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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.
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
1st January | 11am-2pm £67 Welcome drink 90-minute all-you-can-eat slot Eastern & Western…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Keswick
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor leisure activity in the UK for centuries, enjoyed by both peasants and kings? And guess what? We’ve got you covered with different sized bows to fit…
Keswick
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come along on our intermediate navigation course to find out how.
Keswick
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been…
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…
Keswick
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully prepared food, elegant interiors, and service that gives you time to savour it all.
Braithwaite, Keswick
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 will hopefully also be able to stop for some amazing…
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…
Keswick
Discover the cultural landscape of the Lake District World Heritage Site on a gentle guided walk through the Stonethwaite Valley.
Join National Trust staff on a two hour guided walk through the peaceful Stonethwaite Valley and discover how local…
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…
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
2-night residential stay at Calvert Lakes (twin or family ensuite rooms). Full board and lots of starry themed activities including accessible star-gazing with Cockermouth Astronomical Society; indoor climbing; hydrotherapy pool & sauna; stomp…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for something unique to do this October half term with your Tribe? How about some outdoor activities packed with fresh air and adventure? Whether you're a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with…
Keswick
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.
Keswick
1st January | 11am-2pm
£67
Welcome drink
90-minute all-you-can-eat slot
Eastern & Western specialities
Relax and recover from all the New Year's Eve partying at our East Meets West buffet brunch, where you can enjoy wonderful live music performed…
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
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…
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At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes of a fairly uniform nature which when compared with the likes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on the other, eastern side, certainly lack that…
Keswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
Keswick
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and warm hospitality meet in a relaxed lakeside setting. From comforting classics to Sunday roasts, every meal is crafted with care.
Keswick
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to muster all your courage and agility to make it through this amazing course.
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