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.
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Geo Week. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 258
, currently showing 241 to 258.
KESWICK
Non-hired bikes can be charged for half an hour if they have been PAT tested and display the sticker at Cyclewise bike shop.
Electric Bike Charging Point, located at Cyclewise, Whinlatter Forest
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 18 spaces. Charges apply every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
KESWICK
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…
KESWICK
Electric bike charging point, located at The Chalet Tearoom, Portinscale, Keswick.
A £1 charge applies for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
COCKERMOUTH
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
A half-mile level walk from Lanthwaite Wood car park is one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes. The woodland (a haven for red squirrels) suddenly opens up with a view right down Crummock…
COCKERMOUTH
2 electric bike charging points, located at Bassenthwaite Lake Station Cafe. Charging facility is provided free to paying customers only, in exchange for a donation to a chosen charity which will change each year.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wild Strawberry, Keswick.
A £1 donation to Another way environmental charity is requested for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
Bassnthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL