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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.
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Keswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
Keswick
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the…
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…
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Keswick
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for Springtime", Mendelssohn, Vaughan Williams, and others. With Nikki Martin, Jonny Hill. Accompanist: David T Shingler. Conductor: Ian Hare
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Keswick
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a wet decent of a Lakeland mountain stream, We are based just twenty minutes walk away from the top of the ghyll which means the only thing getting soaked…
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…
Buttermere
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in an idyllic location on the banks of Buttermere, the festival offers loads of activities and attractions on-site, plus the opportunity to explore the…
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
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in an exquisite Afternoon Tea experience. Indulge in delectable treats and savoury bites as you sit back and relax among friends.
Loweswater is a small hamlet situated between Loweswater and Crummock waters. It is home to The Kirkstile Inn which has been providing food and shelter for some 400 hundred years, and now has it's very own brewery.
Keswick
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
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…
Keswick
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male deer begin to grow their new antlers, an indication of growth, potential and virility. It calls us to step into our power, take responsibility for our…
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
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