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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.
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Keswick
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding fells. Spacious, cosy and with an abundance of walks from the doorstep. Garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking for 3 cars.…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of year, preparing for the winter months ahead. This is the time to welcome the darker months of the year, an opportunity for introspection and self…
Braithwaite
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite apartments, and an old village shop & tea room on the ground floor. Our aim is to pay homage to village life and keep it alive here in Braithwaite; whilst also…
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,…
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
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.
Cumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
Keswick
In this unique double bill, two actor-writers perform their own one-person shows,
each directed by the other. Working with acclaimed sound artists Mark Melville and José
Guillermo Puello and set designer Martin Johns, they have created two…
Keswick
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale Hotel’s Restaurant will be the most memorable reservation you have made yet.
Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Troutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
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