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.
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars.…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
Join our crafty team in the Visitor Centre for free drop in craft activities. A great way to finish…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
"Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
The full Buck moon aligns with the potent & virile energy of the young buck, bringing strength,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
, currently showing 241 to 260.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wheatsheaf pub.
A 50p charge applies for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 40 spaces.
At 350m altitude, this is a good place to gain height before heading for the summits or to start a downhill walk and catch the bus back up.
The car park is off the B5289 at the summit of Honister Pass between…
-
Blencathra boasts two of the Lake District's finest ridges, Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell Ridge. Sharp Edge is the more technical of the two and is usually viewed with mixed emotions; its lofty position and fine sculpted crest have the capacity to…
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Keswick
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wild Strawberry, Keswick.
A £1 donation to Another way environmental charity is requested for use of this facility.
Nr Keswick
Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 22 spaces.
Kettlewell is a small and popular pay-and-display car park on the shores of Derwent Water. A great place for water-sports, bring your canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, unload and set off for the islands.…
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
COCKERMOUTH
2 electric bike charging points, located at Bassenthwaite Lake Station Cafe. Charging facility is provided free to paying customers only, in exchange for a donation to a chosen charity which will change each year.
KESWICK
A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL