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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.
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
'Life was never better on a swing, the higher the better!' Brought to you by the National Trust…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
'Life was never better on a swing, the higher the better!' Brought to you by the National Trust…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 275
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Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Keswick
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim event on Friday night and kids race on Saturday.
Keswick
At Keswick Convention 2025, as we celebrate 150 years of Keswick Ministries, we will be exploring the truths of the Bible through our theme Transformed:
We are transformed: Christ, crucified for us, became our sin, delivered us from darkness to…
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Keswick
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Keswick
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the town center, Derwentwater and Theatre by the Lake.
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…
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.
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is handcrafted in our Keswick workshop. Our beautiful surroundings are a constant source of inspiration and influence in our work.
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At 19k long and rising to over 500m, the Altura Trail puts the mountain back into biking
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
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…
Keswick
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired picnic with Alpkit in 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
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…
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…
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