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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.
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
A beautiful cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Ostara, the spring equinox. Join us this Ostara…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
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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,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world is at rest, our dreams for the year ahead are beginning to form in readiness for the return of the sun at the upcoming winter solstice,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength, intuition, and the power of community. It is a powerful time for coming together to harness our inner strength, embrace our wild and intuitive nature, and…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power. Leo, the radiant fire sign ruled by the Sun, invites us to step into our full glory and celebrate our individuality. Traditionally known as the Snow…
Keswick
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
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…
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
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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…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Braithwaite, Keswick
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity's impact on the planet. Before closing in…
Keswick
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale Hotel’s Restaurant will be the most memorable reservation you have made yet.
Braithwaite
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite apartments, and an old village shop & tea room on the ground floor. Our aim is to pay homage to village life and keep it alive here in Braithwaite; whilst also…
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…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from traditional stone barns, our cottages are spacious, comfortable and well equipped.
Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Full day workshops are designed for those looking to take their photography to the next level and learn how to get the most out of your photography equipment, be that an iPad or…
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