Keswick is one of the top destinations in the Lake District. If you’re planning a holiday to the national park, then chances are you’re considering Keswick as a place to stay and maybe you have some questions about it.

As we live and breathe the town and its surrounding area, we thought we’d be the right people to give you some of the answers to the most commonly asked questions about Keswick.

Quick Navigation

• Where is Keswick
• How do You Pronounce Keswick?
• Which County is Keswick In?
• What is There to Do in Keswick?
• What Can You Do in Keswick When It’s Raining?
• Where to Eat in Keswick?
• What is the Nearest Lake to Keswick?
• What’s Keswick Like?
• What is Keswick Famous For?
• On What Days are Keswick Market Held?
• How Do You Get to Keswick?
• Why is Keswick Popular?
• Is Keswick North or South Lakes?
• What Does Keswick Mean?

Where is Keswick?

Keswick is a town in the North West of England, in the county of Cumbria. It’s about 45 miles south of the Scottish border, 20 miles from the coast, and 90 miles from Newcastle.

How do You Pronounce Keswick?

The ‘w’ is Keswick is silent so you pronounce the word ‘Kez-ik’, with the emphasis on the first half of the word.

Which County is Keswick In?

Keswick is in the county of Cumbria, and used to be part of the historic county of Cumberland, which no longer officially exists.

What is There to Do in Keswick?

You’ll never be short of things to do in Keswick! Walking is the most popular activity, but you can also cycle, go climbing, enjoy water activities, take a cruise on the lake, visit a museum, browse the shops, have a bite to eat, or catch a show at the independent cinema or theatre.

Read our pick of the top things to do in Keswick.

What Can You Do in Keswick When It’s Raining?

We think Keswick and the Lake District can be enjoyed whatever the weather! But if you want to keep dry, you can browse the many shops and art galleries, visit the Puzzling Place, learn about local history at the Keswick Museum or Pencil Museum, head to a nearby stately home like Mirehouse, or run about on our indoor adventure activities.

A water activity is also a fantastic option when it’s raining because you’re going to be wet anyway! Take a look at our top adventure activities to enjoy in the rain.

Where to Eat in Keswick?

Keswick is choc full of great cafés, pubs, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a quick snack or a full meal. There’s also a range of food to suit all tastes including Italian, Thai, traditional pub food, fish ‘n’ chips and Chinese. We have a guide to the best pizza in Keswick and the best pubs in Keswick (many of which serve good food too).

What is the Nearest Lake to Keswick?

Keswick’s nearest lake is Derwentwater, which the town sits right next to.

Another lake, Bassenthwaite Lake, is also a 5-minute drive away.

What’s Keswick Like?

Keswick is a beautiful town surrounded by the famous mountains of the Lake District, including Skiddaw, Blencathra and Catbells. It sits on the lake of Derwentwater and has many buildings clad in the local green slate.

The centre of town is a pedestrianised high street with a mix of independent and chain stores, as well as art galleries, museums, eateries and attractions. It has a laid back nightlife that centres around pubs, restaurants and a couple of bars.

The town has a vibrant tourism industry and is popular throughout the year, making it a great place to visit in ever season.

What is Keswick Famous For?

Keswick is famous for its location, which is surrounded by incredible Lake District scenery including mountains and the beautiful lake of Derwentwater. It’s known as the adventure capital of the UK because of its easy access to a range of outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking, ghyll scrambling, and cycyling.

Other things Keswick is famous for include its connection to the poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey, the nearby stone circle of Castlerigg, Keswick Convention, and the World’s Biggest Pencil!

On What Days are Keswick Market Held?

Keswick’s popular market takes place on Saturdays throughout the year, and on Thursdays between February and December.

It’s set up in the the pedestrianised centre of town and includes a range of stalls selling everything from food to clothes, gifts to shoes, and garden ornaments to home décor.

How Do You Get to Keswick?

Keswick is fortunately easily accessible. Most likely, you will need to take the M6 to Penrith and then go west on the A66 for around 16 miles until you turn off into Keswick (which is well signposted).

Depending on your starting point, you may also travel to Scotch Corner on the A1(M) and then go west along the A66 until you reach Keswick.

An longer but more scenic route is through the South Lakes via Kendal and Windermere. This is very picturesque but the road can get very busy during peak season.

Why is Keswick Popular?

Keswick really is fantastic, and we’re not just saying that! It has it all: beautiful Lake District scenery, indoor and outdoor activities, its own lake, popular mountains nearby, and a buzzing atmosphere throughout the year. There’s plenty of accommodation and things to do, and the town is easily accessible both for the wider Lake District and the rest of the UK.

Is Keswick North or South Lakes?

Keswick is in the North Lakes. It’s one of the only towns in the national park, and the most northerly.

What Does Keswick Mean?

It’s generally thought that the word Keswick comes from Old English, meaning “farm where cheese is made”. You can get some delicious dairy products from a lovely little cheese deli in town.

Got any more questions about Keswick, the Lake District, or outdoor activities? Head over to our Facebook page to ask.