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![]() | Forage and Cook (Half Day) near Keswick |
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.
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
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Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 277
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Keswick
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
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.
Keswick
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim event on Friday night and kids race on Saturday.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals. It calls us to embrace balance, love, and the beauty of…
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…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
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.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
Keswick
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a wet decent of a Lakeland mountain stream, We are based just twenty minutes walk away from the top of the ghyll which means the only thing getting soaked…
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,…
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Keswick
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the…
Keswick
'Life was never better on a swing, the higher the better!'
Brought to you by the National Trust and All or Nothing, join us for a special celebration marking the 100 year anniversary of Crow Park. Expect the unexpected with aerialist performances…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
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.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
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