You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Keswick
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.
Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District…
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
The Lake District is known for being the home of Rock Climbing, so why not try your hand at this…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes…
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 221 to 240.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain!
Ho-Ho-Honister is back for 2025 with even more festive magic. Journey aboard the Honister bus into the heart of the fells before venturing underground with one of…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of year, preparing for the winter months ahead. This is the time to welcome the darker months of the year, an opportunity for introspection and self…
Cumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
Braithwaite, 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…
B5289, Keswick
27th November
£75 per person
Unleash your festive creativity this Holiday season with our Christmas Wreath Masterclass at The Borrowdale! Led by the talented Debra from Evergreen Florist, this immersive 2-hour workshop will teach you the art of…
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.
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
Keswick
Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Keswick
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 40 spaces.
At 350m altitude, this is a good place to gain height before heading for the summits or to start a downhill walk and catch the bus back up.
The car park is off the B5289 at the summit of Honister Pass between…
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL