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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
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest! Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
The Northern String Quartet is a highly acclaimed and award-winning ensemble based in the UK,…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Welcome to the farm. In The Farmer's Wife, one day holds a lifetime. Three generations of women…
Join us for an arty day at Whinlatter. Let the forest inspire your little ones to create your own…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores…
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at Borrowdale Gates Hotel, served daily 12–2.30pm with sandwiches,…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 282
, currently showing 101 to 120.
Address
Keswick, CumbriaCumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…Address
The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YETelephone
017687 76234Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Tourism For All
Address
Rowling End, Nr Stair, Newlands Valley, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TSTelephone
07584138682Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
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…
Address
The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 74238Portinscale
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…
Address
Theatre By The Lake, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
017687 74411Lake 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.
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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
Cyclewise Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78711Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
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Address
Derwentwater Marina, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5RFTelephone
017687 72912Keswick
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.
Address
Grange Bridge Cottage, Grange, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UQTelephone
07748 682989Keswick
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…
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
The Lake District is known for being the home of Rock Climbing, so why not try your hand at this extreme sport! Conquer a fear and get up close and personal with some of the incredible local landscape all whilst under the watchful eye of our…
Address
Castlerigg, Keswick, Cumbria, CA10 2AATelephone
0191 2691200Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
Address
Cumbria, CA12 5UYStunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Address
-Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.
Address
Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YLTelephone
01768776599Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth
A fun, relaxed, interactive wine tasting exploring the range of wines produced in Spain. No food served at this event.
Address
Rosthwaite, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XBTelephone
017687 77214Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
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Address
Newlands Bridge, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
0191 384 1116Keswick
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.
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Address
The Borrowdale Hotel, B5289, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UYTelephone
017687 77224Keswick
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…
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Address
Keswick, CumbriaTelephone
01539 822222Cumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
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