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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.
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
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The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
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…
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Worm Moon in Virgo invites us to release what no longer serves us and create space for healing, growth, and spiritual alignment. Traditionally known as the Worm Moon, this is the time when the earth begins to thaw, and new life begins to…
Cumbria
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get onto the ridge the walk along its craggy and boulder strewn crest is superb. The setting is magnificent with wide ranging views across Ennerdale to…
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
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…
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
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…
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
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…
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
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…
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
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.
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
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Cumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
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