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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.
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
To celebrate 50 years of the Lake District Calvert Trust, we're holding a golden anniversary Open…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom! Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom! Help collect the…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Join Pete Jones, Cumbria Wildlife Trust Skiddaw Forest Project Manager, for an evening all about…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 257
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Braithwaite, Keswick
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new dimension to trail running: it is both wild and peaceful at the same time.
Your senses become razor sharp and you become aware of your heartbeat pounding…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest!
The walk will cover up to 4 miles and hope for some crisp clear skies and lots of stars to explore at various points along the route. If the stars don't appear, you will still enjoy a…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting two high ropes…
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
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…
Keswick
Fast, flat and inclusive 10km running event along the Keswick to Threlked railway. 3km fun run for children and adults.
Cumbria
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange from part way down Honister Pass and nips behind the craggy ramparts of Castle Crag. It's a great descent on a mountain bike with a consistent…
Keswick
Vintage acoustic jazz music from 1920's New York and sophisticated 1930's Swing. Plus the sound of the king of gypsy swing Django Reinhardt, the blues guitars of Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson, and the syncopated Latin rhythms of Argentinean Oscar…
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.
Manesty, Borrowdale
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a rural location.
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.
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Keswick
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better place to try it out than the stunning mountain scenery of the Lake District.
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
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