Keswick on Derwentwater

Keswick, the name of which derives from Old English for a cheese farm, is pronounced "Kezzick". Keswick is one of the most popular resorts in the Lake District. Although the town has old roots, it expanded rapidly as a tourist centre after the railway was built in 1865. Alas, the railway was closed in the 1970s and replaced by a modernised A66 which bypasses the town to the North - Visit the excellent website www.dokeswick.com for more information on the town

Back in the 16th century, Keswick was a prosperous mining centre as the resources of the hills were extracted. Charcoal was obtained from the forests around, and the remains of many charcoal pits can be found today in Borrowdale's woods. Peat was available from the fells to fuel the furnaces at Keswick. Lead, copper and silver were produced, in part by the German Miners. Graphite was mined too, and so began the Keswick pencil industry which continues today. The pencil factory is open to the public - www.pencils.co.uk

Keswick and the local area have a vast array of events including a Jazz Festival, a Beer Festival, the religious convention and much more - Please visit our events page

The famous Theatre by the Lake is located on Lake Road just 100 yards from the Keswick boat landings. The popular theatre stages numerous professional plays throughout the year aswell as concerts, talks and exhibitions - Visit their website for details.

Keswick has an excellent reputation for outdoor clothing and sporting equipment but there are many other shops and galleries to keep you interested. There is a cinema showing the latest films (aswell as being host to the Keswick Film Club), the Keswick museum at Fitz Park, Cars of the Stars motor museum and much more.

The award winning town parks host tennis courts, bowls, a minature golf course and superb gardens. Crow Park is located on the shores of Derwentwater and is a popular sunbathing area in Summer. Located beside the Theatre, the field overlooks the lake and town.