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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.
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
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…
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025?
Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won't disappoint those who love the Lakes. These are…
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
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
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
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At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes of a fairly uniform nature which when compared with the likes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on the other, eastern side, certainly lack that…
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,…
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Keswick
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Trelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
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 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
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from traditional stone barns, our cottages are spacious, comfortable and well equipped.
Keswick
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
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