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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.
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of Borrowdale, to enjoy prolonged dips in the delightful pools of Langstrath and Stonethwaite Beck. The highlight of the day is a swim in the fabled Black…
Cumbria
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells. They are gentler and run off in great sweeps to an area of high moors and rolling hills known collectively as the 'Back o' Skidda'. The only features…
Cumbria
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of the best routes up the mountain. To get to it you have to deal with the intervening corries and hills and this is what makes it special. They provide…
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!
Keswick
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String Quartet
Ravel String Quartet in F
Elgar String Quartet in E minor
Kindly supported by Ian & Susan Pettman and the Haworth Trust
A journey from impressionistic…
Cockermouth
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.
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
Keswick
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and challenging peaks in the area. Our expert team will not only show you the way, but also teach you valuable map reading skills and share fascinating…
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…
Grange, Borrowdale
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at Borrowdale Gates Hotel, served daily 12–2.30pm with sandwiches, warm scones, cakes and fine teas, all enjoyed with stunning Borrowdale Valley views.
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.
Braithwaite, 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…
Braithwaite, 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…
Portinscale, Keswick
"Time to connect with yourself and nature"
IKEBANA -Japanese Flower Art/Arrangement- is one of the finest ways to connect with oneself and nature.
A journey through the beautiful estate to gather seasonal treasures. We will wander, discover hidden…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking' addition to Go Ape Whinlatter's Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra…
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
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
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Keswick
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria's premier cinematic event, bringing the best in international and independent cinema from across the world. We are also proud to call ourselves the friendly film festival, run by a team of volunteers dedicated to…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
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