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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.
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
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,…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
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,…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Braithwaite, Keswick
A beautiful cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Ostara, the spring equinox. Join us this Ostara (Spring Equinox) for a sacred cacao ceremony deep in the forest, where the energies of balance, renewal, and growth align with the heart-opening power…
Keswick
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in an exquisite Afternoon Tea experience. Indulge in delectable treats and savoury bites as you sit back and relax among friends.
-Keswick
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger in just 48 hours.
APEX is the UK's foremost endurance hiking challenge, where a vibrant community of adventurers seeks to push their limits and…
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…
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Keswick
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from traditional stone barns, our cottages are spacious, comfortable and well equipped.
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
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim event on Friday night and kids race on Saturday.
Braithwaite, Keswick
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity's impact on the planet.
Force Cragg Mine was…
Keswick
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events
Discover the Power of Walking and Wellbeing with Julia Bradbury in the Heart of the Lake District in May 2025!
Join Julia Bradbury for an inspiring one-day walking and wellness event…
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.
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Keswick
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for Springtime", Mendelssohn, Vaughan Williams, and others. With Nikki Martin, Jonny Hill. Accompanist: David T Shingler. Conductor: Ian Hare
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.
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