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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
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at Borrowdale Gates Hotel, served daily 12–2.30pm with sandwiches,…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
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Number of results: 282
, currently showing 261 to 280.
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
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 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…
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
Carding Mill Lane, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NHKESWICK
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
Address
Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DGKeswick
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…
Address
Watendlath, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5UWKESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Address
Borrowdale, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5UNKESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
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.
Keswick
CA family friendly venue (that includes the dog). Serving coffees, cakes, breakfast and lunch, alongside beautiful gardens and games.
Tourism For All
Address
Swim on the Wild Side, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
017687 85135Lake 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.
Tourism For All
Address
The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 78328Keswick
Our multi-award winning Social Enterprise Alpacaly Ever After are delighted to offer alpaca walks through the stunning private grounds of the Lingholm Estate.
Address
32 Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DQKeswick
Lake Road Brunch is a popular spot in the centre of Keswick for breakfast, brunch, lunch and cocktails.
Address
42 Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JJKeswick
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
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Sun Inn, The Rake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4QPTelephone
01768776439Bassenthwaite
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.
Address
Nichol End Marine, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TYTelephone
017687 73082Keswick
Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.
Tourism For All
Address
The Keswick Cheese Deli, 9 Packhorse Ct, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JBTelephone
01768773377Keswick
The Lake District's Specialist Cheese, Fine Foods, Wine and Gift Shop
Address
26 Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DQKeswick
Café Bar 26 is a fantastic eatery offering a 100% plant-based menu in the centre of Keswick.
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