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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.
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
The Lake District is known for being the home of Rock Climbing, so why not try your hand at this…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
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…
Keswick
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of year, preparing for the winter months ahead. This is the time to welcome the darker months of the year, an opportunity for introspection and self…
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Keswick
Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
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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
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!
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
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…
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…
Keswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
A 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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Help save the day as we pull The Enormous Turnip out of the ground before it takes over the planet!
Living in their tiny shed squeezed in amongst the garden tools, Mr and Mrs Chickweed's amazing prize-winning vegetables have taken over everything!…
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 there…
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…
Keswick
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…
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
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