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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.
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better…
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Swaledale Garth was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Loweswater is a small hamlet situated between Loweswater and Crummock waters. It is home to The Kirkstile Inn which has been providing food and shelter for some 400 hundred years, and now has it's very own brewery.
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
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…
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…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and sleeps up to four people.
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
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.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most northerly of the lakes and is also one of the largest.
Keswick
Discover the cultural landscape of the Lake District World Heritage Site on a gentle guided walk through the Stonethwaite Valley.
Join National Trust staff on a two hour guided walk through the peaceful Stonethwaite Valley and discover how local…
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Brougham, Penrith
Wheel Thrown Pottery day classes with Mary Chappelhow
Including tea/coffee breaks and two course lunch.
Booking essential.
The day will roughly be;
9.30am Coffee, registration, meet and greet.
9.45am Clay preparation, kneading and wedging.
10.15am…
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
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…
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
Borrowdale, Keswick
For one week only this October, Honister Slate Mine invites you underground to hear spine-tingling tales inspired by real lives, loss and legends that linger in the dark. Guided by your storyteller’s lantern, you’ll walk through pitch-black tunnels…
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.
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