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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
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters. Escape to the Lakes this winter and…
Welcome to the farm. In The Farmer's Wife, one day holds a lifetime. Three generations of women…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
At Keswick Bridge, you will find a mixture of 1-3 bed lodges. We can cater for up to 8 guests (sofa…
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Number of results: 282
, currently showing 221 to 240.
Address
Kestrel Lodge Campsite, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QXTelephone
01539 267030Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Address
Horse & Farrier, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SQTelephone
017687 79688Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
Tourism For All
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
Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YLTelephone
017687 76599Cockermouth
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…
Tourism For All
Address
Lakeland Wellbeing, 3 The Heads, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5ESTelephone
0800 086 2644Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Tourism For All
Address
-Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Address
Hassness Country House, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9XACockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Address
Borrowdale Gates, The Borrowdale Gates, Grange, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UQTelephone
017687 77204Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
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Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
01603 895500Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Address
The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YETelephone
017687 76234Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Tourism For All
Address
The Lingholm Kitchen, The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 71206Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Address
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Address
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UXTelephone
017687 77285Keswick
Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable Jersey Boys Tribute Night, featuring live performances, a delicious two-course dinner and a complimentary welcome drink on arrival.
Start your evening with a complimentary welcome drink before enjoying a…
Address
Theatre By The Lake, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
+441768206076Keswick
When tragedy strikes, courage blossoms.
The death of a much-loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women's Institute to do something extraordinary: create a nude calendar to raise money for charity.
News spreads fast…
Address
Main Street, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NPKESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
Address
Rosthwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5XBKESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Address
Thirlmere, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 4TWKESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Address
Borrowdale, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5UUKESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
Address
Elliott Park, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NZKESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.Address
Lake Road, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5DGKESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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