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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
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the…
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through…
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars.…
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The…
Afternoon Tea on board the train at Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique opportunity to enjoy…
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
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Number of results: 273
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Tourism For All
Address
30A Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DGKeswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
Keswick
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…
Address
The Pencil Factory, The Pencil Factory, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5NGTelephone
017687 80075Keswick
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering life-changing Bible teaching, worship and fellowship, with fantastic Kids & Youth programme for 3-18 year olds, in the heart of the beautiful Lake…
Address
Keswick, CumbriaCumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
Address
-, CA12 4SGRumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Address
Hassness Country House, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9XACockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Address
The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 74238Portinscale
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, Lake View exudes understated luxury. Once the private rooms of Lord Rochdale, the impressive main living space is now beautifully arranged in an open-plan design, incorporating a…
Tourism For All
Address
Buttermere, CumbriaCumbria
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…
Address
Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RDTelephone
017687 76239Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YETelephone
017687 76234Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Address
KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5DLKESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78469Braithwaite, Keswick
Walk with our ranger with your little ones and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the forest!
Whinlatter is a red squirrel reserve and we like to make sure our fantastic reds have lots of food to munch on to keep them strong and healthy. This…
Address
The Royal Oak at Keswick, Main St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5HZTelephone
017687 73135Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Address
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UXTelephone
017687 77285Keswick
Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable Jersey Boys Tribute Night, featuring live performances, a delicious two-course dinner and a complimentary welcome drink on arrival.
Start your evening with a complimentary welcome drink before enjoying a…
Address
The Old Byre, Fornside Farm Cottages, St John's in the Vale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TSTelephone
017687 79173St John's in the Vale, Keswick
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to four people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Tourism For All
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to muster all your courage and agility to make it through this amazing course.
Address
Derwentwater Marina, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5RFTelephone
017687 72912Keswick
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.
Address
Troutbeck Head Experience Freedom Glamping, Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SSTelephone
01342 777533Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
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