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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.
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 161 to 180.
Keswick
In this unique double bill, two actor-writers perform their own one-person shows,
each directed by the other. Working with acclaimed sound artists Mark Melville and José
Guillermo Puello and set designer Martin Johns, they have created two…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength, intuition, and the power of community. It is a powerful time for coming together to harness our inner strength, embrace our wild and intuitive nature, and…
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Lake Rd, Keswick
We're not in Keswick anymore…
From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her old life in London. But as she climbs out of the window to run away, a storm whisks her up, and she gets far more than she bargained for.
How do you…
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most northerly of the lakes and is also one of the largest.
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works. Enjoy a sophisticated café culture serving local artisan coffee by Carvetti, speciality teas, handmade chocolates by Huttons of Windermere and some of…
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
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
Cumbria
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
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.
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
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.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
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