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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.
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
1st January | 11am-2pm £67 Welcome drink 90-minute all-you-can-eat slot Eastern & Western…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
Keswick
Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Keswick
CA family friendly venue (that includes the dog). Serving coffees, cakes, breakfast and lunch, alongside beautiful gardens and games.
Keswick
Café Bar 26 is a fantastic eatery offering a 100% plant-based menu in the centre of Keswick.
Keswick
Lake Road Brunch is a popular spot in the centre of Keswick for breakfast, brunch, lunch and cocktails.
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
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
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
Keswick
The Lake District's Specialist Cheese, Fine Foods, Wine and Gift Shop
Keswick
Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made with local produce to ensure a great taste.
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
Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.
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.
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
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.
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