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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.
Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes,…
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly half day workshop. Whinlatter's beautiful…
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46 Elgar - Chanson de Matin Fauré - Après un Rêve Saint-Saëns -…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Portinscale
Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the north side of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. Enjoy breathtaking views across the lake and surrounding fells from the light-filled open-plan…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Keswick
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals. It calls us to embrace balance, love, and the beauty of…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly half day workshop.
Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment is a perfect setting in which to 'dip your toe' into the world of landscape photography.
You'll explore different elements and…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply.
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a 3-hour guided forest bathing experience with Hannah, inspired by Shinrin-yoku – the Japanese practice of restoring wellbeing through mindful connection…
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Borrowdale, 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…
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
Keswick
The song of the curlew is one of the iconic harbingers of spring, but the numbers of breeding curlews in UK have halved over the last 25 years. There is real concern that, if no action is taken, curlews will disappear within a few years, and curlew…
Braithwaite, 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…
Borrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
Keswick
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through the stunning landscapes. Whether you're up for adventure or simply want to unwind, a canoe adventure offers the perfect chance to connect with the…
Keswick
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of Borrowdale, to enjoy prolonged dips in the delightful pools of Langstrath and Stonethwaite Beck. The highlight of the day is a swim in the fabled Black…
Keswick
Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46
Elgar - Chanson de Matin
Fauré - Après un Rêve
Saint-Saëns - The Swan
Bruch - Kol Nidrei
Williams - Elegy and Theme from Schindler's List
Nadia Boulanger - Deux Pièces
Piazzolla - Oblivion
From St Paul's…
St 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).
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
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