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.
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice. Celebrating the…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, The Old Barn and Farm House…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Bassenthwaite 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,…
Cockermouth
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…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
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 reviewsBraithwaite, 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
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides to bring you this fantastic opportunity. A chance to sign up for the challenge of a lifetime and raise funds for your local Hospice at Home charity. We…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Keswick
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that combines the power of nature, ancient rituals, and sisterhood bonding?
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is our last push to get everything in order, before we head within for the winter months. Connecting with our intuition it is an opportunity for deep self…
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
256 reviewsKeswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a challenging guided walk through Great Wood.
Central Lakes
Big abseils/ziplines down waterfalls, sliding down natural water shoots and scrambling down the gorge . A fantastic day out if you want to test yourself and have an active/adventurous time too! Adults only and you must be fit and comfortable with…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1055 reviewsKeswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
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 reviewsCrummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Lake Rd, Keswick
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a guided walk along the accessible path on the Derwent Water shore.
Join ranger Roy as he guides you along Derwent Water, taking in the views across the…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
171 reviewsKeswick
This small and friendly guest house is located a short walk from the town centre and many of the rooms enjoy fine views of the surrounding fells. Bedrooms are well equipped and the breakfast room overlooks the small front garden.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
193 reviewsKeswick
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL