To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
Added: | |
---|---|
![]() | Tour of Skiddaw |
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 main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
'Life was never better on a swing, the higher the better!' Brought to you by the National Trust…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
'Life was never better on a swing, the higher the better!' Brought to you by the National Trust…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 275
, currently showing 121 to 140.
Loweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
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.
Keswick
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this triathlon-style team challenge. Combining biking, hiking, and paddling, teams of two or four will race from dawn to dusk, pushing their limits across…
Lake Rd, Keswick
We're not in Keswick anymore…
From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her old life in London. But as she climbs out of the window to run away, a storm whisks her up, and she gets far more than she bargained for.
How do you…
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.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in Britain can match. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays and has won multi-starred reviews.
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…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this rugged corner of the lake district over 450 million years ago – its legacy today is honister green slate. With quality unique and bespoke gifts that last…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
Keswick
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and Latrigg.
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…
Cumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
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, 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,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025?
Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won't disappoint those who love the Lakes. These are…
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…
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Keswick
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL
We are now retrieving your search results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds
Supporting the Destination
Quality Guarantee
We are now retrieving real time availability results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds.