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.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Keswick
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private gardens and access straight on to the fells.
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
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in four acres of landscaped gardens. The perfect base for a relaxing break exploring the town and further afield, the hotel offers…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2337 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of struggling up hills then now is your chance to try cycling with a difference.
This Breeze ride in the Forest is a women only "E-BIKE" ride, ( normal…
Keswick
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and heal. But why jump when you can walk across it..?
Keswick
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
966 reviewsBassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
870 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At 19k long and rising to over 500m, the Altura Trail puts the mountain back into biking
Troutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a 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 reviewsBorrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1715 reviewsCumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsBraithwaite
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 reviewsThe loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Lake Rd, Keswick
A high-flying adventure for all the family…
Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends his boyhood days running wild with his wolf friends and hunting with the pack.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL