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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
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house and steeped in history,…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
We indulge our obsession with swimming around islands on the Derwentwater Island Hop, and there is…
Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains.…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 275
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Address
Manesty, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UGTelephone
017687 77216Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
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Address
Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RDTelephone
017687 76239Bassenthwaite
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…
Facilities
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Address
The Royal Oak at Keswick, Main St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5HZTelephone
017687 73135Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Address
Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop, The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BYTelephone
017687 80700Brewery 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.
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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.
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Address
Borrowdale Gates, The Borrowdale Gates, Grange, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UQTelephone
017687 77204Grange, Keswick
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells. Our menus celebrate the Lake District's glorious food heritage - contemporary, country house cooking with a lightness of touch that is wonderfully…
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Address
Lakeland Wellbeing, 3 The Heads, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5ESTelephone
0800 086 2644Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Tourism For All
Address
Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop, The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BYTelephone
017687 80700Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
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Address
Cumbria, CA12 5UYStunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Address
Cumbria, CA12 4QGA superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Address
Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5UYCumbria
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.
Address
Cumbria, Keswick, Little Crosthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QDTelephone
+441768772255Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters.
Escape to the Lakes this winter and immerse yourself in our Dark Skies experience. This themed weekend is ideal for those who love nature, serenity and are interested in the night sky. Our…
Address
The Lingholm Kitchen, The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 71206Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Address
Low Briery Holiday Park, Penrith Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RNTelephone
01768 772 044Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
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
Crow Park, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJKeswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
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Address
St John's Church, Ambleside Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DDTelephone
01539 266 200Keswick
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String Quartet
Ravel String Quartet in F
Elgar String Quartet in E minorKindly supported by Ian & Susan Pettman and the Haworth Trust
A journey from impressionistic…
Address
Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
07827298695Braithwaite, 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
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Address
Keswick, CumbriaCumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
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