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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.
53k and 23k trail running races.
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Tartini - Violin Sonata in G minor 'Devil's Trill' Walton - Sonata for violin and piano Saint-Saëns…
The Buttermere Swim Hike takes an exciting approach to wild swimming by combining one of our…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing…
Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District…
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 303
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Lake Rd, Keswick
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally acclaimed theatre, made with passion, in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District scenery, with miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Create your own adventure or follow one of our waymarked routes, with a wide range of…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Lake Rd, Keswick
13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, by linking them all together. You can choose between one trail distance: 2 Valleys (22km) and three ultra…
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
St John's St, Keswick
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and independent cinema from across the world for those who love films and the beautiful setting of the Lake District.
Cumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day
Come and join The Conscious Self for a wellness day like no other! Deep in the heart of the forest we will connect to nature and community!
Step into the woods and let your system exhale…
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Cumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
Cockermouth
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.
Portinscale
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale apartment is full of character and atmosphere. Framed by the house’s striking chimneys, this unique space comfortably sleeps four across two inviting…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop
Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment is a perfect setting in which to 'dip your toe' into the world of landscape photography.
You'll explore different elements and techniques of landscape…
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get Crafty!
Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great way to finish off your day in the forest with a simple but creative memento to take away!
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
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