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Keswick is both the most northerly of the Lake District’s towns and maybe its best located: at the northern end of beautiful Derwentwater, it’s surrounded by large fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra, two of the most popular among walkers and hikers. It’s also the perfect spot to explore this part of the national park, notably the valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere.
Right in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Keswick is still only 20 minutes from the M6 – and close enough to some of the Lake District’s best-known lakes, including Bassenthwaite, Thirlmere and Ullswater as well as Derwentwater. Fancy some fell-waking? There’s Skiddaw and Blencathra, but don’t forget Grizedale Pike and Catbells, a fell that is popular with walkers of all ages and abilities.
Little is known about the early history of Keswick, but St Kentigern is known to have preached at Crosthwaite (to the east of the town centre) in AD 556. A Norman church was built on the spot in 1181, followed by a small settlement.
The church apparently attracted unofficial markets following church services. This caused much contention until a market charter was granted in 1276 to a small cheese dairy not far away on the banks of the river Greta. This was the start of Keswick, whose name translates as ‘cheese farm'.
As Keswick grew in size, the original settlement at Crosthwaite declined, leaving the church isolated.
Prosperity came to Keswick in the 16th century with the extraction of minerals from the surrounding fells. With no local mining expertise, skilled German miners were drafted in to work the copper and lead mines in the Newlands Valley, and a large smelting plant was established at Brigham (where the A66 road bridge crosses the river Greta).
The later discovery of wadd (graphite) at Seathwaite in Borrowdale gave rise to around 14 pencil manufacturing businesses in the area, one of which - the Cumberland Pencil Company - was operational in Keswick up to 2007.
Blencathra - Set near Skiddaw forest overlooking the River Greta in the north of the Lake District, Blencathra is one of the county's most renowned peaks.
Borrowdale - From above the shores of Derwentwater, Borrowdale presents an impressive picture - high peaks reflected in the lovely lake. The valley is a paradise for all walkers with low and high routes to suit all tastes. It's a playground for rock climbers too.
Castlerigg Stone Circles - Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all British stone circles, with panoramic views and the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop.
Latrigg Fell - Latrigg is Keswick’s premier viewpoint. It sits in a superb position high above the northern edge of town with its back nestled against Skiddaw’s towering flanks and its front and sides open across the whole Vale of Derwent. From its lofty summit you can sit and have a fantastic time spotting almost the whole of the Lake District’s central fells.
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4,…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Brought to you by the National Trust for the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for a rare…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 258
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Keswick
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
Keswick
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding fells. Spacious, cosy and with an abundance of walks from the doorstep. Garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking for 3 cars.…
Keswick
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come along on our intermediate navigation course to find out how.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsButtermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Threlkeld, Keswick
Cockermouth Mechanics' Band is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout North West Cumbria. It is one of the oldest brass bands in the world, with roots traceable back to 1825, which is thought to make them the second oldest…
Lake Rd, Keswick
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a guided walk along the accessible path on the Derwent Water shore.
Join ranger Roy as he guides you along Derwent Water, taking in the views across the…
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a challenging guided walk through Great Wood.
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Grange, Keswick
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1331 reviewsThe loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1331 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of energy of the solstice married with the love, joy & magic of the Strawberry full moon!
In this magical ritual I share my own personal practice with you,…
Keswick
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying uninterrupted views across the Derwent Valley towards Skiddaw and Latrigg. We are only 2 miles from Keswick.
Keswick
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the warmest of welcomes and leisure facilities that provide the opportunity to unwind after a long day.
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
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