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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 in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
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…
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Cockermouth
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Threlkeld, Keswick
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. Expect to find a wide range of annuals, perennials, vegetable seedlings, herbs, grasses, shrubs, house plants and more, all grown by local gardeners and at…
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,…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
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…
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!
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,…
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
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. Before closing in…
Keswick
Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!
Using the beautiful Comb Beck that runs through the heart of Whinlatter, surrounded by nature and in our beautiful woodlands!
Here are just some…
Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
Cockermouth
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired feast at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
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