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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.
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.
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, Lake View exudes understated…
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better…
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with The Three Musketeers performed at the…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Buttermere
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere Valley. This unique experience blends classic Lake District hiking with exhilarating swims in the crystal-clear waters of Buttermere and Crummock,…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
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…
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
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Keswick
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Cumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
Keswick
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…
Keswick
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…
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Cumbria
An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and some wonderful Lake District views.
Keswick
On the anniversary of Tracy's passing (09.05.26), a group of friends and family will be walking from Keswick to the top of Catbells and back, in the beautiful Lake District. This journey will not only be a tribute to Tracy but also an opportunity to…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Walk with our Ranger 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 Wild Wednesday you can…
Keswick
Step into a world of glamour, espionage, and intrigue at this unforgettable James Bond–themed murder mystery dinner, brought to life by acclaimed troupe Highly Suspect.
Saturday 18 April 2026 Lodore Falls Hotel Arrivals from 6:30pm Tickets: £55…
Whinlatter 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…
Keswick
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better place to try it out than the stunning mountain scenery of the Lake District.
Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
To celebrate 50 years of the Lake District Calvert Trust, we're holding a golden anniversary Open Day!
Locals, guests, visitors and supporters are invited to our unique site at Little Crosthwaite to explore the Calvert Lakes activity centre and talk…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL