Don't Miss
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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.
Culture & Heritage
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.
Keswick Market
In 1276 Edward I granted the town its market charter, and it continues to this day. Keswick Market is one of the many popular markets around Cumbria and brings many locals and visitors to the town. The general market stands every Saturday and Thursday.
Moot Hall
In the centre of the Market Square is the Moot Hall a prominent, Grade II* listed historic building, which was built in 1813 and has an unusual one-handed clock. A "moot hall" is an Anglo-Saxon name for a meeting place or assembly building. 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.
Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham showing the Moot Hall in the centre of the Market Square.
Surrounding Areas
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.
Sharp Edge is prized as one of the finest and most challenging of all the ridges rising to the summit, whereas Wainwright claimed that Narrow Edge was the finest way to any mountain top in the district.
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.
Highlights
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Aquarelle Guitar Quartet Rossini Sinfonia from…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars.…
A welcoming leisure and spa destination for locals and guests alike, featuring pool, gym, tennis…
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…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Born and raised on a farm in Zimbabwe in an Afrikaans family, Neels invites you to reminisce with…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with The Three Musketeers performed at the…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at Borrowdale Gates Hotel, served daily 12–2.30pm with sandwiches,…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District.…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Search
- Accommodation
- Things to Do
- What's On
- Food & Drink
-
Towns & Villages
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 275
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YLTelephone
017687 76599Cockermouth
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Castle Inn Hotel & Spa, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RGTelephone
017687 76401Keswick
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings, roaring fireplaces and hearty food in a relaxed, home-from-home setting. Originally part of a coaching inn dating back to 1770, it’s the perfect place to…
Address
-Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.
Address
Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XNTelephone
017687 77230Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…Address
The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZTelephone
017687 74238Portinscale
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house and steeped in history, Skiddaw served as a creative sanctuary for Beatrix Potter in the late 1890s. It was from these bedroom windows that she captured the view for her piece…
Address
Bridge Hotel, Lake District National Park, The English, Buttermere, Cumbria, CA13 9UZTelephone
017687 70252The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
Tourism For All
Address
Cyclewise Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78711Braithwaite, 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…
Tourism For All
Address
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…
Address
Cafe Ambio Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
01768778410Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Tourism For All
Address
Buttermere, CumbriaCumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Keswick
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Address
Theatre By The Lake, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJTelephone
+441768206076Keswick
Welcome to the farm.
In The Farmer's Wife, one day holds a lifetime. Three generations of women from the same family – a daughter, a mother and a grandmother – share a kitchen, their stories overlapping as the past and present sit side by side…
Address
Cumbria, Keswick, Little Crosthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QDTelephone
+441768772255Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters.
Escape to the Lakes this winter and immerse yourself in our Dark Skies experience. This themed weekend is ideal for those who love nature, serenity and are interested in the night sky. Our…
Address
Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0RUTelephone
01900 85219Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Tourism For All
Address
Crow Park, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJKeswick
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!
Tourism For All
Address
Thirlmere, --
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…
Address
-Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and challenging peaks in the area. Our expert team will not only show you the way, but also teach you valuable map reading skills and share fascinating…
Address
Keswick, CumbriaCumbria
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…
Address
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, B5291, Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RETelephone
01768 776551Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Tourism For All
You may also like
Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Ratings Powered By
© Cumbria Tourism