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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.
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
The 26/27 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Celebrate Christmas Day in the Lake District with an elegant and memorable 5-course Christmas Day…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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.
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…
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
B5289, Keswick
Join John Crouch, Cumbrian food historian, for a fascinating festive dining experience at The Borrowdale Hotel in the Borrowdale Valley, near Keswick.
This special four-course Christmas dinner explores the evolution of festive food through the…
Manesty, Borrowdale
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a rural location.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
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
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. The Red North and South loops put the mountain back into biking and have been built for experienced riders with good off-road skills and a higher level…
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…
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…
Keswick
Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable Jersey Boys Tribute Night, featuring live performances, a delicious two-course dinner and a complimentary welcome drink on arrival.
Start your evening with a complimentary welcome drink before enjoying a…
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most northerly of the lakes and is also one of the largest.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The 26/27 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…
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Keswick
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…
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
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!
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all our senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL