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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.
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
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.
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Keswick
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with immediate access to superb walks and forest trails. Located on a lower slope of Skiddaw mountain.
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting two high ropes…
Keswick
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…
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
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,…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Keswick
Community Apple Day. Bring along your own apples to press into apple juice, or come and share!
Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
2-night residential stay at Calvert Lakes (twin or family ensuite rooms). Full board and lots of starry themed activities including accessible star-gazing with Cockermouth Astronomical Society; indoor climbing; hydrotherapy pool & sauna; stomp…
Loweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing here at Whinlatter.
The evening will start with a gentle run/jog/walk, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna…
Keswick
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…
Keswick
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering life-changing Bible teaching, worship and fellowship, with fantastic Kids & Youth programme for 3-18 year olds, in the heart of the beautiful Lake…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to four people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
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