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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.
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
At Keswick Convention 2025, as we celebrate 150 years of Keswick Ministries, we will be exploring…
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
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…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
At Keswick Convention 2025, as we celebrate 150 years of Keswick Ministries, we will be exploring…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
At Keswick Convention 2025, as we celebrate 150 years of Keswick Ministries, we will be exploring…
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
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…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 241 to 260.
KESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Pay & Display car park with 50 spaces.
The Buttermere National Trust car park lies a few hundred metres to the north of the village of Buttermere, which itself nestles between the two lakes of Buttermere (to the south) and Crummock (to the north).
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
Cockermouth
This is a popular route (1.25km each way) for walkers leading to the shore of Crummock Water. The views over the lake to Mellbreak and surrounding fells are breathtaking.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 60 spaces.
A large car park (approximately 60 spaces) with an access-for-all footpath to the quirky Bowder Stone, and a short stroll down to the river Derwent, good for wildlife watching.
Bowder Stone car park is 4¾…
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
COCKERMOUTH
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
A half-mile level walk from Lanthwaite Wood car park is one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes. The woodland (a haven for red squirrels) suddenly opens up with a view right down Crummock…
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
Keswick
An all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter is now available for hire at the Theatre by the Lake, on the shores of Derwentwater.
The Tramper allows those with limited mobility to join these walks and explore the stunning scenery of the Lake District.…
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
Keswick
Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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