You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Keswick
Keswick is both the most northerly of the Lake District’s towns and maybe its best located: at the northern end of beautiful Derwentwater, it’s surrounded by large fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra, two of the most popular among walkers and hikers. It’s also the perfect spot to explore this part of the national park, notably the valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere.
Right in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Keswick is still only 20 minutes from the M6 – and close enough to some of the Lake District’s best-known lakes, including Bassenthwaite, Thirlmere and Ullswater as well as Derwentwater. Fancy some fell-waking? There’s Skiddaw and Blencathra, but don’t forget Grizedale Pike and Catbells, a fell that is popular with walkers of all ages and abilities.
Little is known about the early history of Keswick, but St Kentigern is known to have preached at Crosthwaite (to the east of the town centre) in AD 556. A Norman church was built on the spot in 1181, followed by a small settlement.
The church apparently attracted unofficial markets following church services. This caused much contention until a market charter was granted in 1276 to a small cheese dairy not far away on the banks of the river Greta. This was the start of Keswick, whose name translates as ‘cheese farm'.
As Keswick grew in size, the original settlement at Crosthwaite declined, leaving the church isolated.
Prosperity came to Keswick in the 16th century with the extraction of minerals from the surrounding fells. With no local mining expertise, skilled German miners were drafted in to work the copper and lead mines in the Newlands Valley, and a large smelting plant was established at Brigham (where the A66 road bridge crosses the river Greta).
The later discovery of wadd (graphite) at Seathwaite in Borrowdale gave rise to around 14 pencil manufacturing businesses in the area, one of which - the Cumberland Pencil Company - was operational in Keswick up to 2007.
Blencathra - Set near Skiddaw forest overlooking the River Greta in the north of the Lake District, Blencathra is one of the county's most renowned peaks.
Borrowdale - From above the shores of Derwentwater, Borrowdale presents an impressive picture - high peaks reflected in the lovely lake. The valley is a paradise for all walkers with low and high routes to suit all tastes. It's a playground for rock climbers too.
Castlerigg Stone Circles - Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all British stone circles, with panoramic views and the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop.
Latrigg Fell - Latrigg is Keswick’s premier viewpoint. It sits in a superb position high above the northern edge of town with its back nestled against Skiddaw’s towering flanks and its front and sides open across the whole Vale of Derwent. From its lofty summit you can sit and have a fantastic time spotting almost the whole of the Lake District’s central fells.
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 258
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals.
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Keswick
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love.
Catherine Morland knows little of the world, but who needs real-life experience when you have novels to guide you? Catherine seizes her chance to escape her…
Keswick
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the warmest of welcomes and leisure facilities that provide the opportunity to unwind after a long day.
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
-
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes of a fairly uniform nature which when compared with the likes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on the other, eastern side, certainly lack that…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world is at rest, our dreams for the year ahead are beginning to form in readiness for the return of the sun at the upcoming winter solstice.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest.
Each loop is approximately 4.16 miles long (replicating the distance of a Backyard Ultra). You can run continuously, to clock up as many miles as you can, or complete 1…
Keswick
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes of Catbells in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, close to the village of Grange and approximately five miles from the market town of Keswick.
The…
Keswick
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying uninterrupted views across the Derwent Valley towards Skiddaw and Latrigg. We are only 2 miles from Keswick.
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
Keswick
Welcoming guest house overlooking Fitz Park serving an extensive breakfast using locally sourced products with a Breakfast Award. All prices include breakfast. Home from home, warm and welcoming. Recently refurbished to a high standard.
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL