You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Keswick
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.
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Hornfels Brass is a Cumbrian based quartet comprising of highly experienced musicians who have…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
To celebrate 50 years of the Lake District Calvert Trust, we're holding a golden anniversary Open…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest! The walk will cover up to 4 miles…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 257
, currently showing 141 to 160.
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.
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
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!
Keswick
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering life-changing Bible teaching, worship and fellowship, with fantastic Kids & Youth programme for 3-18 year olds, in the heart of the beautiful Lake…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s best-kept secrets. Still producing the iconic Green Slate using traditional methods, its slate shop is a treasure trove of handcrafted homewares, gifts and…
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.
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
Cumbria
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…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
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.
Cockermouth
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.
Trelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
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…
Cumbria
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange from part way down Honister Pass and nips behind the craggy ramparts of Castle Crag. It's a great descent on a mountain bike with a consistent…
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…
Cumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Swaledale Garth was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to six people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Keswick
Vintage acoustic jazz music from 1920's New York and sophisticated 1930's Swing. Plus the sound of the king of gypsy swing Django Reinhardt, the blues guitars of Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson, and the syncopated Latin rhythms of Argentinean Oscar…
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
To celebrate 50 years of the Lake District Calvert Trust, we're holding a golden anniversary Open Day!
Locals, guests, visitors and supporters are invited to our unique site at Little Crosthwaite to explore the Calvert Lakes activity centre and talk…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL