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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.
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
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,…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
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,…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Keswick
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with immediate access to superb walks and forest trails. Located on a lower slope of Skiddaw mountain.
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.
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the strawberries begin to ripen, how can you create more lusciousness and juiciness in your life? It encourages us to embrace freedom, adventure, and the limitless…
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
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
Keswick
The Skiddaw Hotel is a friendly and stylish Keswick town-centre hotel ideally located near all local tourist attractions and walks. The hotel has 43 ensuite rooms including Family Rooms and a large function room for events. In addition, the 4-star…
Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of struggling up hills then now is your chance to try cycling with a difference.
This Breeze ride in the Forest is a women only "E-BIKE" ride,…
Cumbria
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its giant west face it's a complex range of deep cut gills and valleys ringed by high crags and fine grassy ridges.
Keswick
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West.
The Lake District is England's largest national park and a world-class swimming destination, the Great Lake District Swim Challenge West is to swim all the swim-able Lakes in the Lake District. This trip…
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
Keswick
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come along on our intermediate navigation course to find out how.
Cumbria
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path known as the Corridor Route. It climbs a rough but steady route from Sty Head to Lingmell Col from where it is a simple climb up the summit screes to…
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
-Keswick
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger in just 48 hours.
APEX is the UK's foremost endurance hiking challenge, where a vibrant community of adventurers seeks to push their limits and…
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,…
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
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