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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.
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Keswick
Looking for something fun-filled, action-packed and adventurous this autumn? Back for 2025, Sundown Adventures makes a return to Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District. Experience tree top thrills in a whole new light for a limited time between 17th…
Peaceful Buttermere, a valley of lakes and high mountains offering superb opportunities for quiet enjoyment in the heart of the Lake District.
Keswick
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and Latrigg.
Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Keswick
Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure at BounceFest, where your kids are in for a non-stop 90 minutes of pure, energetic thrill! From bouncing babies to high-flying toddlers and all the way up to the dynamic 12-year-olds, our inflatables and…
Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather permitting there…
KESWICK
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and tranquillity, it can be traced back to the mid 16th century, although it was substantially refurbished in the 1840s.
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Open the season of goodwill at the 'Cumbrian Christmas Cracker'
A nostalgic evening of seasonal readings, poems, dialect and music. Author Alan Cleaver, Countrystride producer David Felton and special guests unpack a stocking of seasonal gifts…
Keswick
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
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.
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.
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
Keswick
Come along to the Alhambra for a unique opportunity to watch the film and enjoy a post-screening Q&A with local artist Dorothy Ramsay herself.
This insightful 47-minute film delves into the vibrant life and evocative work of Dorothy Ramsay, a Lake…
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
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