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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
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house and steeped in history,…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
We indulge our obsession with swimming around islands on the Derwentwater Island Hop, and there is…
Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains.…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
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Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 275
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Derwentwater, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UXTelephone
017687 77285Keswick
Join us at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa in Borrowdale for a relaxed and stylish brunch club in the heart of the Lake District, set within the award-winning Mizu Pan-Asian Restaurant.
Your ticket includes:
Welcome drink on arrival
Two-course brunch at…
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
07904172349Braithwaite, Keswick
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing experience, inspired by 'Shinrin-yoku' the Japanese practice of restoring wellbeing through mindful connection with nature.
Forest bathing is not a hike or…
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Address
The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 74238Portinscale
Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering comfortable and versatile accommodation for families or groups that's perfectly positioned to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding fells.
Address
Buttermere, CumbriaCumbria
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its giant west face it's a complex range of deep cut gills and valleys ringed by high crags and fine grassy ridges.
Address
Glaramara Hotel, Seatoller, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XQTelephone
017687 77222Keswick
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…
Tourism For All
Address
Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RDTelephone
017687 76239Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Tourism For All
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
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Address
CumbriaFrom the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Address
Derwentwater Marina, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5RFTelephone
017687 72912Keswick
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.
Address
Keswick Bridge, Brundholme Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4NLTelephone
017687 73591Keswick
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…
Address
Seatoller, Honister Pass, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XNTelephone
017687 77634Keswick
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley. Dating back to 1628, this charming pub offers hearty food, local ales, and warm hospitality. A popular stop for walkers on the Coast to Coast route,…
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.
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Address
St John's Church, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DDTelephone
07780 682373Keswick
Sweet Harmony, a flowering of summer music performed by The Wordsworth Singers. Directed by Andy McTaggart with pianist Dida Contra.
Tickets £14 (cash only) from Bookends, Keswick, from choir members or reserve your place via www.wordsworthsingers…Address
Lakeland Wellbeing, 3 The Heads, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5ESTelephone
0800 086 2644Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
Tourism For All
Address
Over Brandelhow, Fellside Holiday Cottages, Manesty, Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5UGTelephone
07584138682Manesty, Borrowdale
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a rural location.
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
-Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
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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.
Address
Castle Inn Hotel & Spa, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RGTelephone
017687 76401Keswick
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings, roaring fireplaces and hearty food in a relaxed, home-from-home setting. Originally part of a coaching inn dating back to 1770, it’s the perfect place to…
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