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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.
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
The Buttermere Swim Hike takes an exciting approach to wild swimming by combining one of our…
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest! Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
At Keswick Bridge, you will find a mixture of 1-3 bed lodges. We can cater for up to 8 guests (sofa…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house and steeped in history,…
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 320
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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.
From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Keswick
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to muster all your courage and agility to make it through this amazing course.
Cumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
Braithwaite, Keswick
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest!
Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays at Whinlatter with the return of Wild Things Adventure Club. The club offers lots of brilliant forest activities that is sure to keep you're little…
Keswick
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the Corkscrew? Do you want to get soaked from head to toe? Then Ghyll Scrambling is the activity for you!
Keswick
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and challenging peaks in the area. Our expert team will not only show you the way, but also teach you valuable map reading skills and share fascinating…
Keswick
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest, set among the rolling woodland just outside Keswick, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends,…
Buttermere
The Buttermere Swim Hike takes an exciting approach to wild swimming by combining one of our favourite swims, with one of our favourite lakeside walks. We've been swimming this route for over 10 years and yet it has never lost its appeal. How could…
Portinscale, Keswick
"Time to connect with yourself and nature"
IKEBANA -Japanese Flower Art/Arrangement- is one of the finest ways to connect with oneself and nature.
A journey through the beautiful estate to gather seasonal treasures. We will wander, discover hidden…
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
Keswick
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley. Dating back to 1628, this charming pub offers hearty food, local ales, and warm hospitality. A popular stop for walkers on the Coast to Coast route,…
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
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