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![]() | Forage and Nibble 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.
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
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…
Keswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
Keswick
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing escape near Derwentwater. It's interior offers a perfect mix of tradition and modern designs, preserving the hotel's historic character.
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
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…
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.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race
Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District! Starting from Honister Slate Mine, participants will race through 1km of underground tunnels before climbing Fleetwith Pike and Grey Knotts, taking in…
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!
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
Grange, Keswick
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells.
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Keswick
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church from April 16 – 26 as it continues its tour around the country, having begun touring back in 2008.
The innovative exhibition that brings biblical…
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…
Cockermouth
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
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