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.
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is…
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
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
Number of results: 264
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Keswick
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Keswick
Not only is the Scafell Hotel in one of the most stunning locations in the Lake District, but great food, great wine, great beer and of course great service makes our 2 AA Rosette restaurant an eating destination.
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.
Troutbeck, Penrith
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
528 reviewsBassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1334 reviewsCockermouth
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery nights really are like no other. Seated on our stunning steam train and surrounded by 1930’s decor, you will be transported to an era gone by whilst the…
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.
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
565 reviewsKeswick
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
Keswick
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
Keswick
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that combines the power of nature, ancient rituals, and sisterhood bonding?
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won't disappoint those who love the Lakes. The runs are mainly on…
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.
Keswick
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL