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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.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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.
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…
Keswick
Mikron Theatre company return with another of their humorous, entertaining and educational musical dramas. This time we invite you to enter a world of secrets, songs and cyphers as we get to know the heroes of Hut 3 at Bletchley Park where the code…
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…
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.
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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
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Keswick
1st January | 11am-2pm
£67
Welcome drink
90-minute all-you-can-eat slot
Eastern & Western specialities
Relax and recover from all the New Year's Eve partying at our East Meets West buffet brunch, where you can enjoy wonderful live music performed…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Come and join The Conscious Self at the Woodland Reset for some grounding, conscious, connecting & mindful time in nature to reconnect and rewild yourself!
Join in at Whinlatter Forest for a day of nature, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Explore the…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Join world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo who makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic, and has performed around the world with legends like Bjork, Ed Sheeran and Rudimental.
Their 5-star sell-out show Shlomo's Beatbox Adventure for…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting two high ropes…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing here at Whinlatter.
The evening will start with a gentle run/jog/walk, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Keswick
Looking for something fun-filled, action-packed and adventurous this autumn? Back for 2025, Sundown Adventures makes a return to Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District. Experience tree top thrills in a whole new light for a limited time between 17th…
Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
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.
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