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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
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, Lake View exudes understated…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel…
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest! Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 286
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Castle Inn Hotel by BW Signature Collection, Keswick, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RGTelephone
01768776401Keswick
A welcoming leisure and spa destination for locals and guests alike, featuring pool, gym, tennis and relaxing spa treatments in a beautiful Bassenthwaite setting.
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
Lake District Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RGTelephone
01768 776401Keswick
Originally a coaching inn dating back to 1770, the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy accommodation, great food, spa treatments and relaxing leisure facilities in a peaceful setting near Bassenthwaite Lake, the perfect base for…
Tourism For All
Address
Sunnyside Guest House, 25 Southey St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4EFTelephone
01768 772446Keswick
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the town center, Derwentwater and Theatre by the Lake.
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78469Braithwaite, Keswick
Join our experienced, knowledgeable ranger as they lead your family around our amazing forest and show them just how much grows under the trees!
Our ranger will help you to spot what forest food you can eat and foods you should not along the way…
Address
Cyclewise Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78711Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Address
Hassness Country House, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9XACockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
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…
Address
Keswick Museum, Station Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4NFTelephone
017687 73263Keswick
Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains. Giant map, musical stones and an immersive landscape gallery. Open daily 10-4.
Tourism For All
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Address
Herdwick Fold, Fornside Farm Cottages, St John's in the Vale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TSTelephone
017687 79173St 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.
Address
Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UWCumbria
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,…
Address
-Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Address
Hemmingways Angling Adventures, c/o Shundraw, St Johns in the Vale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RRTelephone
017687 78575St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Address
Swaledale Garth, Fornside Farm Cottages, St John's in the Vale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TSTelephone
017687 79173St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Swaledale Garth was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to six people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Keswick
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
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…
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
+447810890528Braithwaite, 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…
Address
Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5NNKeswick
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this site for nearly 1500 years. The present church was built in 118, with many interesting elements dating from the 12th to the 16th century. This church is…
Address
St John's Church, Ambleside Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DDTelephone
01539 266 200Keswick
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Aquarelle Guitar Quartet
Rossini Sinfonia from The Italian Girl in Algiers
Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol (arr. William Kanengiser)
Ariel Ramírez and Félix Luna Alfonsina y el mar
Traditional…
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