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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.
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…
An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and…
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
Discover the work of acclaimed artist Julian Cooper at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria,…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly 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…
Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Keswick
53k and 23k trail running races.
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,…
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
Portinscale
Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering comfortable and versatile accommodation for families or groups that's perfectly positioned to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding fells.
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Braithwaite, 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…
Keswick
Step into a world of glamour, espionage, and intrigue at this unforgettable James Bond–themed murder mystery dinner, brought to life by acclaimed troupe Highly Suspect.
Saturday 18 April 2026 Lodore Falls Hotel Arrivals from 6:30pm Tickets: £55…
Lake Rd, Keswick
'Hay!' is the only word in our show – 'Hay!' like the stuffing in Geenie's scarecrow, 'Hay!' like the sound he makes when he comes to life and 'Hay!' his first word when he sees all the wonders of the natural world for the first time.
A show about…
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
Buttermere
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere Valley. This unique experience blends classic Lake District hiking with exhilarating swims in the crystal-clear waters of Buttermere and Crummock,…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
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
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…
Keswick
Tartini - Violin Sonata in G minor 'Devil's Trill'
Walton - Sonata for violin and piano
Saint-Saëns - Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso
A deal with the devil might just be needed not only to match Tartini's fiendishly challenging writing and…
Portinscale
Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned at the front of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. The elegant sitting room enjoys sweeping views across the main lawn towards Swinside…
Bassenthwaite
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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