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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 award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
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
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of struggling up hills then now is your chance to try cycling with a difference.
This Breeze ride in the Forest is a women only "E-BIKE" ride,…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
Keswick
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack at Alpkit Keswick.
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.
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.
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!
Borrowdale, Keswick
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this rugged corner of the lake district over 450 million years ago – its legacy today is honister green slate. With quality unique and bespoke gifts that last…
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
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Cockermouth
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
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