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.
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
Cockermouth Mechanics' Band is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 256
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works. Enjoy a sophisticated café culture serving local artisan coffee by Carvetti, speciality teas, handmade chocolates by Huttons of Windermere and some of…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 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
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Keswick
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4, having lounge, kitchen, bath/shower room, double, king-size (2 with en suite) and twin bedrooms. Fine fell views and private parking.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviewsBraithwaite, 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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
154 reviewsKeswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Keswick
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes from the town centre. All rooms are very well furnished with ensuite facilities.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
434 reviewsKeswick
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.
Keswick
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but also a wide selection of quality kids toys to play, learn and discover.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest. At the shortest day, we take our lead from Mother Nature; slowing down our bodies and minds to the rhythm of the forest.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days.
Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit the processing mill at Force Crag Mine.
To make this event more inclusive, we would like to offer transport for those who may have…
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
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
Cockermouth
Join us for celestial exploration of flavour for one night only, Saturday 4th May 2024.
To celebrate the launch of Galáxia, you are invited to join us at the distillery for an evening of stargazing and whisky tasting. Co-hosted by local…
Borrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1708 reviewsCumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Cumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new. Join an instructor-led session to learn the basics of paddleboarding before enjoying the freedom to explore more of Derwent…
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL