Keswick viewed from Walla Crag, with the Skiddaw range behind, Derwentwater to the left and Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance
A holiday in Keswick puts you in the heart of the Northern Lake District, with breathtaking walks from the front door and a market town full of shops, restaurants and cosy pubs to explore.
In 2017 the entire Lake District was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, praised for its traditional farming techniques, landscape and the inspiration it has provided to generations of artists. The fells, lakes and farms of the Lake District have joined the likes of the Taj Mahal, Petra and the Statue of Liberty as sites of cultural significance, and that beauty and inspiration is all around.
Keswick lies at the feet of the Skiddaw mountain range. From Crow Cottage it's 'only' a four mile walk to the 931 metre high summit where on a clear day the views are stunning in all directions. But you don't have to climb England's sixth highest mountain for a good view. Also from the front door you can reach the summits of Latrigg and Walla Crag which both offer views across Derwentwater and down into the Borrowdale Valley. And it's only a 15 minute walk to the shores of Derwentwater where you can catch one of the seasonal Keswick launch cruises, hire your own rowing boat, walk along the lakeside or simply feed the ducks.
The view across Derwentwater to Catbells from Friars Crag, a short, level walk from Keswick centre
The town is centred around the Moot Hall and pedestrianised Market Square, where a busy market selling local food and crafts operates every Thursday and Saturday. You'll find a list of our favourite galleries, restaurants and pubs in Crow Cottage, as well as some links on this site for some places where you might want to book ahead.
Beyond Keswick the whole Lake District is yours to explore by car, or by using the excellent bus services that connect the town with Penrith, Cockermouth, Borrowdale and southwards to Grasmere, Ambleside and Windermere.
The drive from Keswick to Buttermere via the Honister Pass is one of our favourites, travelling alongside Derwentwater through to the Borrowdale Valley before climbing up through the pass to Honister Slate Mine. From here it's a steep, twisting road down to Buttermere through a high-sided valley walled with slate and scree reminiscent of a scene from The Lord of the Rings.
Back at Honister you can take a tour of the mine or embark on one of their challenging Via Ferrata tours, where you latch onto a safety cable and follow in the original, precarious footsteps of the early slate miners.
The Honister Pass, viewed from Honister Slate Mine
Close to Ullswater, the Aira Force waterfalls are just a 25 minute drive away from Keswick.
From the large National Trust car park it's a relatively easy woodland route to this thundering set of waterfalls, and there's a well stocked tearoom close to the start. For an extended walk, continue past the waterfall and embark on a 4 mile circuit taking in Gowbarrow Fell and the shores of Ullswater before returning to Aira Force.
Aira Force
Gowbarrow Fell
We love the Lakes, and you'll find details of all our favourite walks
and places to visit at Crow Cottage.