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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.
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West. The Lake District is England's largest national park and a…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West. The Lake District is England's largest national park and a…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West. The Lake District is England's largest national park and a…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 141 to 160.
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
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At 19k long and rising to over 500m, the Altura Trail puts the mountain back into biking
Braithwaite, Keswick
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity's impact on the planet.
Force Cragg Mine was…
Keswick
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the…
Braithwaite, Keswick
A beautiful cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Ostara, the spring equinox. Join us this Ostara (Spring Equinox) for a sacred cacao ceremony deep in the forest, where the energies of balance, renewal, and growth align with the heart-opening power…
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Troutbeck, Penrith
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!
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months ahead. It is a reminder for us to do the same physically and mentally, aligning to the rhythm of the season. It invites us to embrace stability,…
Cumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Cumbria
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable Crag), owes its existence to a colourful quarryman known as Moses Rigg.
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage.
When it comes to the subject of marriage, headstrong Lizzy Bennet is determined to resist the mounting pressures and expectations from society. But can she resist love,…
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…
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Keswick
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking and Wellbeing with Julia Bradbury in the Heart of the Lake District in May 2025! Join Julia Bradbury for an inspiring one-day walking and wellness event…
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…
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
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