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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.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Keswick
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
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.
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
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️
Are you ready to take on one of the toughest and most scenic trail events in the Lake District?
Join Wild Deer Events in May 2026 for the Whinlatter Trail Half Marathon & 10K, a…
Trelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Keswick
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better place to try it out than the stunning mountain scenery of the Lake District.
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather permitting there…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's quieter and safer. Until one extraordinary day, a surprise visitor turns his lonely life upside down.
Told by a very special performer, with a…
Cumbria
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Grange, Keswick
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells.
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.
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Lake Rd, Keswick
It's the glitziest night of the year, and everyone wants to be there, from the great to the good.
The Bentleys are parked, the Jazz Band has arrived, and the magician is magic; so pick up your invite for this fundraising frenzy.
But behind the bow…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Cosy up for a Christmassy crafting experience in our snug yurt and create your own handmade Christmas wreath!
Wreaths, moss and natural products, ribbon etc. are provided. Bring along a pair of secateurs if you have them and any special bits you…
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