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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.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District.…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Cara Dillon, an extraordinary, multiple award-winning Irish folk singer, and acclaimed musician and producer Sam Lakeman, will captivate listeners once again with their exquisite and enthralling live performance.
Throughout an enviable career which…
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Keswick
Come along to the Borrowdale Rainforest to find some of the special animals that call this place home, bats!
Taking place just after it gets dark, the time of day when Borrowdale's bats are coming out to fly and feed.
Enjoy a fun family-friendly…
Keswick
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor leisure activity in the UK for centuries, enjoyed by both peasants and kings? And guess what? We’ve got you covered with different sized bows to fit…
Keswick
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better place to try it out than the stunning mountain scenery of the Lake District.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Braithwaite, Keswick
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️
Are you ready to take on one of the toughest and most scenic trail events in the Lake District?
Join Wild Deer Events in May 2026 for the Whinlatter Trail Half Marathon & 10K, a…
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Cumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Keswick
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel has been a welcoming presence since 1866. Steeped in history and framed by dramatic crags, it’s the perfect base for lakeside strolls, lush temperate…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and sleeps up to four people.
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Keswick
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
Keswick
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley. Dating back to 1628, this charming pub offers hearty food, local ales, and warm hospitality. A popular stop for walkers on the Coast to Coast route,…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
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