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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.
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.
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
This hilarious battle of cons will keep you laughing, humming, and guessing to the end! Lawrence…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
This hilarious battle of cons will keep you laughing, humming, and guessing to the end! Lawrence…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Keswick
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Wythburn
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western bank of Thirlmere. Take the footpath that ascends through woodland from the back of the car park.
Keswick
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Worm Moon in Virgo invites us to release what no longer serves us and create space for healing, growth, and spiritual alignment. Traditionally known as the Worm Moon, this is the time when the earth begins to thaw, and new life begins to…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male deer begin to grow their new antlers, an indication of growth, potential and virility. It calls us to step into our power, take responsibility for our…
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Near Cockermouth
Join Breast Cancer Now's new fundraising adventure Night in the Wild and help change the lives of people with breast cancer. Gather your friends or colleagues, and join like-minded people on Saturday 7 June, on the breathtaking shores of Buttermere…
Keswick
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Troutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
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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…
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
Keswick
'Life was never better on a swing, the higher the better!'
Brought to you by the National Trust and All or Nothing, join us for a special celebration marking the 100 year anniversary of Crow Park. Expect the unexpected with aerialist performances…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter.
Starting with a run, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna (relaxation) and a non caffeinated drink.
The run…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
-Keswick
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger in just 48 hours.
APEX is the UK's foremost endurance hiking challenge, where a vibrant community of adventurers seeks to push their limits and…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and symbolises fertility, growth and change; blossoming into your fullest potential! It brings an invitation to transform, heal, and empower ourselves…
From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Loweswater is a small hamlet situated between Loweswater and Crummock waters. It is home to The Kirkstile Inn which has been providing food and shelter for some 400 hundred years, and now has it's very own brewery.
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
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