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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
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through…
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes…
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains.…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Keepers Cottage was lovingly rebuilt in 2016 and now offers stylish four-bedroom accommodation with…
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and…
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters. Escape to the Lakes this winter and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 274
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
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
Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XNTelephone
017687 77230Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…Address
Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop, The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BYTelephone
017687 80700Brewery 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.
Tourism For All
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
Mary Mount Hotel, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UUTelephone
017687 77223Keswick
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes in the Lake District. Relaxed rooms, hearty food, dog-friendly, and welcoming service.
Address
Troutbeck Head Experience Freedom Glamping, Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SSTelephone
01342 777533Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Address
Rigg Barn, Fornside Farm Cottages, St John's in the Vale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TSTelephone
017687 79173St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Tourism For All
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.
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Address
-Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
Address
Rosthwaite, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XBTelephone
017687 77214Keswick
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…Tourism For All
Address
The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 74238Portinscale
Keepers Cottage was lovingly rebuilt in 2016 and now offers stylish four-bedroom accommodation with spectacular views of the surrounding fells, with the lake, playground, and squirrel hide just a short stroll away, it is perfectly placed for guests…
Address
The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 74238Portinscale
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores of Derwentwater. This spacious home retains many of its original features, which add to its timeless charm and elegance.
Whether you are admiring…
Address
Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0RUTelephone
01900 85219Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Tourism For All
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
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?
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
0782729869Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Full day workshops are designed for those looking to take their photography to the next level and learn how to get the most out of your photography equipment, be that an iPad or…Address
The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 74238Portinscale
Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned at the front of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. The elegant sitting room enjoys sweeping views across the main lawn towards Swinside…
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