To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
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.
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Join Breast Cancer Now's new fundraising adventure Night in the Wild and help change the lives of…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Join Breast Cancer Now's new fundraising adventure Night in the Wild and help change the lives of…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 270
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Keswick
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in four acres of landscaped gardens. The perfect base for a relaxing break exploring the town and further afield, the hotel offers…
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.
KESWICK
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and tranquillity, it can be traced back to the mid 16th century, although it was substantially refurbished in the 1840s.
KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
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?
Grange, Keswick
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells.
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…
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!
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
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
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Cumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
Cumbria
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get onto the ridge the walk along its craggy and boulder strewn crest is superb. The setting is magnificent with wide ranging views across Ennerdale to…
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.
Near Cockermouth
Join Breast Cancer Now's new fundraising adventure Night in the Wild and help change the lives of people with breast cancer. Gather your friends or colleagues, and join like-minded people on Saturday 7 June, on the breathtaking shores of Buttermere…
Keswick
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the town center, Derwentwater and Theatre by the Lake.
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!
Cumbria
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable Crag), owes its existence to a colourful quarryman known as Moses Rigg.
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL
We are now retrieving your search results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds
Supporting the Destination
Quality Guarantee
We are now retrieving real time availability results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds.