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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.
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest! The walk will cover up to 4 miles…
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District.…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 247
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Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Keswick
Step into a world of glamour, espionage, and intrigue at this unforgettable James Bond–themed murder mystery dinner, brought to life by acclaimed troupe Highly Suspect.
Saturday 18 April 2026
Lodore Falls Hotel
Arrivals from 6:30pm
Tickets: £55…
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and sleeps up to four people.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Cumbria
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get onto the ridge the walk along its craggy and boulder strewn crest is superb. The setting is magnificent with wide ranging views across Ennerdale to…
KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest!
The walk will cover up to 4 miles and hope for some crisp clear skies and lots of stars to explore at various points along the route. If the stars don't appear, you will still enjoy a…
Cumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Keswick
Fast, flat and inclusive 10km running event along the Keswick to Threlked railway. 3km fun run for children and adults.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally acclaimed theatre, made with passion, in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
Keswick
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.
Cumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
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