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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.
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
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: 272
, currently showing 241 to 260.
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…
Pay & Display car park with 50 spaces.
The Buttermere National Trust car park lies a few hundred metres to the north of the village of Buttermere, which itself nestles between the two lakes of Buttermere (to the south) and Crummock (to the north).
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 60 spaces.
A large car park (approximately 60 spaces) with an access-for-all footpath to the quirky Bowder Stone, and a short stroll down to the river Derwent, good for wildlife watching.
Bowder Stone car park is 4¾…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 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
An all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter is now available for hire at the Theatre by the Lake, on the shores of Derwentwater.
The Tramper allows those with limited mobility to join these walks and explore the stunning scenery of the Lake District.…
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
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 Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
COCKERMOUTH
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
A half-mile level walk from Lanthwaite Wood car park is one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes. The woodland (a haven for red squirrels) suddenly opens up with a view right down Crummock…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 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
Pay & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Swimming in the lakes is good for the mind, body and soul. Be at one with nature and join us for a swimming adventure with a coach and safety provision.
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