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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.
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest! The walk will cover up to 4 miles…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 237
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Keswick
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
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.
Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Keswick
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering life-changing Bible teaching, worship and fellowship, with fantastic Kids & Youth programme for 3-18 year olds, in the heart of the beautiful Lake…
Wythburn
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western bank of Thirlmere. Take the footpath that ascends through woodland from the back of the car park.
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At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes of a fairly uniform nature which when compared with the likes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on the other, eastern side, certainly lack that…
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
Keswick
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing here at Whinlatter.
The evening will start with a gentle run/jog/walk, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna…
Cumbria
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells. They are gentler and run off in great sweeps to an area of high moors and rolling hills known collectively as the 'Back o' Skidda'. The only features…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
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