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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.
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.
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Open the season of goodwill at the 'Cumbrian Christmas Cracker'
A nostalgic evening of seasonal readings, poems, dialect and music. Author Alan Cleaver, Countrystride producer David Felton and special guests unpack a stocking of seasonal gifts…
Keswick
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Trelkeld, 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.
Keswick
Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
Keswick
Mikron Theatre company return with another of their humorous, entertaining and educational musical dramas. This time we invite you to enter a world of secrets, songs and cyphers as we get to know the heroes of Hut 3 at Bletchley Park where the code…
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…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
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?
Keswick
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the length of Derwentwater.
Keswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Are you brave enough to try the spooky night time trail?
West Cumberland Orienteering Club are bringing Spook-O back for 2025! This event is lots of fun for all the family, which is an easy to follow trail around the forest. Bring a good torch…
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Keswick
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come along on our intermediate navigation course to find out how.
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