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![]() | The Royal Oak, Keswick |
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.
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
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Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
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APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
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Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
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Lake Rd, Keswick
A gripping tale of friendship and hope.
Lennie and George are unlikely best friends, two drifters bound together by a shared faith and the ambition to live the great American dream. Landing a job on a Californian ranch during the Great Depression,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
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!
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…
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Cumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power. Leo, the radiant fire sign ruled by the Sun, invites us to step into our full glory and celebrate our individuality. Traditionally known as the Snow…
Keswick
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West.
The Lake District is England's largest national park and a world-class swimming destination, the Great Lake District Swim Challenge West is to swim all the swim-able Lakes in the Lake District. This trip…
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
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.
Cumbria
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of the best routes up the mountain. To get to it you have to deal with the intervening corries and hills and this is what makes it special. They provide…
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…
Borrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails, and weather permitting, stop for some amazing star gazing opportunities. As an amateur astronomer Jo from JAG Outdoors can…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Cockermouth
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired feast at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Cockermouth
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.
Lake Rd, Keswick
BANFF Mountain Film Festival 2025
Fri 28 Feb – Sat 1 Mar
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of thrilling adventure on the big screen!
The Banff Mountain Film Festival is back with a brand-new line-up of captivating short films…
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