You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Keswick
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.
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars.…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather permitting…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather permitting there…
Keswick
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…
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Keswick
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the town center, Derwentwater and Theatre by the Lake.
Keswick
Come along to the Alhambra for a unique opportunity to watch the film and enjoy a post-screening Q&A with local artist Dorothy Ramsay herself.
This insightful 47-minute film delves into the vibrant life and evocative work of Dorothy Ramsay, a Lake…
Cockermouth
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite offers a heartfelt Cumbrian welcome that has stood the test of time for over two centuries.
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Keswick
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
Braithwaite, 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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power. Leo, the radiant fire sign ruled by the Sun, invites us to step into our full glory and celebrate our individuality. Traditionally known as the Snow…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. The Red North and South loops put the mountain back into biking and have been built for experienced riders with good off-road skills and a higher level…
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
Keswick
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of year, preparing for the winter months ahead. This is the time to welcome the darker months of the year, an opportunity for introspection and self…
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL