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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
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
The Northern String Quartet is a highly acclaimed and award-winning ensemble based in the UK,…
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Sweet Harmony, a flowering of summer music performed by The Wordsworth Singers. Directed by Andy…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
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Number of results: 275
, currently showing 181 to 200.
Address
Keswick, CumbriaCumbria
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,…
Address
Hassness Country House, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9XACockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor leisure activity in the UK for centuries, enjoyed by both peasants and kings? And guess what? We’ve got you covered with different sized bows to fit…
Address
The Salutation, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SQTelephone
01768779614Keswick
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…
Tourism For All
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…
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Address
Theatre by the Lake, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
+441768206076Keswick
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy.
So you start to make a list of everything that's brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for.
Ice cream
Water fights
Staying up past your bedtime and being…Address
Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0RUTelephone
01900 85219Cockermouth
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.
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Address
St John's Church, Ambleside Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DDTelephone
01539 266 200Keswick
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Aquarelle Guitar Quartet
Rossini Sinfonia from The Italian Girl in Algiers
Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol (arr. William Kanengiser)
Ariel Ramírez and Félix Luna Alfonsina y el mar
Traditional…Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
07827298695Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly 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…
Address
Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XNTelephone
017687 77230Borrowdale, Keswick
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s best-kept secrets. Still producing the iconic Green Slate using traditional methods, its slate shop is a treasure trove of handcrafted homewares, gifts and…
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…
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Address
-Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Address
Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78469Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Address
Mary Mount Hotel, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UUTelephone
017687 77223Keswick
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes in the Lake District. Relaxed rooms, hearty food, dog-friendly, and welcoming service.
Address
Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YLTelephone
017687 76599Cockermouth
Afternoon Tea on board the train at Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats is served to you…
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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
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
Theatre By The Lake, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
017687 74411Lake Rd, Keswick
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally acclaimed theatre, made with passion, in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
Tourism For All
Address
The Old Byre, Fornside Farm Cottages, St John's in the Vale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TSTelephone
017687 79173St John's in the Vale, Keswick
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to four people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
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