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.
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars.…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Cockermouth
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite offers a heartfelt Cumbrian welcome that has stood the test of time for over two centuries.
Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
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…
Keswick
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the…
Brougham, Penrith
Wheel Thrown Pottery day classes with Mary Chappelhow
Including tea/coffee breaks and two course lunch.
Booking essential.
The day will roughly be;
9.30am Coffee, registration, meet and greet.
9.45am Clay preparation, kneading and wedging.
10.15am…
Keswick
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better place to try it out than the stunning mountain scenery of the Lake District.
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
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…
Keswick
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Cosy up for a Christmassy crafting experience in our snug yurt and create your own handmade Christmas wreath!
Wreaths, moss and natural products, ribbon etc. are provided. Bring along a pair of secateurs if you have them and any special bits you…
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
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.
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…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Borrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
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.
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL