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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.
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District.…
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through…
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at Borrowdale Gates Hotel, served daily 12–2.30pm with sandwiches,…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…


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.
Keswick
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel has been a welcoming presence since 1866. Steeped in history and framed by dramatic crags, it’s the perfect base for lakeside strolls, lush temperate…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest
Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and experience the powerful combination of heat, cold water and nature with our Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge sessions in Whinlatter Forest.
Set high among…
Portinscale
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm Estate, offering comfort, privacy, and plenty of room to unwind. Designed with togetherness in mind, The Lodge is perfect for large families or groups of…
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Lake Rd, Keswick
'Hay!' is the only word in our show – 'Hay!' like the stuffing in Geenie's scarecrow, 'Hay!' like the sound he makes when he comes to life and 'Hay!' his first word when he sees all the wonders of the natural world for the first time.
A show about…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Cumbria
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…
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,…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Keswick
We indulge our obsession with swimming around islands on the Derwentwater Island Hop, and there is no better place in the Lake District to do it. This is one of our swim guides' favourite swim; it's a real adventure, has amazing North Lakes views,…
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.
Keswick
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with giant bouncy castles, thrilling slides, obstacle courses, interactive games and a dedicated toddler area for little adventurers. Families book timed…
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
On the anniversary of Tracy's passing (09.05.26), a group of friends and family will be walking from Keswick to the top of Catbells and back, in the beautiful Lake District. This journey will not only be a tribute to Tracy but also an opportunity to…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…
Keswick
A comic radio play presented live on stage – with the help of the audience! Mad but fun! What is the mystery of the Pirate Lagoon? Join the crew of The Prospero on an adventure to find out. Will we find the treasure? Can we escape from the evil…
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).
Portinscale
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores of Derwentwater. This spacious home retains many of its original features, which add to its timeless charm and elegance.
Whether you are admiring…
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