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Ideally located at the northern end of Derwentwater, Keswick is one of the Lake District National Park's most northerly towns. Surrounded by fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra, it's popular with hikers who come for its vibrant feel, with plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants; and easy access to beautiful walking routes. It's also a great spot from which to explore this part of the National Park, including the valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere.
Rigth in the heart of the Lake District, at the same time Keswick is just 20 minutes from the M6 motorway, making it easy to reach. It's also accessible by bus, with regular services from places like Penrith train station and the south Lakes via the 555 bus route - one of the most scenic in the country! Nearby, you'll also find lakes and waters like Bassenthwaite, Thirlmere and Ullswater. Fancy a hike? There are Wainwrights including Latrigg, Cat Bells, Walla Crag and Skiddaw, as well as lower level routes including a walk around the entire of Derwentwater.
Did you know? Derwentwater once starred on the big screen! Alongside Bassenthwaite, it played the roll of the forested planet of Takodana in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
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'. The market charter, granted by Edward I, continues to this day with the popular Keswick Market attracting locals and visitors, and taking place every Thursday and Saturday.
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. Visitors can still learn about the not so humble pencil at the Derwent Pencil Museum.
In the centre of Keswick's Market Square stands the Moot Hall: a prominent, Grade II* listed historic building, which was built in 1813 and has an unusual one-handed clock. 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.
There is lots to do in Keswick, whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, a cultural escape, or simply want to explore this pretty market town.
Head to Theatre by the Lake for live theatre in a stunning setting on the shores of Derwentwater. Visit Keswick Museum to learn more about the town's history, enjoy a stroll around one of its pretty parks, or shop til you drop on its high street which is bustling with independent and national names.
Try your hand at a new skill, with outdoor adventure centres offering everything from archery to axe throwing; give watersports a go with a local guide; or head to nearby Whinlatter Forest for mountain bike trails, treetop adventures and more. This is also a fantastic place to explore on two wheels, with bike hire and cycling routes aplenty. Save the date for the annual Keswick Mountain Festival, which includes competitive races, live music, food stalls and a celebration of the great outdoors.
On Saturday 3 July 2027, Keswick will host a Stage 2 Start for the Tour de France Grand Départ - a once in a generation event not to be missed. Learn more here.
There are lots of places to eat and drink in and around Keswick, from cosy country pubs to Michelin star dining. In the town centre you'll find cafes serving speciality coffee and matcha, traditional tearooms offering home baked scones and a pot of tea, pubs like The Royal Oak, afternoon tea with a twist at Cafe Hope,and plenty more. Nearby, the Lingholm Kitchen serves brunch and lunch on the same estate where Beatrix Potter found inspiraton for Mr McGregor's garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
In the nearby Borrowdale Valley, visit places like Mary Mount Hotel, The Borrowdale Hotel, The Royal Oak Rosthwaite and Borrowdale Gates for dining with a view.
Michelin star dining can be found at The Cottage in the Wood, located in Whinlatter Forest and serving up creative dishes made using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and beyond.
Keswick is located in the Lake District National Park, on the northern shores of Derwentwater.
As a popular holiday destination, there are lots of accommodation options in Keswick to suit all tastes and budgets. From B&Bs to self catering cottages and apartments, lakeshore hotels to camping and glamping, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Keswick is easily accessible by car via the A66 from both the east and west, with easy access to Penrith and the M6 motorway which are just 20 minutes away. It's also accessible via the A591 from the south Lakes. For those travelling by public transport, regular bus services connect the town to key locations across the region, including the 555 bus which travels south to Kendal; the X4 / X5 which travel between Penrith and Workington; and the 553/553 which travel north to Carlisle. The closest mainline railway station is located at Penrith.
There are several public car parks in Keswick, alongside various short-stay disc parking zones on the streets. Visitors should note that parking regulations are strictly enforced, so it's important to check ticket expiry times carefully.
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.
Castlerigg Stone Circle - 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 - 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. There's an accessible path to a bench offering stunning views across Derwentwater.
Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel Step into an evening of…
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Celebrate the festive season in style at our Christmas Party Night with DJ Ryan, the perfect event…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
At Keswick Bridge, you will find a mixture of 1-3 bed lodges. We can cater for up to 8 guests (sofa…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel
Step into an evening of rhythm, flavour and atmosphere at our Salsa Steps: Dance & Dine Latin Night at the Skiddaw Hotel in the heart of Keswick.
Hosted by Diane and Ashia…
Portinscale
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale apartment is full of character and atmosphere. Framed by the house’s striking chimneys, this unique space comfortably sleeps four across two inviting…
Braithwaite, 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…
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).
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…
Braithwaite, 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…
Keswick
The Northern String Quartet is a highly acclaimed and award-winning ensemble based in the UK, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. Renowned for its versatility and musical excellence, the quartet has performed on prestigious platforms such as…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Keswick
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for people with disabilities. Set in the heart of the stunning Lake District, the centre offers fully accessible accommodation and…
Kendal
Born and raised on a farm in Zimbabwe in an Afrikaans family, Neels invites you to reminisce with him and explore the food and drink influences of this distinctive culture.
Afrikaners are descendants mainly of Dutch settlers, with significant…
Cumbria
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable Crag), owes its existence to a colourful quarryman known as Moses Rigg.
B5289, Keswick
Celebrate the festive season in style at our Christmas Party Night with DJ Ryan, the perfect event for dancing, dining, and getting into the Christmas spirit. Join us for an unforgettable evening of live DJ entertainment, featuring an energetic mix…
Wythburn
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western bank of Thirlmere. Take the footpath that ascends through woodland from the back of the car park.
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!
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
At Keswick Bridge, you will find a mixture of 1-3 bed lodges. We can cater for up to 8 guests (sofa bed in every lodge). We are Self Catering, and you will find all the amenities you need in your lodge. Relax in your open plan living dining kitchen…
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.
Buttermere
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake District. Buttermere itself is a stunning place to swim and the water is crystal clear, with that typical slate blue tint we know and love. The walking…
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