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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.
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage.
When it comes to the subject of marriage, headstrong Lizzy Bennet is determined to resist the mounting pressures and expectations from society. But can she resist love,…
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
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…
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…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
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!
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
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
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Braithwaite, Keswick
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity's impact on the planet. Before closing in…
Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
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.
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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring theatre company desperately trying to maintain their composure and regain any shred of credibility.
From their frantic last-minute rehearsals in…
Braithwaite, Keswick
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with charity Mind Over Mountains. These walks will be gentle, half day strolls through our forest guided by a Mind Over Mountains walk leader who will show…
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
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