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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.
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Welcoming guest house overlooking Fitz Park serving an extensive breakfast using locally sourced…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Not only is the Scafell Hotel in one of the most stunning locations in the Lake District, but great…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
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Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Keswick
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding fells. Spacious, cosy and with an abundance of walks from the doorstep. Garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking for 3 cars.…
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new.
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
565 reviewsConiston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
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…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new. Join an instructor-led session to learn the basics of paddleboarding before enjoying the freedom to explore more of Derwent…
Keswick
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.
Crow Park Road, Keswick
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around Derwentwater with an extra loop into the Newlands valley.
Organised by Keswick Rugby Club
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is our last push to get everything in order, before we head within for the winter months. Connecting with our intuition it is an opportunity for deep self…
Keswick
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides to bring you this fantastic opportunity. A chance to sign up for the challenge of a lifetime and raise funds for your local Hospice at Home charity. We…
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.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
565 reviewsCockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
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.
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.
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
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