted by the surreal sight of a giant Easter Bunny floating on the lake.
To add to our luck, Scarf Stones were fully visible. They are often underwater, so conditions were just right.
The result was exactly what we hoped for—confusion, amusement, and plenty of double takes.
Yes really, a giant Easter Bunny on Derwentwater
When Banksy Came to Borrowdale… and Castlerigg
More recently, we drew inspiration from the wonderful “Borrowdale Banksy” stone sculptures that captured imaginations across the Lake District.
As reported on our social media feed: A Borrowdale Banksy mysteriously appeared at Castlerigg Stone Circle this morning. Early morning visitors experienced the wonder of gazing through this stone portal onto a 4500 year old Neolithic Circle.
A spokesman for English Nevertige commented “the stone portal would be removed as rumour has it that if you stepped through, you would be transported back to a time of stone axes and Flintstone soundtracks.
Using a photograph I’d taken above Borrowdale, I created a new “installation” at Castlerigg Stone Circle. It tapped into that sense of mystery and wonder that makes these stories so compelling.
Castlerigg Stone Circle is easily reached from Castlerigg Hall Caravan Camping and Glamping Park. Click the link to dicover the walk –
A Borrowdale Banksy Stone Circle appears on the morning of April 1st 2025 at Castlerigg Stone Circle
The Moot Hall Moves to America
Our latest April Fools’ story, in 2026, took on a slightly more ambitious tone.
Following the sad closure of the Tourist Information Centre in Keswick’s Moot Hall in January 2026, we imagined a wealthy American buying the building and relocating it—stone by stone—to the White House lawn.
This time, however, there was a twist. Technology had moved on.
Instead of painstaking hours in Photoshop, I turned to AI to enhance an existing image. With a simple prompt, the Moot Hall appeared mid-dismantling, wrapped in scaffolding.
It was quick, impressive—and oddly less satisfying.
Perhaps that’s the irony. The result looked striking, but the process lacked the hours of time needed on earlier efforts. And in a playful nod to April Fools, the image even suggested the building was being dismantled from the bottom up… something only a fool would attempt.
A Cumbrian Tradition of Mischief
There’s something about Cumbria that lends itself to this kind of humour.
Maybe it’s the landscape, maybe it’s the people—but there’s a long tradition of mischief here. From tales of the Bogart, a strange creature said to roam the woods of Latrigg, to Tom Fool of Muncaster Castle, the famous 17th-century jester, storytelling has always been part of life in the Lakes.
I’d like to think our April Fools’ efforts are simply a continuation of that tradition.
Until Next Year…
We hope you’ve enjoyed this look back at some of our favourite April Fools’ moments.
If nothing else, they remind us not to take everything too seriously—and to enjoy a bit of fun along the way.
We’ll see you again on April 1st 2027 for the next instalment.
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”
Abraham Lincoln
Frequently Asked Questions: April Fools in Keswick
What are April Fools traditions in Keswick?
Keswick has a long tradition of playful storytelling and local humour. Businesses and organisations often share creative April Fools’ stories that spark conversation and entertain both locals and visitors.
Does Castlerigg Hall create an April Fools’ joke every year?
Not every year but often. At Castlerigg Hall we enjoy continuing the tradition that our hill farming ancestors played. We aim to create something imaginative, light-hearted, and just believable enough to make people look twice.
What was the Keswick cable car April Fools’ story?
The Keswick cable car was a fictional proposal showing a gondola running up Skiddaw. It included subtle details like a summit restaurant and created a huge reaction online, with many people believing it was real.
Was there really a giant Easter Bunny on Derwentwater?
Yes—although only briefly! A giant inflatable Easter Bunny was placed on Derwentwater at Scarf Stones as part of an April Fools’ prank, surprising early morning commuters.
What is the “Kesmere” April Fools’ story?
“Kesmere” was a playful idea to rename Keswick to highlight its connection to the lake, inspired by names like Windermere. It was designed to remind visitors that Keswick sits beside beautiful Derwentwater.
What is the Borrowdale Banksy April Fools’ prank?
Inspired by mysterious stone sculptures seen across the Lake District, this prank imagined a new artwork appearing at Castlerigg Stone Circle, capturing people’s curiosity and imagination.
Why are April Fools’ stories popular in the Lake District?
The Lake District has a long tradition of storytelling and humour. From local legends to modern social media pranks, there’s a strong sense of fun and creativity in the area.
When is the best time to visit Keswick?
Keswick is a year-round destination. Spring and autumn offer quieter walks, summer brings events and atmosphere, and winter provides crisp scenery and cosy pubs.
Where can I stay in Keswick?
If you’re planning a visit, Castlerigg Hall offers camping, touring, and glamping with panoramic views above Keswick—perfect for exploring the area.