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Ideally located at the northern end of Derwentwater, Keswick is one of the Lake District National Park's most northerly towns. Surrounded by fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra, it's popular with hikers who come for its vibrant feel, with plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants; and easy access to beautiful walking routes. It's also a great spot from which to explore this part of the National Park, including the valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere.
Rigth in the heart of the Lake District, at the same time Keswick is just 20 minutes from the M6 motorway, making it easy to reach. It's also accessible by bus, with regular services from places like Penrith train station and the south Lakes via the 555 bus route - one of the most scenic in the country! Nearby, you'll also find lakes and waters like Bassenthwaite, Thirlmere and Ullswater. Fancy a hike? There are Wainwrights including Latrigg, Cat Bells, Walla Crag and Skiddaw, as well as lower level routes including a walk around the entire of Derwentwater.
Did you know? Derwentwater once starred on the big screen! Alongside Bassenthwaite, it played the roll of the forested planet of Takodana in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
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'. The market charter, granted by Edward I, continues to this day with the popular Keswick Market attracting locals and visitors, and taking place every Thursday and Saturday.
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. Visitors can still learn about the not so humble pencil at the Derwent Pencil Museum.
In the centre of Keswick's Market Square stands the Moot Hall: a prominent, Grade II* listed historic building, which was built in 1813 and has an unusual one-handed clock. 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.
There is lots to do in Keswick, whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, a cultural escape, or simply want to explore this pretty market town.
Head to Theatre by the Lake for live theatre in a stunning setting on the shores of Derwentwater. Visit Keswick Museum to learn more about the town's history, enjoy a stroll around one of its pretty parks, or shop til you drop on its high street which is bustling with independent and national names.
Try your hand at a new skill, with outdoor adventure centres offering everything from archery to axe throwing; give watersports a go with a local guide; or head to nearby Whinlatter Forest for mountain bike trails, treetop adventures and more. This is also a fantastic place to explore on two wheels, with bike hire and cycling routes aplenty. Save the date for the annual Keswick Mountain Festival, which includes competitive races, live music, food stalls and a celebration of the great outdoors.
On Saturday 3 July 2027, Keswick will host a Stage 2 Start for the Tour de France Grand Départ - a once in a generation event not to be missed. Learn more here.
There are lots of places to eat and drink in and around Keswick, from cosy country pubs to Michelin star dining. In the town centre you'll find cafes serving speciality coffee and matcha, traditional tearooms offering home baked scones and a pot of tea, pubs like The Royal Oak, afternoon tea with a twist at Cafe Hope,and plenty more. Nearby, the Lingholm Kitchen serves brunch and lunch on the same estate where Beatrix Potter found inspiraton for Mr McGregor's garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
In the nearby Borrowdale Valley, visit places like Mary Mount Hotel, The Borrowdale Hotel, The Royal Oak Rosthwaite and Borrowdale Gates for dining with a view.
Michelin star dining can be found at The Cottage in the Wood, located in Whinlatter Forest and serving up creative dishes made using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and beyond.
Keswick is located in the Lake District National Park, on the northern shores of Derwentwater.
As a popular holiday destination, there are lots of accommodation options in Keswick to suit all tastes and budgets. From B&Bs to self catering cottages and apartments, lakeshore hotels to camping and glamping, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Keswick is easily accessible by car via the A66 from both the east and west, with easy access to Penrith and the M6 motorway which are just 20 minutes away. It's also accessible via the A591 from the south Lakes. For those travelling by public transport, regular bus services connect the town to key locations across the region, including the 555 bus which travels south to Kendal; the X4 / X5 which travel between Penrith and Workington; and the 553/553 which travel north to Carlisle. The closest mainline railway station is located at Penrith.
There are several public car parks in Keswick, alongside various short-stay disc parking zones on the streets. Visitors should note that parking regulations are strictly enforced, so it's important to check ticket expiry times carefully.
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.
Castlerigg Stone Circle - 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 - 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. There's an accessible path to a bench offering stunning views across Derwentwater.
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Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
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The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 274
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Nr Cockermouth
Loweswater Agricultural Show is a traditional Lake District country show set in the stunning Loweswater Valley, bringing together the best of Cumbrian farming, food and rural life. Enjoy livestock classes, equestrian competitions, local produce,…
Portinscale
Keepers Cottage was lovingly rebuilt in 2016 and now offers stylish four-bedroom accommodation with spectacular views of the surrounding fells, with the lake, playground, and squirrel hide just a short stroll away, it is perfectly placed for guests…
Keswick
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
B5289, Keswick
Step back in time and celebrate the festive season at our unforgettable Christmas Party Night with vintage vocalist Miss Pearl. Eat, drink, and be merry as you enjoy a night of live entertainment, festive dining, and timeless music spanning from the…
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.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and sleeps up to four people.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to four people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Keswick
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the Corkscrew? Do you want to get soaked from head to toe? Then Ghyll Scrambling is the activity for you!
Portinscale
Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the north side of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. Enjoy breathtaking views across the lake and surrounding fells from the light-filled open-plan…
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…
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Cumbria-wide
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Cumbria
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get onto the ridge the walk along its craggy and boulder strewn crest is superb. The setting is magnificent with wide ranging views across Ennerdale to…
Station Rd, Keswick
Discover 200 years of Rock Climbing history, from the earliest scrambles to the modern sport we know today at our latest community gallery exhibition, in partnership with the Mountain Heritage Trust.
To honour this incredible milestone, the…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
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.
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Keswick
Coming soon to Rookery Woods is a festive adventure play experience. With Zipline, Slides, Maze, Soft Archery, Castles, Dens and more it’s the Rookery Woods everyone knows and loves with a festive twist. There is also an elf hunt, can you help Santa…
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
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