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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.
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 273
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works. Enjoy a sophisticated café culture serving local artisan coffee by Carvetti, speciality teas, handmade chocolates by Huttons of Windermere and some of…
Lake Rd, Keswick
A gripping tale of friendship and hope.
Lennie and George are unlikely best friends, two drifters bound together by a shared faith and the ambition to live the great American dream. Landing a job on a Californian ranch during the Great Depression,…
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,…
Trelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Lake Rd, Keswick
BANFF Mountain Film Festival 2025
Fri 28 Feb – Sat 1 Mar
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of thrilling adventure on the big screen!
The Banff Mountain Film Festival is back with a brand-new line-up of captivating short films…
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
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
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…
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.
St. Johns Street, Keswick
The 25th Anniversary of the Keswick Film Festival takes place at the Alhambra Cinema, Theatre by the Lake and Rheged.
Over 30 of the best independent and world cinema films, programmes of short films plus the 50th Anniversary screening of Tommy.
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…
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Inspired by remarkable true events.
"It's built for us, isn't it? The Spitfire. Built for women."
New Year's Eve, 1959.
Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The…
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.
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
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