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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.
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
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!
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
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
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Borrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
Lake Rd, Keswick
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring theatre company desperately trying to maintain their composure and regain any shred of credibility.
From their frantic last-minute rehearsals in…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025?
Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won't disappoint those who love the Lakes. These are…
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…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of year, preparing for the winter months ahead. This is the time to welcome the darker months of the year, an opportunity for introspection and self…
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power. Leo, the radiant fire sign ruled by the Sun, invites us to step into our full glory and celebrate our individuality. Traditionally known as the Snow…
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.
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…
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!
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
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,…
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