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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
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel Step into an evening of…
Sweet Harmony, a flowering of summer music performed by The Wordsworth Singers. Directed by Andy…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
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Number of results: 275
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Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
07904172349Braithwaite, Keswick
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing experience, inspired by 'Shinrin-yoku' the Japanese practice of restoring wellbeing through mindful connection with nature.
Forest bathing is not a hike or…
Address
Over Brandelhow, Fellside Holiday Cottages, Manesty, Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5UGTelephone
07584138682Manesty, Borrowdale
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a rural location.
Address
Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YLTelephone
017687 76599Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
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Address
Thirlmere Reservoir, Wythburn, CumbriaWythburn
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western bank of Thirlmere. Take the footpath that ascends through woodland from the back of the car park.
Address
The Borrowdale Hotel, B5289, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UYTelephone
017687 77224Keswick
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel has been a welcoming presence since 1866. Steeped in history and framed by dramatic crags, it’s the perfect base for lakeside strolls, lush temperate…
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Address
Cyclewise Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78711Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
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Address
Horse & Farrier, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SQTelephone
017687 79688Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
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Address
Watendlath Lane, Derwentwater, Keswick, CumbriaKeswick
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
Address
Brun Lea Guest House, 1-3 Stanger St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JUTelephone
017687 74247Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
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Address
Buttermere Lake, -, Buttermere, Cumbria, CA13 9XA.Telephone
015394 33826Buttermere
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake District. Buttermere itself is a stunning place to swim and the water is crystal clear, with that typical slate blue tint we know and love. The walking…
Address
Keswick, CumbriaCumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Address
Theatre by the Lake, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
+441768206076Keswick
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy.
So you start to make a list of everything that's brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for.
Ice cream
Water fights
Staying up past your bedtime and being…Address
Rosthwaite, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XBTelephone
017687 77248Keswick
The Good Hotel Guide "Best Hotel in North of England 2024"
Address
Buttermere, CumbriaCumbria
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its giant west face it's a complex range of deep cut gills and valleys ringed by high crags and fine grassy ridges.
Address
Theatre by the Lake, Theatre By The Lake, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
07525732421Lake 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…
Address
Cyclewise Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78711Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
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Address
Troutbeck Head Experience Freedom Glamping, Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SSTelephone
01342 777533Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
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Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
+447810890528Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
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Address
CumbriaFrom the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Address
Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RDTelephone
017687 76239Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
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