Keswick & Derwentwater
Keswick / Derwentwater
The central town of the northern Lake District and Derwentwater, the “Queen of the Lakes,” dotted with small islands and surrounded by beautiful peaks such as Catbells.
Keswick is the main town of the northern Lake District. It has a Saturday market, a pencil museum and a theatre, and it is the best base for exploring the northern lakes. Lakeside Derwentwater is a ten-minute walk south of town. Friar’s Crag, on the lakeshore, is a classic viewpoint, praised by Ruskin as one of the most beautiful sights in Europe. Keswick Launch boats sail both clockwise and anticlockwise around Derwentwater. The full circuit takes about 50 minutes, and you can get off at any pier and walk. The most popular short hike is Catbells, at about 451 m on the western shore. Take the boat to Hawse End pier, and the round trip takes about 2 to 3 hours. From the ridge, you can see the whole of Derwentwater, which suits visitors of average fitness. In good weather, you can also drive over Honister Pass to Buttermere.
Opening hours
Open all day; boats approx. 09:00–17:00 (fewer in winter)
Nearby sights
- Catbells
- Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Honister Pass & Slate Mine
- Helvellyn
- Buttermere
- Scafell Pike
- Great Langdale
- Grasmere & Dove Cottage