Getting to Keswick

By Road

Keswick is easily reached via junction 40 of the M6 (Penrith) and the A66 or via the A1 and the A66. For a scenic route coming from the South leave the M6 at junction 36 and take the A591 through Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Using motorways from Manchester it takes approximately 2 hours, whilst from the Midlands Keswick is around a 3 hour drive. The average journey time from London is approximately 5 1/2 hours.

AA website - for route planning and up to date traffic and travel Cumbria Police - for the latest local travel information.

Car Parks in Keswick

Visit our parking page for more info on car parks and on street disc parking in Keswick.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Keswick is Penrith, on the West Coast Main Line, a distance of 17 miles. A bus service, taking forty minutes, connects Penrith railway station with Keswick Bus Station. Taxis from Keswick will meet trains at Penrith by prior arrangement. The historic Settle to Carlisle Railway line brings passengers from Yorkshire via the Eden Valley.

Trainline - Route planner with prices and availability

Car Hire

For car hire contact Enterprise Car Hire or Co-wheels.
Co-Wheels is an exciting concept for travel to and around Keswick, exists right outside Penrith Station. Co-wheels, the UK’s only independently owned Car Club have a low emission 4 door Hybrid Toyota Yaris available to hire by the hour or day (plus mileage). The Car Club model means your membership allows you to use any of a UK wide fleet of pay as you go cars at any time (subject to availability), including 5 in Cumbria. Use the special Keswick Tourism Association code ‘LDKTA’ in the promotions box of the online application, you get a very special membership deal for £5 (normally £25) and £5 credit towards your first trip!

By Air

Keswick is within easy driving distance of several airports. All airports offer car hire and have easy access to the M6.

Newcastle Airport	1 3/4 hours
Manchester Airport	2 hours There is a train station at the airport.
Edinburgh Airport	2 1/2 hours
Glasgow Airport	2 1/2 hours
Liverpool Airport	2 1/4 hours

By Ferry

For visitors from Europe there are sailings to Hull and Newcastle. The journey from Hull ferry teminal to Keswick by car is approximately 3 1/2 hours and from Newcastle is 2 1/4 hours. The journey from Stranraer ferry terminal for crossings to Ireland is 3 1/2 hours.

By Coach

National Express Rapide Services from London Victoria to the Lake District take approximately 8 - 9 hours.

National Express Coaches

Bus Timetables - Getting Around Keswick during your stay

Keswick is well served by buses which are particularly useful for linear walks, exploring the local valleys and villages and for viewing our fantastic scenery. Using both the bus and the Keswick Launch gives you the opportunity to enjoy car free days whilst you are here. Click here for more information and timetables.