To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
Added: | |
---|---|
![]() | Rock Climbing and Abseiling in Borrowdale, Keswick with More Than Mountains |
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.
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
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…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Taster sessions are the perfect opportunity to 'dip your toe' into the world of landscape photography, exploring different elements and techniques.
£25 per person. Booking…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Keswick
Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals. It calls us to embrace balance, love, and the beauty of…
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Cumbria
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…
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,…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
Cockermouth
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired feast at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
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
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
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
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
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.