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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.
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Cumbria
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path known as the Corridor Route. It climbs a rough but steady route from Sty Head to Lingmell Col from where it is a simple climb up the summit screes to…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails, and weather permitting, stop for some amazing star gazing opportunities. As an amateur astronomer Jo from JAG Outdoors can…
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Cockermouth
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired feast at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and symbolises fertility, growth and change; blossoming into your fullest potential! It brings an invitation to transform, heal, and empower ourselves…
Keswick
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired picnic with Alpkit in Keswick.
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
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,…
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Keswick
The Skiddaw Hotel is a friendly and stylish Keswick town-centre hotel ideally located near all local tourist attractions and walks. The hotel has 43 ensuite rooms including Family Rooms and a large function room for events. In addition, the 4-star…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Taster sessions are the perfect opportunity to 'dip your toe' into the world of landscape photography, exploring different elements and techniques.
£25 per person. Booking…
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.
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world is at rest, our dreams for the year ahead are beginning to form in readiness for the return of the sun at the upcoming winter solstice,…
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.
Troutbeck, Penrith
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
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…
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