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.
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 257
, currently showing 241 to 257.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
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 to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…
COCKERMOUTH
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…
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
Keswick
CA family friendly venue (that includes the dog). Serving coffees, cakes, breakfast and lunch, alongside beautiful gardens and games.
Bassenthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
Keswick
Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made with local produce to ensure a great taste.
Keswick
Cumbria's 1st Lo and No bar. Brunch and amazing coffee by day, tapas and AF cocktails by night - both served with no regrets.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Swimming in the lakes is good for the mind, body and soul. Be at one with nature and join us for a swimming adventure with a coach and safety provision.
Keswick
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
Keswick
Set beautiful hope park, in the exclusive pods you will be served a classic afternoon tea that is perfect for any occasion, available 7 days a week.
Keswick
Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.
Keswick
Café Bar 26 is a fantastic eatery offering a 100% plant-based menu in the centre of Keswick.
Keswick
The Lake District's Specialist Cheese, Fine Foods, Wine and Gift Shop
Keswick
Our multi-award winning Social Enterprise Alpacaly Ever After are delighted to offer alpaca walks through the stunning private grounds of the Lingholm Estate.
Keswick
From breads, pies and pasties, to cakes, biscuits and sandwiches, this family-owned business has been producing quality produce on the same site in the heart of Keswick for 70 years.
Keswick
Lake Road Brunch is a popular spot in the centre of Keswick for breakfast, brunch, lunch and cocktails.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL