Keswick lost its railway in the 1972 Beeching cuts; the line through to Penrith was lifted and is now a foot and cycle path along the river. To arrive by train, take the West Coast Main Line to Penrith (about three hours from London Euston) and catch the X4 or X5 Stagecoach bus, which runs every half hour or so and takes about 40 minutes through Threlkeld into town. Buses also link Keswick to Carlisle (X4) and Cockermouth and the west coast (X5).
By car, leave the M6 at junction 40 for Penrith and take the A66 west — a fast, scenic road that follows the Greta into the eastern Lakes and onto Keswick in about 25 minutes. Parking in town is metered and limited at peak times; the largest car park is at Lakeside, by the Theatre. The nearest airports are Manchester (about 2 hours 30) and Newcastle (also 2 hours 30).