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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.
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
The Lake District is known for being the home of Rock Climbing, so why not try your hand at this…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Join Pete Jones, Cumbria Wildlife Trust Skiddaw Forest Project Manager, for an evening all about…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 247
, currently showing 101 to 120.
Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Braithwaite, 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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new dimension to trail running: it is both wild and peaceful at the same time.
Your senses become razor sharp and you become aware of your heartbeat pounding…
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched!
Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
This series…
Keswick
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the length of Derwentwater.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
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…
Keswick
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
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