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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.
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house and steeped in history,…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the…
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 327
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Braithwaite, Keswick
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join our volunteer ranger and bird enthusiast on a gentle stroll through the forest.
Suitable for beginners and anyone who wants to learn how to identify birds by their song.
No dogs, no babies/small children please.
£8 per person
10% discount…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the
ordinary and head to Go Ape Whinlatter, set in the heart of Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and…
Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Buttermere
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere Valley. This unique experience blends classic Lake District hiking with exhilarating swims in the crystal-clear waters of Buttermere and Crummock,…
Cumbria
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its giant west face it's a complex range of deep cut gills and valleys ringed by high crags and fine grassy ridges.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…
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
Looking for some fun craft activities during May half-term? Come to the museum to make your own paper bag kites and wooden gliders, and listen to a story about kiteflying. There'll be plenty of time to build and decorate your creation, then let them…
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…
Keswick
Inside just got interesting.
Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is reimagined. Sound, story and digital exploration blend into a hands-on experience that's full of life, built for curious minds and restless feet of all ages…
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
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Kewswick
Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a homelessness charity supporting people in W Sussex!
Bikes, Boots, Boats
Sign up to take on this one-of-a-kind triathlon event, while raising vital funds for…
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
Keswick
Vintage acoustic jazz music from 1920's New York and sophisticated 1930's Swing. Plus the sound of the king of gypsy swing Django Reinhardt, the blues guitars of Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson, and the syncopated Latin rhythms of Argentinean Oscar…
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!
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Keswick
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…
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