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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.
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Join Breast Cancer Now's new fundraising adventure Night in the Wild and help change the lives of…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Join Breast Cancer Now's new fundraising adventure Night in the Wild and help change the lives of…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 181 to 200.
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Cold moon in Gemini 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,…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in Britain can match. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays and has won multi-starred reviews.
Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Full day workshops are designed for those looking to take their photography to the next level and learn how to get the most out of your photography equipment, be that an iPad or…
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
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and spiritual journey. Traditionally known as the Grain Moon, this is a time to reflect on the fruits of our labor—what we've sown and what we're ready to…
Keswick
At Keswick Convention 2025, as we celebrate 150 years of Keswick Ministries, we will be exploring the truths of the Bible through our theme Transformed:
We are transformed: Christ, crucified for us, became our sin, delivered us from darkness to…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
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…
Keswick
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
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