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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.
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
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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Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather permitting…
Braithwaite, Keswick
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️
Are you ready to take on one of the toughest and most scenic trail events in the Lake District?
Join Wild Deer Events in May 2026 for the Whinlatter Trail Half Marathon & 10K, a…
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.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Borrowdale, Keswick
The Lakeland Trial Vintage Car Rally returns to Honister for a spectacular day of classic motors, dramatic scenery, and mountain action.
See an incredible line-up of vintage sports cars tackle the steep climb of Honister Pass – one of the most…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
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.
Keswick
Our annual Craft Fair is back! As before, lots of locally made quality items will be on sale. Entrance is FREE! Stalls will be in the Village Hall and the nearby School Hall. Open 10am to 4pm. Why not include lunch at the Village Hall Coffee…
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.
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
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…
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
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.
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world is at rest, our dreams for the year ahead are beginning to form in readiness for the return of the sun at the upcoming winter solstice,…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's quieter and safer. Until one extraordinary day, a surprise visitor turns his lonely life upside down.
Told by a very special performer, with a…
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