The town of Keswick is situated between Skiddaw and Derwentwater and is one of the major locations where tourists to area will often stay. Because of Keswick's popularity, there is a wide variety of attractions for visitors young and old. There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in Keswick.

The market town of Keswick was first granted its market charter back in 1276 by Edward I and even today, a market still takes place in it every Saturday. However, when the town was first being settled it was located at Crosthwaite, which is located on the western side of the town today. Originally built in 553 AD, Crossthwaite Church was initially called St Kentigern. In more recent times, the co-founder of the National Trust, Canon Rawsley, was vicar of the church between the years of 1883 and 1917.

The National Trust owns and protects much of the land surrounding Keswick. This is why Keswick and the surrounding area hasn't changed much over the years. There are many attractions across the town, including the famous Pencil Museum, as well as other attractions in the surrounding area. Here are some of the better known.

1. Ashness Bridge – This is one of the most photographed locations in all of the Lake District. From here, you can see right the way across Derwentwater to Keswick and on to Skiddaw. if you can, do your best to visit at sunrise or sunset. You'll miss most tourists and get the best views. This will provide you with a much more dramatic photograph to take.

2. Castlerigg Stone Circle - this is one of the most visited and easily accessible such circle in the Lake District. This is the most popular stone circle in Cumbria and it traces its roots back to around 3,000 BC. By why the circle was built is still unclear today but many people have come up with many ideas. One idea is that it was a burial site. Another idea is that it was built as an astronomical observatory. One of the main reasons that people enjoy visiting here is the sense of tranquility and peace that is all around you.

3. Derwentwater – this lake is three miles long and the shores reach up to the edge of Keswick. You can enjoy it by hiring a rowing boat or using the Keswick Launch, which acts as a bus across the lake. Keswick Launch doubles up as a tourist attraction and a local bus service. The Launch runs between Ashness Gate, Loddre, High and Low Brandelhow, Hawes and Nichol End. If you want to see the lake from it's shores, there are a wide variety of well marked paths for you to enjoy.

Here, we'll take a look at some of the most popular tourist attractions near Keswick. However, there are plenty of other fascinating and interesting places for one to visit as well as things to do whilst staying in Keswick.