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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.
Culture & Heritage
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.
Keswick Market
In 1276 Edward I granted the town its market charter, and it continues to this day. Keswick Market is one of the many popular markets around Cumbria and brings many locals and visitors to the town. The general market stands every Saturday and Thursday.
Moot Hall
In the centre of the Market Square is the Moot Hall a prominent, Grade II* listed historic building, which was built in 1813 and has an unusual one-handed clock. A "moot hall" is an Anglo-Saxon name for a meeting place or assembly building. 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.
Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham showing the Moot Hall in the centre of the Market Square.
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.
Sharp Edge is prized as one of the finest and most challenging of all the ridges rising to the summit, whereas Wainwright claimed that Narrow Edge was the finest way to any mountain top in the district.
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.
Highlights
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Discover 200 years of Rock Climbing history, from the earliest scrambles to the modern sport we…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Summer can ask a lot of us. We extend out towards others: whether that is being a parent and…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters. Escape to the Lakes this winter and…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings,…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Loweswater Agricultural Show is a traditional Lake District country show set in the stunning…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
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Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 288
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Herdy Keswick, 8 Tithebarn Street, Keswick, Cumbria, LA12 5EDTelephone
01539 739202Keswick
Welcome to Herdy Keswick – a cheerful little shop in the heart of the Lake District, inspired by the lovable Herdwick sheep that have grazed the fells for generations. Our Keswick store is a must-visit stop for anyone looking to take home a little…
Tourism For All
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78469Braithwaite, Keswick
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom!
Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom
Help collect the ingredients from the forest for a magic spell.Suitable for ages 5+, pushchair friendly route.
No dogs sorry.Booking essential
£8 per child (10% discount…
Address
The Borrowdale Hotel, B5289, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UYTelephone
017687 77224Keswick
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully prepared food, elegant interiors, and service that gives you time to savour it all.
Address
Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5UYCumbria
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable Crag), owes its existence to a colourful quarryman known as Moses Rigg.
Address
Watendlath Lane, Derwentwater, Keswick, CumbriaKeswick
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
Address
Cumbria, CA12 4QGA superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Address
Glaramara Hotel, Seatoller, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XQTelephone
017687 77222Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Address
Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XNTelephone
017687 77230Borrowdale, Keswick
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s best-kept secrets. Still producing the iconic Green Slate using traditional methods, its slate shop is a treasure trove of handcrafted homewares, gifts and…
Address
The Pencil Factory, Carding Mill Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5FDTelephone
01768780075Keswick
Keswick's family fan zone for the FIFA World Cup is hosted at The Mixing Shed at The Pencil Factory.
With a massive video wall, lights, sound system, and some haze jets for those moments when the goals simply have to be accompanied by a bit of…
Address
Scales Farm Country Guest House, Scales, Trelkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SYTelephone
017687 79660Trelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
Address
Rosthwaite, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XBTelephone
017687 77214Keswick
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…
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
Address
Calvert Lakes, Little Crosthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QDTelephone
017687 72255Keswick
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for people with disabilities. Set in the heart of the stunning Lake District, the centre offers fully accessible accommodation and…
Tourism For All
Address
Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5UYCumbria
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path known as the Corridor Route. It climbs a rough but steady route from Sty Head to Lingmell Col from where it is a simple climb up the summit screes to…
Address
Horse & Farrier, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SQTelephone
017687 79688Keswick
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.
Address
B5289, South of Cockermouth, Loweswater, CumbriaLoweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
Address
CumbriaPeaceful Buttermere, a valley of lakes and high mountains offering superb opportunities for quiet enjoyment in the heart of the Lake District.
Address
The Salutation, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SQTelephone
01768779614Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
Address
Rannerdale Knotts, -, Buttermere, Cumbria, CA13 9UYTelephone
015394 33826Buttermere
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere Valley. This unique experience blends classic Lake District hiking with exhilarating swims in the crystal-clear waters of Buttermere and Crummock,…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
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