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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.
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Wild sauna and dip at Whinlatter Forest brough to you by The Conscious Self. Get ready to relax…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Join us in the Lake District this September as we Trek Together for every family and very baby that…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Back in the 80s, Di, Viv and Rose are university housemates. Energetic and idealistic, they become…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
In 2010, Christian and Niggy went out for a ride like we all do. But this time, they didn't come…
A fabulous little local show - all welcome. We have our usual favourite categories and a few new…
This July at The Borrowdale Hotel, one child (under 12) eats free with every adult enjoying a…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
It's the glitziest night of the year, and everyone wants to be there, from the great to the good…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 280
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Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race
Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District! Starting from Honister Slate Mine, participants will race through 1km of underground tunnels before climbing Fleetwith Pike and Grey Knotts, taking in…
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Wild sauna and dip at Whinlatter Forest brough to you by The Conscious Self.
Get ready to relax and unwind in the cozy sauna set up here at beautiful Whinlatter Forest! Join Aaron and the team from The Conscious Self at their on our Saturday…
Cumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
Keswick
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
Keswick
Join us in the Lake District this September as we Trek Together for every family and very baby that needs us. Trek Together is achievable for experienced walkers and beginners alike! You have the choice of two distances 10 and 20 miles around the…
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Back in the 80s, Di, Viv and Rose are university housemates. Energetic and idealistic, they become friends – but where will life take them after that?
Filled with the iconic culture, fashion and music of the 80s, 90s and Noughties, Di and Viv and…
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works. Enjoy a sophisticated café culture serving local artisan coffee by Carvetti, speciality teas, handmade chocolates by Huttons of Windermere and some of…
Loweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
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…
The English , Buttermere
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.
Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
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.
Keswick
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…
Loweswater
In 2010, Christian and Niggy went out for a ride like we all do. But this time, they didn't come home. We organised the Team Townend Challenge in their memory, to bring friends, family and cyclists together to raise funds for our chosen charity. All…
Near Keswick
A fabulous little local show - all welcome. We have our usual favourite categories and a few new ones to celebrate this, our special 75th year.
Entries close the evening before - please get in touch for a schedule if you're feeling creative, your…
B5289, Keswick
This July at The Borrowdale Hotel, one child (under 12) eats free with every adult enjoying a 3-course Sunday lunch.
Children can enjoy a child-sized roast plus a starter or dessert from the kids' menu with an adult Sunday Lunch.
EVERY SUNDAY IN…
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