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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.
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 269
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
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.
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.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
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…
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength, intuition, and the power of community. It is a powerful time for coming together to harness our inner strength, embrace our wild and intuitive nature, and…
Keswick
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come along on our intermediate navigation course to find out how.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!
Using the beautiful Comb Beck that runs through the heart of Whinlatter, surrounded by nature and in our beautiful woodlands!
Here are just some…
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.
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.
-Keswick
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger in just 48 hours.
APEX is the UK's foremost endurance hiking challenge, where a vibrant community of adventurers seeks to push their limits and…
Near Cockermouth
Join Breast Cancer Now's new fundraising adventure Night in the Wild and help change the lives of people with breast cancer. Gather your friends or colleagues, and join like-minded people on Saturday 7 June, on the breathtaking shores of Buttermere…
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…
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Keswick
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding fells. Spacious, cosy and with an abundance of walks from the doorstep. Garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking for 3 cars.…
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.
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…
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