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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.
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Keswick
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
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…
Keswick
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…
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
To celebrate 50 years of the Lake District Calvert Trust, we're holding a golden anniversary Open Day!
Locals, guests, visitors and supporters are invited to our unique site at Little Crosthwaite to explore the Calvert Lakes activity centre and talk…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
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
On the anniversary of Tracy's passing (09.05.26), a group of friends and family will be walking from Keswick to the top of Catbells and back, in the beautiful Lake District. This journey will not only be a tribute to Tracy but also an opportunity to…
Loweswater is a small hamlet situated between Loweswater and Crummock waters. It is home to The Kirkstile Inn which has been providing food and shelter for some 400 hundred years, and now has it's very own brewery.
From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Buttermere
The Buttermere Swim Hike takes an exciting approach to wild swimming by combining one of our favourite swims, with one of our favourite lakeside walks. We've been swimming this route for over 10 years and yet it has never lost its appeal. How could…
KESWICK
Open evening to help shape a new Women's Institute for Keswick
Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
Portinscale
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house and steeped in history, Skiddaw served as a creative sanctuary for Beatrix Potter in the late 1890s. It was from these bedroom windows that she captured the view for her piece…
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Keswick
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and warm hospitality meet in a relaxed lakeside setting. From comforting classics to Sunday roasts, every meal is crafted with care.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join our volunteer ranger and bird enthusiast on a gentle stroll through the forest.
Suitable for beginners and anyone who wants to learn how to identify birds by their song.
No dogs, no babies/small children please.
£8 per person
10% discount…
Keswick
Join us for our fantastic Calvert Stables Open Day and experience the yard like never before. This family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to meet our ponies, explore our facilities, and learn more about what we offer. Throughout the day,…
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