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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.
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Lowther, Penrith
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning backdrop of Lowther Castle!
A wonderful event for the whole family, the talented Illyria Theatre Company celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in…
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Keswick
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
Portinscale
Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned at the front of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. The elegant sitting room enjoys sweeping views across the main lawn towards Swinside…
Keswick
Join Pete Jones, Cumbria Wildlife Trust Skiddaw Forest Project Manager, for an evening all about England's highest nature reserve. From the history of the site, through to future plans for restoring some of Britain's rarest habitats, this talk will…
Keswick
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley. Dating back to 1628, this charming pub offers hearty food, local ales, and warm hospitality. A popular stop for walkers on the Coast to Coast route,…
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…
Cumbria
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its giant west face it's a complex range of deep cut gills and valleys ringed by high crags and fine grassy ridges.
Keswick
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
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…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest, set among the rolling woodland just outside Keswick, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District scenery, with miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Create your own adventure or follow one of our waymarked routes, with a wide range of…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s best-kept secrets. Still producing the iconic Green Slate using traditional methods, its slate shop is a treasure trove of handcrafted homewares, gifts and…
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
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Keswick
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.
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