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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.
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Keswick
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this site for nearly 1500 years. The present church was built in 118, with many interesting elements dating from the 12th to the 16th century. This church is…
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Keswick
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley. Dating back to 1628, this charming pub offers hearty food, local ales, and warm hospitality. A popular stop for walkers on the Coast to Coast route,…
Keswick
1st January | 11am-2pm
£67
Welcome drink
90-minute all-you-can-eat slot
Eastern & Western specialities
Relax and recover from all the New Year's Eve partying at our East Meets West buffet brunch, where you can enjoy wonderful live music performed…
Cumbria
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable Crag), owes its existence to a colourful quarryman known as Moses Rigg.
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Are you brave enough to try the spooky night time trail?
West Cumberland Orienteering Club are bringing Spook-O back for 2025! This event is lots of fun for all the family, which is an easy to follow trail around the forest. Bring a good torch…
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Keswick
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. The Red North and South loops put the mountain back into biking and have been built for experienced riders with good off-road skills and a higher level…
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
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At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes of a fairly uniform nature which when compared with the likes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on the other, eastern side, certainly lack that…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting two high ropes…
Keswick
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the Corkscrew? Do you want to get soaked from head to toe? Then Ghyll Scrambling is the activity for you!
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power. Leo, the radiant fire sign ruled by the Sun, invites us to step into our full glory and celebrate our individuality. Traditionally known as the Snow…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Back in the 80s, Di, Viv and Rose are university housemates. Energetic and idealistic, they become friends – but where will life take them after that?
Filled with the iconic culture, fashion and music of the 80s, 90s and Noughties, Di and Viv and…
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