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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
Walk with our ranger with your little ones and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at Borrowdale Gates Hotel, served daily 12–2.30pm with sandwiches,…
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with The Three Musketeers performed at the…
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through…
Sleuth your way through the forest and use clues to help you identify all the wonderful creatures…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Join us at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa in Borrowdale for a relaxed and stylish brunch club in the…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 282
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78469Braithwaite, Keswick
Walk with our ranger with your little ones and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the forest!
Whinlatter is a red squirrel reserve and we like to make sure our fantastic reds have lots of food to munch on to keep them strong and healthy. This…
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…
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
Bridge Hotel, Lake District National Park, The English, Buttermere, Cumbria, CA13 9UZTelephone
017687 70252The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
Tourism For All
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
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
Keswick, CumbriaCumbria
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…
Keswick
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Address
Cyclewise Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78711Braithwaite, 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…
Tourism For All
Address
Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5NNKeswick
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this site for nearly 1500 years. The present church was built in 118, with many interesting elements dating from the 12th to the 16th century. This church is…
Address
Borrowdale Gates, The Borrowdale Gates, Grange, Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5UQTelephone
017687 77204Grange, Borrowdale
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at Borrowdale Gates Hotel, served daily 12–2.30pm with sandwiches, warm scones, cakes and fine teas, all enjoyed with stunning Borrowdale Valley views.
Address
Lingholm Estate, Lingholm Lodge, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
01768772255Portinscale, Keswick
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with The Three Musketeers performed at the gorgeous Lingholm Estate, on the outskirts of Keswick.
A wonderful event for the whole family, the talented Illyria Theatre Company celebrates this…
Address
The Borrowdale Hotel, B5289, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UYTelephone
017687 77224Keswick
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel has been a welcoming presence since 1866. Steeped in history and framed by dramatic crags, it’s the perfect base for lakeside strolls, lush temperate…
Tourism For All
Address
Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5UYCumbria
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of the best routes up the mountain. To get to it you have to deal with the intervening corries and hills and this is what makes it special. They provide…
Address
Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop, The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BYTelephone
017687 80700Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
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…
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
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78469Braithwaite, Keswick
Sleuth your way through the forest and use clues to help you identify all the wonderful creatures that live here at Whinlatter.
Our ranger will help your little ones with hints and tips as you explore this amazing place.
Suitable for children…
Address
Cafe Ambio Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
01768778410Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Tourism For All
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…
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