The charming Lake District neighbourhood is noted for its cosy cafes, stunning scenery and vibrant atmosphere

Keswick has been named one of the coolest places to live in 2026(Image: Getty Images)

The ‘coolest postcodes’ to move to in the UK in 2026 have now been revealed. The fifth annual guide by The Sunday Times has predicted the UK neighbourhoods which are set to be the most desirable for house hunters looking to up sticks this year.

The list includes 11 areas across the country that have been chosen by The Sunday Times’ property expert Victoria Brzezinski and deputy food editor Hannah Evans for their good food, buzzing community or easy access to the great outdoors.

Keswick in Cumbria is one of two north west areas to feature on the list alongside Liverpool. The charming market town, which is nestled between two popular Lake District mountain walks, Skiddaw and Blencathra, boasts cobbled lanes and a Georgian square with an abundance of independent shops, cosy cafes, pubs and some of the most incredible views.

Around a two hour drive from Manchester, Keswick is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, but also welcomes a vibrant atmosphere with making it ideal for families and culture lovers. House prices in Keswick averaged around £366,470 over the last year, according to Rightmove.

The majority of properties sold were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £314,962. Flats sold for an average of £231,538, with detached properties fetching £566,000.

Here is what The Sunday Times’ experts had to say about Keswick in its 2026 guide:

The high street in the town centre of Keswick in the Lake District(Image: Getty Images)

Keswick, Cumbria (CA12)

“Keswick is a market town in northwest England’s Lake District National Park, surrounded by mountains like Skiddaw. In town, The Cumberland Pencil Museum documents the history of pencils, and the Keswick Museum & Art Gallery displays local artefacts. On a hilltop east of town, Castlerigg Stone Circle dates back to the Neolithic era. Vast Derwent Water lake is south of town, with boat tours and the Theatre by the Lake,” The Times said.

“Swap that Barbour for a Gore-Tex jacket, and those Danner boots for a pair of Merrell hiking shoes. Yes, Gen Z are getting outdoors, and top of their destination wish list is this market town in the Lakes. There were signs — the Lake District was named the demographic’s happiest UK road trip in 2023 — plus Keswick town centre is a ten-minute walk from Derwentwater, the area’s third largest lake (after Windermere and Ullswater) and part maintained by the National Trust, which has recently reported a surge in the number of twentysomething members.

“Keswick Mountain Festival (think Glasto but for hiking) has been going strong for almost 20 years and is a magnet for outdoorsy types (Columbia knit essential). But the hottest outdoor event is the Lakesman, a half Ironman-length triathlon that has become one of the most popular endurance races in the UK.

“There are lots of places to fuel up, like the Lake Road Brunch or Yonder, where the local 180 Run Club often meets. But you’ve not really seen Keswick unless you’ve climbed Catbells, a nearby fell offering breathtaking views over the town. All we’re missing is the sun. Rest your feet at the lakeside Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, where guests have included the Gen Z power couple Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury.”

House prices in Keswick average around £366,470(Image: Getty Images)

Completing the list of the UK’s ‘coolest postcodes’ in 2026 is Manningtree in Essex (CO11), Eastside in Belfast (BT4), Flushing in Cornwall (TR11), West end in Dundee (DD2), Poplar in east London (E14), Fishguard in Pembrokeshire (SA65), Rothley in Leicestershire (LE7), Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire (MK9) and Redland in Bristol (BS6).