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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
Thirlmere's 76th show! Everyone is welcome to join the cut and thrust of the competitions or come…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable Jersey Boys Tribute Night, featuring live…
Swaledale Garth was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String…
We indulge our obsession with swimming around islands on the Derwentwater Island Hop, and there is…
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Number of results: 275
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Keswick
Thirlmere's 76th show! Everyone is welcome to join the cut and thrust of the competitions or come and share the buzz when the doors open at 2.30pm on Saturday 1 August. The WI teas are second to none and this year we also have music from the North…
Address
Buttermere Lake, -, Buttermere, Cumbria, CA13 9XA.Telephone
015394 33826Buttermere
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake District. Buttermere itself is a stunning place to swim and the water is crystal clear, with that typical slate blue tint we know and love. The walking…
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.
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
07891 291847Braithwaite, Keswick
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day
Come and join The Conscious Self for a wellness day like no other! Deep in the heart of the forest we will connect to nature and community!Step into the woods and let your system exhale…
Address
Castlerigg, Keswick, Cumbria, CA10 2AATelephone
0191 2691200Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
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
Troutbeck Head Experience Freedom Glamping, Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SSTelephone
01342 777533Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Tourism For All
Address
The Cottage In The Wood, Magic Hill, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78409Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Tourism For All
Address
Low Briery Holiday Park, Penrith Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RNTelephone
01768 772 044Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
0782729869Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake on a 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 techniques of landscape…
Keswick
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
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
Cafe Ambio Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
01768778410Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Tourism For All
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
07904172349Braithwaite, Keswick
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing experience, inspired by 'Shinrin-yoku' the Japanese practice of restoring wellbeing through mindful connection with nature.
Forest bathing is not a hike or…
Address
Troutbeck Head Experience Freedom Glamping, Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SSTelephone
01342 777533Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Address
Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop, The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BYTelephone
017687 80700Brewery 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…
Tourism For All
Address
Bowder Stone car park, Borrowdale, KeswickTelephone
07878 471253Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Address
CumbriaFrom the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Address
Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XNTelephone
017687 77230Borrowdale, 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…
Address
Brun Lea Guest House, 1-3 Stanger St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JUTelephone
017687 74247Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Tourism For All
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