Keswick - Lake District

It is easy to see whey the attractive market town of Keswick in the Lake District has been attracting visitors and inspiring poets, writers and artists for generations.

Idyllically situated at the tip of Derwent Water and under the majestic fells of Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Keswick is perfectly situated for exploring the Northern Lakes.

Keswick History

The valleys surrounding Keswick have a strong mining history for copper, slate at Honister Slate mine and perhaps, most famously, the graphite discovered in Borrowdale around 1550.

Derwent Pencils are renowned for their quality and the Pencil Museum in Keswick will lead you through how they lay claim to the manufacture of the world's first graphite pencil as well as other interesting local history.

A monument to the Poet Laureate Southey with an inscription by Williams Wordsworth can to be found inside Crosthwaite (St. Kentigern's) Parish Church. Southey is buried in the churchyard near the north side of the tower.

Ashness Bridge

A walk past the famous Cumbria Bridge, Ashness Bridge, and to the 'Surprise View' view point can neatly be combined with a trip on the Derwent Launch.
Find Derwent Launch/Walk details here.

Derwent Water

The Keswick-Launch company offers a great variety of boating activities. Combine lake cruises with walks, or take out a self drive or row boat or just simply relax on a cruise around the Lake.

Derwent Island

Access to this National Trust property depends on lake levels, because of this tickets are normally only sold three days in advance. Admission is by timed-ticket and there is also a children's self-guided tour around the island. Note that there are no public w.c. facilities on the island. For more information on opening times here is the National Trust website.

The Keswick Theatre - by the lake

The Keswick Theatre is an absolute treasure. Professional, spellbounding performances in a very friendly theatre. What's more there is a car park right outside the door.

The cafe at Theatre by the Lake is perfect for pre-show lunch or dinner (booking is normally necessary). From the Theatre there is a gentle stroll down to Derwent Water.

Find out What's On at The Keswick Theatre here.

Keswick Walks

There are many beautiful walks around the fells of Keswick. From the heights of Skiddaaw and Blencathra, to more leisurely saunters aroun the Castlerigg ancient circle of stones.

Find free downloadable walks around the Keswick Area here.