Keswick Area Guide

The pretty market town of Keswick is the most northerly town in the Lake District.

Surrounded by mountains such as Skiddaw and Blencathra and on the edge of Derwentwater, it is an incredibly picturesque location with plenty to do on the doorstep.

Keswick has become increasingly popular with people looking to relocate for lifestyle benefits and second homeowners looking to own their own small slice of the Lake District.

The town appeals to all age groups with a fantastic array of shops, pubs and restaurants and attractions such as the Pencil Museum, Theatre by the Lake, galleries and of course the many outdoor pursuits including walking and water sports. Keswick is now one of the main centres of outdoor activity in the UK.

If you are new to the area or have lived here your entire life, contact our team of local experts today to discuss how we can support you during your property search.

Explore everything Derwentwater has to offer

At 3 miles long, 1 mile wide and 72 feet deep, Derwentwater is one of the principle bodies of water in the Lake District National Park. A short stroll from Keswick town along well maintained footpaths, you can walk the eight miles around the lake.

If you prefer being on the water, you can take a 50 minute round the lake cruise. There are seven landing stages, and you can hop on and off to combine a walk and a boat ride.

Though there is plenty of activity with several sailing and windsurfing centres and rowing boats, and motor boats for hire, Derwentwater is remarkably scenic and peaceful.

Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by the Lake is one of the most beautifully situated theatres in the world, located on the banks of Derwentwater it is a year round busy centre for performing arts.

With two stages, the theatre is renowned for creating top notch theatre productions, as well as serving the local community with all sorts of artforms and festivals.

Next to the theatre is the newly renovated Lakeside Restaurant which without a doubt has the best views in the country. Combine great food and drink and you have the ingredients for a wonderful visit.

Catbells

Catbells is one of the most popular fells in the Lake District. Being described as 'mini mountain' it appeals to all age groups and walking abilities. It is easily accessible from Keswick with plenty of amenities such as Lingholm Estate and the popular village of Portinscale at its base for refreshments before or after a walk.

The panoramic views at the top of Catbells over the town of Keswick and Derwent Water and the Lake District beyond are universally loved.

Commuting

Keswick is easily reached by road and rail:

By Road

Keswick is easily reached via junction of the M6 (Penrith) and the A66 or via the A1 and the A66. For a scenic route coming from the South leave the M6 at junction 36 and take the A591 through Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Using motorways from Manchester it takes approximately 2 hours, whilst from the Midlands Keswick is around a 3 hour drive. The average journey time from London is approximately 5 1/2 hours.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Keswick is Penrith, on the West Coast Main Line, a distance of 17 miles. A bus service, taking forty minutes, connects Penrith railway station with Keswick Bus Station. The historic Settle to Carlisle Railway line brings passengers from Yorkshire via the Eden Valley.

Schools

Keswick is well served for nursery, primary and secondary schools with in the town and in the surrounding local villages. Many children also travel to nearby Penrith for secondary school.

The town also has a private school, Keswick School which offers boarding and day places.