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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
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings,…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
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Number of results: 275
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Theatre By The Lake, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
+441768206076Keswick
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on stage. One woman is about to take it by storm.
Orange-seller, wit, trailblazer, Nell Gwynn is a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go…
Address
Theatre by the Lake, Theatre By The Lake, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
07525732421Lake Rd, Keswick
13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, by linking them all together. You can choose between one trail distance: 2 Valleys (22km) and three ultra…
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
+447810890528Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
Address
Hemmingways Angling Adventures, c/o Shundraw, St Johns in the Vale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RRTelephone
017687 78575St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
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
Castle Inn Hotel & Spa, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RGTelephone
017687 76401Keswick
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings, roaring fireplaces and hearty food in a relaxed, home-from-home setting. Originally part of a coaching inn dating back to 1770, it’s the perfect place to…
Address
St. Bega's Church, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QZKeswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Address
Youdale Knot, Manesty, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UGTelephone
017687 77216Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Tourism For All
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Address
Keswick Launch Co, Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
017687 72263Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Address
Lakeland Wellbeing, 3 The Heads, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5ESTelephone
0800 086 2644Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Tourism For All
Address
Newlands Bridge, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
0191 384 1116Keswick
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.
Tourism For All
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Tourism For All
Address
Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QZTelephone
01768776641Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Tourism For All
Address
2 Greta Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4HSTelephone
017687 75918Keswick
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and Latrigg.
Address
Keswick, CumbriaCumbria
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…
Address
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, B5291, Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RETelephone
017687 76551Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Tourism For All
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