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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
Number of results: 275
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Address
Horse & Farrier, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SQTelephone
017687 79688Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
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…
Tourism For All
Address
Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78469Braithwaite, 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…
Address
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UXTelephone
017687 77285Keswick
Join us for a lively summer afternoon of country music, Texan barbecue and outdoor entertainment at the beautiful Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa in the Lake District.
Set on the stunning terraces overlooking Derwentwater and award-winning gardens, our…
Address
Keswick, CumbriaCumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
Keswick
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the…
Tourism For All
Address
-Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.
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
The Cottage In The Wood, Magic Hill, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78409Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Tourism For All
Address
Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RDTelephone
017687 76239Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Tourism For All
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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
Keswick Launch Co, Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
017687 72263Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Keswick
Thirlmere's 76th show! Everyone is welcome to join the cut and thrust of the competitions or come and share the buzz when the doors open at 2.30pm on Saturday 1 August. The WI teas are second to none and this year we also have music from the North…
Address
Troutbeck Head Experience Freedom Glamping, Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SSTelephone
01342 777533Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and challenging peaks in the area. Our expert team will not only show you the way, but also teach you valuable map reading skills and share fascinating…
Address
Buttermere, CumbriaCumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Address
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, B5291, Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RETelephone
01768 776551Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Tourism For All
Address
Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BNTelephone
01768772071Keswick
Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel
Step into an evening of rhythm, flavour and atmosphere at our Salsa Steps: Dance & Dine Latin Night at the Skiddaw Hotel in the heart of Keswick.
Hosted by Diane and Ashia…
Address
-Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.
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…
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