Keswick campsites

Situated on the northern edge of Derwentwater lies the market town of Keswick, a favourite destination in the Lake District thanks to its central location, stunning lakes, mountain scenery, and peaceful atmosphere.

Whether you want to explore woodland trails, climb the Cumbrian fells, discover literary landmarks or relax by the water, campsites in Keswick offer the perfect base for your next adventure.

Start with a gentle walk along the shores of Derwentwater, surrounded by views of Blencathra and the surrounding fells. The lake is also a hub for watersports, attracting swimmers, paddleboarders and kayakers throughout the year. Don't worry, if you don’t have your own equipment, you can hire a rowing boat, canoe or paddleboard from Derwent Water Marina and explore the lake at your own pace.

For a more relaxing experience, take a 50-minute cruise with Keswick Launch. The boat circles the lake’s four islands - Derwent, Lord’s, Rampsholme (famous for its wild garlic in spring) and St Herbert’s. You can even hop on and off at several jetties to continue your journey on foot. From Keswick, it’s also easy to visit other iconic Lake District lakes - Bassenthwaite lies to the northwest, Thirlmere to the south and Ullswater further east. 

For those who enjoy fishing, Derwentwater is another great haven. Anglers can cast a line for perch, trout or pike, or try their hand at fly fishing (just remember to have the correct permits first).

Beyond the water, the fells surrounding Keswick offer walks for all abilities, from lakeside paths to tougher climbs. Some trails even connect to routes leading towards Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. 

A firm favourite is Catbells, a 3.5-mile circular walk suitable for most ages and abilities, rewarding you with panoramic views over Derwentwater and the Borrowdale Valley. Closer to town, Latrigg is a short 1.2-mile walk with views back over Keswick, and on clearer days, you may even spot peaks like Great End and Great Cable.

For a longer but low-level walk, the Derwentwater Way is a ten-mile route that loops around the lake, passing through Friars Crag, woodlands, open fields and shoreline paths. It’s ideal for a leisurely full day walk, with many picnic spots and scenic viewpoints along the way.

To step back in time, follow the trail to Castlerigg Stone Circle, a 4,000-year-old Neolithic site set against the backdrop of Helvellyn and High Seat. Just outside Keswick lies Skiddaw, the fourth-highest mountain in the Lake District. The 5.5-mile route to its peak is family-friendly and offers great photo opportunities over Bassenthwaite Lake.

Walk or cycle the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail, a 6.2-mile route crossing restored bridges over the River Greta and passing through former railway tunnels. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife including ospreys, roe deer and red squirrels. Adventure seekers can also enjoy ghyll scrambling, rock climbing, mountain biking at Whinlatter Forest, and zip lines.

Keswick is also close to some of Cumbria’s best waterfalls. Visit Lodore Falls at the southern edge of Derwentwater or Galleny Force in Borrowdale, and for more dramatic viewpoints, then head to Aira Force near Ullswater.

In the town itself, there is no shortage of things to do. Theatre by the Lake offers many performances beside the water. To learn more about the town and the surrounding areas' history, head to Honister Slate Mine or the Derwent Pencil Museum, which tells the story of Keswick’s graphite-mining heritage and where the first pencil was ever invented! Keswick Museum & Art Gallery is next on the list, an award-winning spot located in Fitz Park, hosting a range of exhibitions, family activities, and events. 

Puzzling Place is a fun experience for families, and the Lake District Wildlife Park is great if you fancy saying hello to various exotic animals. For gentle strolls or a friendly game of pitch and putt, Hope Park is a top spot, also offering landscaped gardens. For maps, walking guides and expert advice, Keswick Information Centre in the town centre offers something for every type of explorer. 

The area isn't far from many of the other Lake District attractions, and it is also rich in culture and literary history. Its landscapes have inspired writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

To explore the footsteps of Wandsworth, visit nearby Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, his childhood home, now a National Trust site. Tour the house, the working Georgian kitchen and wander through the garden that helped spark his love of nature. Then stop at Rydal Mount, the home where he lived for nearly 40 years.

Families can also step into the world of Beatrix Potter at her 17th-century farmhouse, Hill Top, 45 minutes away, where rooms are kept exactly as she left them, and you can see objects and views that inspired characters such as Peter Rabbit.

Due to its minimal light pollution, Keswick is home to some of the darkest skies in the country. In the evening, make your way to Borrowdale Valley or Wastwater, which offer clear views of constellations (just bring binoculars and wrap up warm)! 

The name “Keswick” is thought to translate to “cheese farm”, so a visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the twice-weekly Keswick Market, where stalls sell local cheeses, meats, jams, cakes, crafts, jewellery and handmade gifts.

With stunning landscapes, rich culture and endless outdoor activities, Keswick is a perfect base to experience the best of the Lake District.