Cottages in Keswick

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a cottage in Keswick?
• Cottages in Keswick: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Keswick: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Keswick?

• A cottage in Keswick pairs traditional Lakeland character with cosy comfort, from slate-fronted terraces to fell-side retreats with a wood burner glowing after a long day's walking.
• Stay in Keswick town for shops and amenities, along the Derwentwater shore for lake views, or out in Borrowdale and the Newlands Valley for peace among the fells.
• Guests love the easy access to the water and mountains, the pet-friendly welcome, and being able to stroll into town for a pub supper.
• Late spring and early autumn bring quieter trails and golden light, while summer suits families and winter offers snug fireside evenings.
• Fill your days with lake cruises, fell walks up Catbells, ancient stone circles and a show at the Theatre by the Lake.

Cottages in Keswick range from compact town-centre terraces to spacious farmhouses tucked beneath the fells, so there is a retreat to suit every kind of stay. Whether you are travelling as a couple or a large family, a self-catering cottage gives you the freedom of your own hearth and kitchen.

• Many cottages feature a wood burner or open fire, perfect for warming up after a day on the fells.
• Enclosed gardens and patios give you space to relax outdoors with a view of the surrounding hills.
• Pet-friendly cottages mean the whole family, four-legged members included, can come along.
• Some retreats offer a hot tub for a soak beneath the Cumbrian stars.
• Boot rooms and walking-boot-friendly entrances make light work of muddy trails.

What are the best areas to stay in Keswick?

Each corner of Keswick has its own character, from the bustle of the market town to the quiet farms of the Newlands Valley. The table below sets out the best areas to help you choose the base that suits your trip.

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently praise the warm welcome and the comfort of their cottages, highlighting spotless interiors, well-equipped kitchens and thoughtful touches such as a stack of logs for the fire. Many mention how easy it is to reach the lake and the fells on foot, and how relaxing it feels to return to a peaceful retreat each evening. Families appreciate the extra space, while couples enjoy the snug, romantic boltholes dotted around the valleys.

Keswick sits at the heart of the northern Lake District, cradled between the shimmering waters of Derwentwater and the mighty bulk of Skiddaw. This lively market town has long been a favourite base for walkers, paddlers and families, thanks to its easy access to some of England's finest fells and one of its most beautiful lakes. Cobbled streets, independent shops and welcoming pubs give the town plenty of charm, while the surrounding valleys offer endless scope for adventure.

🥗Where to eat in Keswick?

According to Google Maps reviews, Fabrica is one of the best rated restaurants in Keswick. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers the Wilson family rate The Round, a lively pub on Main Street: the perfect place to sample a hearty farmhouse recipe and regional Cumbrian ales, reflecting the valley's home-cooked heritage.

1. Walk around Derwentwater
2. Climb Catbells
3. Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle
4. Take a launch cruise on the lake
5. Explore Borrowdale
6. Catch a show at Theatre by the Lake
7. Discover the Derwent Pencil Museum

1. Walk around Derwentwater

   The circuit of Derwentwater is one of the finest low-level walks in the Lake District, tracing roughly ten miles of shoreline past wooded bays, jetties and pebble beaches. You can tackle the whole loop or hop on and off a launch to shorten the route. Along the way you will pass Friar's Crag, a celebrated viewpoint, and quiet spots perfect for a picnic. Keep an eye out for red squirrels in the woods and herons stalking the shallows as you go.

2. Climb Catbells

   Catbells is arguably the most beloved fell in the region, a shapely ridge rising steeply from the western shore of Derwentwater. The climb is short but rewarding, with a little easy scrambling near the top and panoramic views over the lake, the Newlands Valley and distant Skiddaw. It is an ideal introduction to fell walking for families and first-timers, though sturdy footwear is essential. Set off early to enjoy the summit in peace before the popular path fills up.

3. Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle

   Set on a hill just outside Keswick, Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of Britain's oldest and most dramatically located ancient monuments. Around forty stones form the ring, encircled in turn by a magnificent panorama of fells including Skiddaw, Blencathra and Helvellyn. Erected some five thousand years ago, its purpose remains a mystery, adding to the atmosphere. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical, when the low light casts long shadows across the grass and the crowds have thinned.

4. Take a launch cruise on the lake

   The Keswick Launch offers a relaxing way to experience Derwentwater from the water, calling at a handful of jetties around the shore. You can enjoy a full circular cruise or use the boat to reach the start of a walk, hopping off at Hawes End for Catbells or High Brandelhow for the woods. The commentary points out landmarks and wildlife along the way. On a still day the reflections of the fells in the water are simply breathtaking.

5. Explore Borrowdale

   Often called the loveliest valley in England, Borrowdale unfolds south of Keswick in a tapestry of oak woods, tumbling becks and craggy fells. Highlights include the precariously balanced Bowder Stone, the pretty hamlet of Grange and the wild upper reaches around Seathwaite, one of the wettest places in England. Walkers can strike out for Castle Crag or the high passes, while gentler strolls follow the river. The narrow lanes and drystone walls make even a quiet drive a delight.

6. Catch a show at Theatre by the Lake

   Overlooking Derwentwater, the Theatre by the Lake is one of the most beautifully situated playhouses in the country. It hosts a year-round programme of drama, comedy, music and family shows across two auditoriums, drawing acclaimed productions and touring companies alike. The setting makes an evening here feel special, with the fells as a backdrop and a friendly café-bar for a pre-show drink. It is the perfect way to round off a day on the water or the hills.

7. Discover the Derwent Pencil Museum

   Keswick is the birthplace of the pencil, and the quirky Derwent Pencil Museum tells the story of how local graphite sparked an industry. Exhibits include the world's longest colouring pencil, wartime secret pencils that hid maps, and hands-on activities that delight younger visitors. It makes a wonderful rainy-day option when the fells are shrouded in cloud. Round off your visit in the shop, where you can pick up a set of the famous Cumbrian pencils to take home.