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.
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars.…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
B5289, Keswick
27th November
£75 per person
Unleash your festive creativity this Holiday season with our Christmas Wreath Masterclass at The Borrowdale! Led by the talented Debra from Evergreen Florist, this immersive 2-hour workshop will teach you the art of…
From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Keswick
The Northern String Quartet is a highly acclaimed and award-winning ensemble based in the UK, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. Renowned for its versatility and musical excellence, the quartet has performed on prestigious platforms such as…
Keswick
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel has been a welcoming presence since 1866. Steeped in history and framed by dramatic crags, it’s the perfect base for lakeside strolls, lush temperate…
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.
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing here at Whinlatter.
The evening will start with a gentle run/jog/walk, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna…
Keswick
Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure at BounceFest, where your kids are in for a non-stop 90 minutes of pure, energetic thrill! From bouncing babies to high-flying toddlers and all the way up to the dynamic 12-year-olds, our inflatables and…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Keswick
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been…
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.
Cockermouth
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for something unique to do this October half term with your Tribe? How about some outdoor activities packed with fresh air and adventure? Whether you're a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with…
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,…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Open the season of goodwill at the 'Cumbrian Christmas Cracker'
A nostalgic evening of seasonal readings, poems, dialect and music. Author Alan Cleaver, Countrystride producer David Felton and special guests unpack a stocking of seasonal gifts…
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL