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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 Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 241 to 260.
Keswick
Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…
Cockermouth
This is a popular route (1.25km each way) for walkers leading to the shore of Crummock Water. The views over the lake to Mellbreak and surrounding fells are breathtaking.
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
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Blencathra boasts two of the Lake District's finest ridges, Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell Ridge. Sharp Edge is the more technical of the two and is usually viewed with mixed emotions; its lofty position and fine sculpted crest have the capacity to…
Nr Keswick
Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Keswick
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 18 spaces. Charges apply every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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