Keswick

Ideally located at the northern end of Derwentwater, Keswick is one of the Lake District National Park's most northerly towns. Surrounded by fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra, it's popular with hikers who come for its vibrant feel, with plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants; and easy access to beautiful walking routes. It's also a great spot from which to explore this part of the National Park, including the valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere.

Rigth in the heart of the Lake District, at the same time Keswick is just 20 minutes from the M6 motorway, making it easy to reach. It's also accessible by bus, with regular services from places like Penrith train station and the south Lakes via the 555 bus route - one of the most scenic in the country! Nearby, you'll also find lakes and waters like Bassenthwaite, Thirlmere and Ullswater. Fancy a hike? There are Wainwrights including Latrigg, Cat Bells, Walla Crag and Skiddaw, as well as lower level routes including a walk around the entire of Derwentwater. 

Did you know? Derwentwater once starred on the big screen! Alongside Bassenthwaite, it played the roll of the forested planet of Takodana in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

History of Keswick

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'. The market charter, granted by Edward I, continues to this day with the popular Keswick Market attracting locals and visitors, and taking place every Thursday and Saturday.

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. Visitors can still learn about the not so humble pencil at the Derwent Pencil Museum.

In the centre of Keswick's Market Square stands the Moot Hall: a prominent, Grade II* listed historic building, which was built in 1813 and has an unusual one-handed clock. The current building in Keswick replaced older structures dating back to 1571. It has undergone multiple uses over the centuries, functioning as a manorial courtroom, a copper store, a market hall, a local seat of government and prior to Jan 2026, a Tourist Information Centre.  It is understood the building is due to be turned into a cafe.

Things to do in Keswick

There is lots to do in Keswick, whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, a cultural escape, or simply want to explore this pretty market town.

Head to Theatre by the Lake for live theatre in a stunning setting on the shores of Derwentwater. Visit Keswick Museum to learn more about the town's history, enjoy a stroll around one of its pretty parks, or shop til you drop on its high street which is bustling with independent and national names. 

Try your hand at a new skill, with outdoor adventure centres offering everything from archery to axe throwing; give watersports a go with a local guide; or head to nearby Whinlatter Forest for mountain bike trails, treetop adventures and more. This is also a fantastic place to explore on two wheels, with bike hire and cycling routes aplenty. Save the date for the annual Keswick Mountain Festival, which includes competitive races, live music, food stalls and a celebration of the great outdoors.

Tour de France Grand Départ 2027

On Saturday 3 July 2027, Keswick will host a Stage 2 Start for the Tour de France Grand Départ - a once in a generation event not to be missed. Learn more here.

Food & Drink in Keswick

There are lots of places to eat and drink in and around Keswick, from cosy country pubs to Michelin star dining. In the town centre you'll find cafes serving speciality coffee and matcha, traditional tearooms offering home baked scones and a pot of tea, pubs like The Royal Oak, afternoon tea with a twist at Cafe Hope,and plenty more. Nearby, the Lingholm Kitchen serves brunch and lunch on the same estate where Beatrix Potter found inspiraton for Mr McGregor's garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

In the nearby Borrowdale Valley, visit places like Mary Mount Hotel, The Borrowdale Hotel, The Royal Oak Rosthwaite and Borrowdale Gates for dining with a view.

Michelin star dining can be found at The Cottage in the Wood, located in Whinlatter Forest and serving up creative dishes made using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and beyond.

FAQs

Where is Keswick located?

Keswick is located in the Lake District National Park, on the northern shores of Derwentwater. 

Where is there to stay in Keswick?

As a popular holiday destination, there are lots of accommodation options in Keswick to suit all tastes and budgets. From B&Bs to self catering cottages and apartments, lakeshore hotels to camping and glamping, you'll be spoilt for choice.

How do I get to Keswick?

Keswick is easily accessible by car via the A66 from both the east and west, with easy access to Penrith and the M6 motorway which are just 20 minutes away. It's also accessible via the A591 from the south Lakes. For those travelling by public transport, regular bus services connect the town to key locations across the region, including the 555 bus which travels south to Kendal; the X4 / X5 which travel between Penrith and Workington; and the 553/553 which travel north to Carlisle. The closest mainline railway station is located at Penrith.

Where can I park in Keswick?

There are several public car parks in Keswick, alongside various short-stay disc parking zones on the streets. Visitors should note that parking regulations are strictly enforced, so it's important to check ticket expiry times carefully.

Surrounding Areas

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.

Castlerigg Stone Circle - 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 - 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. There's an accessible path to a bench offering stunning views across Derwentwater.