You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Keswick
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.
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Big abseils/ziplines down waterfalls, sliding down natural water shoots and scrambling down the…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days. Come and join us for a rare…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 257
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Keswick
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into England's only mountain forest (Whinlatter) and into beautiful remote trails in this amazing national park. A challenging but very rewarding early summer…
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Borrowdale Valley just off the main road which goes to Buttermere, The Scafell Hotel was formerly a coaching inn, frequented by travellers making the journey over Honister Pass from Keswick to Cockermouth.
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal session to round off the evening.
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
564 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
809 reviewsKeswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
Crow Park Road, Keswick
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around Derwentwater with an extra loop into the Newlands valley.
Organised by Keswick Rugby Club
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of year, preparing for the winter months ahead.
This is the time to welcome the darker months of the year, an opportunity for introspection and self…
-
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…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Cumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
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.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
866 reviewsPeaceful Buttermere, a valley of lakes and high mountains offering superb opportunities for quiet enjoyment in the heart of the Lake District.
Braithwaite, Keswick
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice.
Celebrating the release of the dark and return of the sun as from now on each new day grows longer.
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL