Catbells. Derwentwater. Castlerigg Stone Circle. The Pencil Museum. Theatre by the Lake. Keswick is the Lake District's finest market town — and the best base for exploring the northern fells.
Keswick is the Lake District's finest market town — and one of the best bases for exploring the national park. Sitting at the northern end of Derwentwater, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Skiddaw, Blencathra, and the Helvellyn range, Keswick combines outstanding natural beauty with a thriving town centre full of excellent independent shops, restaurants, and pubs. Whether you're planning a day out in Keswick, a walking holiday, or a family trip, this is the town that has everything.
The best walk near Keswick is Catbells — a 451-metre fell on the western shore of Derwentwater that offers one of the finest panoramic views in the entire Lake District. It's the most popular fell walk in the north Lakes, and for good reason: it's accessible for most fitness levels, the views are extraordinary, and the descent back to the Keswick Launch pier means you can return by boat. Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the oldest and most atmospheric stone circles in Britain (3,000 BC), is a 20-minute walk from the town centre and is free to visit at any time.
Keswick also has a remarkable range of indoor attractions. The Derwent Pencil Museum tells the story of how the world's first pencil was made here in the 16th century — a genuinely fascinating museum for all ages. Theatre by the Lake is one of the most beautifully situated theatres in the world, with two stages and a year-round programme. The Keswick Museum covers the town's history from prehistoric times to the present. And for adventure, Whinlatter Forest — England's only true mountain forest — is just 3 miles from the town centre, with Go Ape, mountain bike trails, and red squirrel spotting.
Did You Know?
The world's first pencil was made in Keswick in the 16th century, after a large deposit of graphite was discovered near Borrowdale. For 200 years, Keswick had a monopoly on pencil production — and the pencils were so valuable they were individually wrapped in sheepskin.
Live data · Keswick receives more rainfall than the south Lakes — always pack a waterproof
Red = delays · The A66 from Penrith and the A591 from Windermere are the main approach roads — both can be busy on summer weekends
Select your travel style to see the best Keswick activities, walks, and attractions tailored for you.
Home of the world's first pencil. Enter through a replica graphite mine and discover the 500-year history of pencil-making in Keswick. Interactive exhibits, the world's largest pencil, and a great gift shop. One of the best family attractions in Keswick.
Hop-on-hop-off boat trips around Derwentwater, stopping at 7 landing stages. Children love the boats and the lake views. Combine with a walk on the western shore for a perfect family day out in Keswick.
Treetop adventure course in Whinlatter Forest, 3 miles from Keswick. Zip lines, rope bridges, and Tarzan swings through England's only mountain forest. Minimum height 1m. One of the best family activities near Keswick.
A world of optical illusions in the heart of Keswick. The Antigravity Room, the Ames Room, hologram gallery, and interactive exhibits. Brilliant for children and adults alike. A perfect rainy-day option.
The most popular fell walk in the north Lakes. A 3-mile circular from the Hawes End ferry landing. Two short scrambles but manageable for older children. Extraordinary views over Derwentwater and Keswick. Return by boat.
Whinlatter Forest is one of the best places in England to see red squirrels. Live cameras track the squirrels in the visitor centre. A magical wildlife experience for children.
Keswick has the best independent shopping and dining in the north Lakes.
One of Keswick's finest restaurants. Seasonal menu, excellent wine list, and a beautiful interior. Book well ahead for weekends.
Book a tableKeswick's legendary vegetarian and vegan café. Excellent food, great coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. A Keswick institution.
A superb café on the shore of Derwentwater. Excellent food, great views, and a beautiful setting. Open all day.
Visit websiteThe finest outdoor gear shop in the Lake District. Six floors of walking, climbing, and camping equipment. Expert staff who actually use the kit.
Visit websiteOne of the best markets in the Lake District, held every Thursday and Saturday. Local produce, crafts, street food, and more.
Award-winning ales brewed in the heart of Keswick. A great place to pick up local beers to take home.
Visit websiteOne of the oldest stone circles in Britain (3,000 BC). Free, open 24/7, and 20 minutes' walk from the town centre. Extraordinary.
Home of the world's first pencil. A genuinely fascinating museum for all ages.
Book ticketsOne of the most beautifully situated theatres in the world. Year-round programme on the shore of Derwentwater.
Book ticketsKeswick Mountain Festival
May · The UK's premier mountain festival · Talks, films, guided walks, and live music
Keswick Beer Festival
June · Annual real ale festival in the town centre · 100+ ales from across the UK
Keswick Agricultural Show
August · One of the finest agricultural shows in the north of England
Keswick Film Festival
Autumn · Annual film festival at Theatre by the Lake · Independent and world cinema
Autumn Colour on Derwentwater
Oct–Nov · The woodland around Derwentwater turns spectacular · Best seen from the Keswick Launch
Keswick Victorian Christmas Fair
Dec · One of the finest Christmas markets in the north of England · Held in the town centre
Winter Launches on Derwentwater
Year-round · The Keswick Launch runs year-round — winter sailings are magical and uncrowded
Keswick has several car parks within easy walking distance of the town centre and lake.
Closest to Derwentwater · Best for lake access
Fills quickly on summer weekends. Arrive before 9am.
Town centre · Good for shopping and market
Short walk to town · More spaces available
The 555 bus is the Lake District's most important bus route, connecting Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick. Fares capped at £2. Runs year-round. The best car-free way to reach Keswick from the south.
Direct trains from London, Manchester, and Glasgow to Penrith. The X4/X5 bus connects Penrith to Keswick in 45 minutes. Fares capped at £2.
Once in Keswick, the Keswick Launch provides hop-on-hop-off boat transport around Derwentwater. The best way to access Catbells, Lodore Falls, and the western shore without a car.
Launch timetableFrom a free mountain walk to a full luxury experience.
555 bus (£2) + Castlerigg Stone Circle (free) + packed lunch + Catbells walk (free). A full mountain day for under £5.
Parking + Keswick Launch + Pencil Museum + pub lunch. A thoroughly satisfying family day out in Keswick.
Parking + all-day launch pass + Go Ape Whinlatter + dinner at The Square Orange. The complete Keswick experience.
All-day launch + Lakes Distillery tour + Theatre by the Lake + fine dining. Keswick at its absolute finest.
Keswick has more indoor attractions than almost anywhere else in the Lake District.
The story of Keswick and the Lake District from prehistoric times to the present.
Visit17 miles south on the A591. Wordsworth's village — Dove Cottage, Grasmere Gingerbread, and Helm Crag.
View hub →18 miles east over Dunmail Raise. Ullswater Steamers, Helvellyn, and Aira Force waterfall.
View hub →22 miles south. The Lake District's most complete town — great restaurants, walks, and rainy-day options.
View hub →