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.
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.
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
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…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 270
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Threlkeld, Keswick
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. Expect to find a wide range of annuals, perennials, vegetable seedlings, herbs, grasses, shrubs, house plants and more, all grown by local gardeners and at…
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
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
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…
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,…
Cumbria
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its giant west face it's a complex range of deep cut gills and valleys ringed by high crags and fine grassy ridges.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Worm Moon in Virgo invites us to release what no longer serves us and create space for healing, growth, and spiritual alignment. Traditionally known as the Worm Moon, this is the time when the earth begins to thaw, and new life begins to…
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is handcrafted in our Keswick workshop. Our beautiful surroundings are a constant source of inspiration and influence in our work.
Loweswater is a small hamlet situated between Loweswater and Crummock waters. It is home to The Kirkstile Inn which has been providing food and shelter for some 400 hundred years, and now has it's very own brewery.
Keswick
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West.
The Lake District is England's largest national park and a world-class swimming destination, the Great Lake District Swim Challenge West is to swim all the swim-able Lakes in the Lake District. This trip…
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…
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.
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
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Keswick
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL