Visit Keswick: Best of Keswick, England Travel 2019

Keswick awaits: its lake views, parks, adventures and more!

Amid mountains and a lake, Keswick is a popular village in the Lake District. Browse the 700-year-old market and learn about the commune’s association with poets Samuel Coleridge and Robert Southey.

Experience the region’s creative scene at the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery. Its collections tell the story of the village’s social and industrial progression. Browse through galleries showcasing works by local artists and writers. Learn about the area’s history via exhibits of pre-historic tools, Roman ceramics and medieval relics.

See a 26-foot-long (8-meter) colored pencil at the Cumberland Pencil Museum. It is the former site of a large pencil manufacturing industry and has exhibits including gadget pencils from World War II. Participate in a workshop to draw with fine art pencils.

See the ornate interior and large organ of the medieval Crosthwaite Church. Look for the memorial to poet Robert Southey. Twelve consecration crosses are hung inside and outside the church.

Walk east for 1.6 mile (2.6 kilometers) from the village center to find the Castlerigg Stone Circle. The ceremonial site dating back to 3,000 B.C. is from the Neolithic period. Snap photos of the stones with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Aside from cultural highlights, the village is a common base for exploring spectacular terrain. Prepare for your ascent of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. Start climbing from Borrowdale for the most scenic route.

Between the mountain and Keswick lies the vast lake of Derwent Water. Enjoy views of the woodland surrounding the lake and the islands that decorate it. Rent a boat from the small marina near Keswick for an adventure on the water.

The village is north of Derwent Water in the northern section of the Lake District National Park. Take a bus or drive northwest for 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Windermere to reach the village. London is a bit more than 300 miles (500 kilometers) south.

Relish the diverse scenery and historic sites in Keswick, where natural beauty inspired some of England’s greatest poetry.

Known for

Lakes, Ferry and Hills

Pictures of Keswick

Image for Keswick which includes café lifestyle, signage and street scenes

Top hotels in Keswick

Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults

The Lodge In The Vale

£65/night

29 Aug-30 Aug

4.3/5Excellent! (84 reviews)

"Ideally situated for all the places we wanted to visit in the area. Only dislike was the noise from the road next to the hotel"…"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2019

The Lodge In The Vale

The King's Head Inn

£70/night

21 Aug-22 Aug

4.3/5Excellent! (109 reviews)

"It was easily accessible from Keswick. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. Unfortunately breakfast wasn’t being served until 8.30 and we needed to be away shortly after this time so we were unable to have breakfast. The bathroom was very small ( a bit like a cupboard!) but it was nice. ..."…"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2019

The King's Head Inn

The Derwentwater Hotel

£55/night

26 Aug-27 Aug

3.7/5Good! (143 reviews)

"Loved the location and veiw overlooking the lake, perfect for a long or just a overnight stay, the garden was a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the lakes"…"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2019

The Derwentwater Hotel

See all 186 properties in Keswick

Popular things to do in Keswick

Derwent Water

Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Derwent Water, a popular green space in Borrowdale. Amble around this relaxing area's lakeside and enjoy its lively bars.

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Enjoy a stop at Castlerigg Stone Circle, a landmark worth seeing in Keswick. Stroll along the lakeside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Top activities in Keswick

High Adventure from Keswick

£48

Discover the beautiful sights of the Western Lake District on this adventurous full-day tour. This tour will take you off the beaten track as you discover the magnificent scenery of the Lake District with its beautiful mountains and dramatic lakes.

Ten Lakes Spectacular from Keswick

£48

The Lake District is renowned for being the most beautiful corner of England, and this full-day tour introduces you to just that; a magnificent scenery of mountains, valleys, and lakes from the south to the north.

Full-Day Western Lake District Tour with Heritage Railway Ride from Windermere

£48

Take in the striking mountains and western fells of the Lake District on this guided full-day adventure. Travel steep roads through the Hardknott and Wrynose Passes, and take a ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway before seeing Wastwater Lake and historic Muncaster Castle's gardens.

Afternoon Half-Day Tour of Beatrix Potter Country and Places

£64

This afternoon tour starts with a visit to Wray Castle for spectacular scenery and lake views. This is the holiday home where Beatrix first visited and fell in love with the landscape and culture of the Lake District. You then visit Near Sawrey.

Ten Lakes Spectacular Tour

£48

Explore the famous lakes of the Lake District on this day tour that's packed with breathtaking natural scenery. With a guide, visit 10 of the most picturesque lakes in the region, rolling through spectacular mountains peaks lush valleys on the way.

Morning Half-Day Tour of Beatrix Potter Country and Places

£64

This morning tour starts with a visit to Wray Castle for spectacular scenery and lake views. This is the holiday home where Beatrix first visited and fell in love with the landscape and culture of the Lake District. You then visit Near Sawrey.

See all activities in Keswick

Keswick

United Kingdom