Hope Park, strategically located between town centre and lake, was donated to the town in 1925 by Sir Percy Hope. The land was previously an area for the grazing of horses which were used to transport charabancs from Keswick Railway Station to the various hotels in the town.

The Park was opened as a golf course on the 27th May 1927 by Mr J H Taylor, who was the British Golf Champion at that time.

After the death of Sir Percy Hope OBE in 1974 the Hope Park Charitable Trust took over the running of the park in his memory. This magnificent park gives pleasure to all who enjoy its quiet areas and who take delight in watching the seasons change.

GOLF TODAY

Golf is still played in Hope Park and is enjoyed by many thousands of people every year. There is an ever popular obstacle (crazy golf) course with a Lakeland theme, just perfect for family fun. Plus an 18 hole putting course and a splendid 9 hole pitch and putt course, all laid out amongst the most magnificent surroundings.

SIR PERCY HOPE

Percy Mirehouse Hope was born in 1888, the son of a local bank manager. Often simply known as PM, he had a distiguished military career in the first World War and turned down a War Office appointment to return to Keswick. A trained architect, he was closely associated with many housing and business projects. He founded the Lake District Hotels Company which, for many years, owned the Royal Oak, the Queen's and the George hotels. He served on the Urban District and County Councils, the Lake District Planning Board, the police committee and was a magistrate from 1934.

Throughout his life he was keenly interested in sport, first as a participant and later as supporter. He played rugby and cricket for the county. For over thirty years he was master of the Blencathra Foxhounds, and a member of most organisations in the town, from Rotary Club to St John's Church, Conservative Club to school governing bodies.

He was knighted in 1954 and lived in Brundholme Terrace for most of his life.