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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.
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
The western side of Borrowdale is a long undulating ridge occupied by three attractive little…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
The Cottage in the Wood Country Hotel and restaurant is a former 17th Century coaching inn situated…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Ever wondered how Santa navigates the skies on Christmas Eve? Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a…
A warm welcome awaits you at the Borrowdale Hotel to celebrate the most special day of the year.…
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
Hassness Country House is beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere. At…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 234
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Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.
12-14 Main St, Keswick
A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down alleyways and along country footpaths to explore Keswick and uncover its secrets.
Keswick
Looking for plans to bring in the New Year? Throw on your glad rags and gather friends, as a spectacular 6-course Gala Dinner awaits you at the Borrowdale Hotel this New Year's Eve. The grand banquet will be followed by dancing and entertainment…
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.
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.
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Cumbria
From Keswick the peaks that surround Coledale are an intriguing sight. They are close enough to draw the eye yet far enough away that only their silhouettes show. From this angle each of the main peaks show angular and clean cut lines that look…
Keswick
Celebrate the life of bard Robbie Burns with us at the Borrowdale Hotel on Friday 19th January. We are hosting a special Burns Night Supper to mark the occasion.
Evening includes:
-Welcome canapes -4-course Scottish inspired meal…
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
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.
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
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.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Central Lakes
Big abseils/ziplines down waterfalls, sliding down natural water shoots and scrambling down the gorge . A fantastic day out if you want to test yourself and have an active/adventurous time too! Adults only and you must be fit and comfortable with…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
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