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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…
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Number of results: 275
, currently showing 221 to 240.
Address
7 St John's Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5APTelephone
017687 80571Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 700 dog-friendly cottages.
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…
Address
2 Greta Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4HSTelephone
017687 75918Keswick
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and Latrigg.
Address
Threlkeld Village Hall, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RXTelephone
+447931679654Keswick
The Northern String Quartet is a highly acclaimed and award-winning ensemble based in the UK, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. Renowned for its versatility and musical excellence, the quartet has performed on prestigious platforms such as…
Address
-Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
Address
Sunnyside Guest House, 25 Southey St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4EFTelephone
01768 772446Keswick
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TWKESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
Address
Watendlath, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5UWKESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Address
St. John's in the Vale, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 4TWKESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Address
Borrowdale, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5UUKESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 22 spaces.
Kettlewell is a small and popular pay-and-display car park on the shores of Derwent Water. A great place for water-sports, bring your canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, unload and set off for the islands.…
Address
Main Street, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NPKESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
Address
Borrowdale, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5XAKESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 60 spaces.
A large car park (approximately 60 spaces) with an access-for-all footpath to the quirky Bowder Stone, and a short stroll down to the river Derwent, good for wildlife watching.
Bowder Stone car park is 4¾…
Address
Carding Mill Lane, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NHKESWICK
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
Address
Otley Road, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5LEKESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
Address
Thirlmere, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 4TPKESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Address
Buttermere, Cumbria, CA13 9XAPay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Address
Loweswater, COCKERMOUTH, Cumbria, CA13 0RTCOCKERMOUTH
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
A half-mile level walk from Lanthwaite Wood car park is one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes. The woodland (a haven for red squirrels) suddenly opens up with a view right down Crummock…
Address
Heads Road Court, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5DNKESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
Address
Thirlmere, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 4TWKESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Address
Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TWKESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
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