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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
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel Step into an evening of…
Sweet Harmony, a flowering of summer music performed by The Wordsworth Singers. Directed by Andy…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
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Number of results: 275
, currently showing 241 to 260.
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
Bassenthwaite, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QENr Keswick
Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…
Address
Buttermere, Cumbria, CA13 9UZPay & Display car park with 50 spaces.
The Buttermere National Trust car park lies a few hundred metres to the north of the village of Buttermere, which itself nestles between the two lakes of Buttermere (to the south) and Crummock (to the north).
Address
Main Street, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5JDKESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Address
Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TWKESWICK
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…
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
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
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.
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
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
Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78469Keswick
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.
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.
Address
Seatoller, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5XNKESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Address
Carding Mill Lane, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NHKESWICK
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
Address
Buttermere, Cumbria, CA13 9XAPay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Address
Seatoller, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5XNKESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 40 spaces.
At 350m altitude, this is a good place to gain height before heading for the summits or to start a downhill walk and catch the bus back up.
The car park is off the B5289 at the summit of Honister Pass between…
Address
Watendlath, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5UWKESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Address
Elliott Park, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NZKESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.Address
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78469Keswick
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) – please pay on exit.
Address
Thornthwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5SJKESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
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