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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.
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the…
1st January | 11am-2pm £67 Welcome drink 90-minute all-you-can-eat slot Eastern & Western…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Cumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's quieter and safer. Until one extraordinary day, a surprise visitor turns his lonely life upside down.
Told by a very special performer, with a…
Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
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,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover up 5 - 7 miles in the forest and out on to the fell tops just outside the forest bounds, depending on the weather and conditions.
This is a more challenging event…
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
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.
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Cumbria
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange from part way down Honister Pass and nips behind the craggy ramparts of Castle Crag. It's a great descent on a mountain bike with a consistent…
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
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District scenery, with miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Create your own adventure or follow one of our waymarked routes, with a wide range of…
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Keswick
Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure at BounceFest, where your kids are in for a non-stop 90 minutes of pure, energetic thrill! From bouncing babies to high-flying toddlers and all the way up to the dynamic 12-year-olds, our inflatables and…
Keswick
Discover the cultural landscape of the Lake District World Heritage Site on a gentle guided walk through the Stonethwaite Valley.
Join National Trust staff on a two hour guided walk through the peaceful Stonethwaite Valley and discover how local…
KESWICK
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and tranquillity, it can be traced back to the mid 16th century, although it was substantially refurbished in the 1840s.
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
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