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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.
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A traditional lakeland Guest House serving outstanding, locally sourced, freshly prepared…
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Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
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A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Self guided walking holidays through the fells of the northern Lake District.
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Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
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Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
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The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 279
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Nr Keswick
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
The Anti Racist Cumbria Summit is the seminal social justice event in the county. An inspiring space for connecting, taking action, healing, continuing your education and moving the conversation and anti-racism in Cumbria forward.
Expert-led…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
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.…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Back home, the mouth-watering flavours and aromas of traditional Peruvian cooking were forbidden in Pepa's home. Except when Grandma would sneak in a steak and some spices.
In England, Pepa found herself on a journey of discovery, finding that…
Keswick
Kat's Kitchen is a fully plant-based cafe situated across the road from the Keswick Pencil Museum on Greta Bridge. We offer inside and outside seating throughout the year and we also have takeaway available for those adventures up the fells or…
Keswick
Self guided walking holidays with a luggage transfer option. Starting from St Bees on the west coast you walk to Robin Hoods Bay on the east coast. If you do not have time to walk the whole path we also arrange each half separately.
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Keswick
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
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…
Keswick
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private gardens and access straight on to the fells.
Crow Park Road, Keswick
Keswick Half Marathon is one of the most scenic half marathons in the country with the challenging course taking you around Derwentwater with an extra loop into the Newlands valley. The event was first held in 1981 and is organised by Keswick Rugby…
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Keswick
Welcoming guest house overlooking Fitz Park serving an extensive breakfast using locally sourced products with a Breakfast Award. All prices include breakfast. Home from home, warm and welcoming. Recently refurbished to a high standard.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest as the sun sets. I will guide you through a series of mindful 'invitations' to connect with yourself, the elements and nature. We learn how the forest…
Lake Rd, Keswick
One of the finest female singer/songwriters this country has produced in years, Edwina brings together English folk, Americana and the rich Northern singer/songwriter tradition to create a sound that's truly her own. Highly accomplished, she's…
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a cosy gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Celebrating and working with the energy of the full Harvest Moon and prenumbral eclipse to manifest our dreams and desires to live our best life! Mindful meditation, visualisation, drumming, fire ritual and manifestation - sharing with other women…
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