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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.
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 275
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Troutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a 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!
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.
Cockermouth
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and using them to prepare dinner.
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in Britain can match. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays and has won multi-starred reviews.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and spiritual journey. Traditionally known as the Grain Moon, this is a time to reflect on the fruits of our labor—what we've sown and what we're ready to…
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!
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Cockermouth
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Keswick
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim event on Friday night and kids race on Saturday.
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
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
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
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