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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.
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
A comic radio play presented live on stage – with the help of the audience! Mad but fun! What is…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 282
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Cumbria
An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and some wonderful Lake District views.
Keswick
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for people with disabilities. Set in the heart of the stunning Lake District, the centre offers fully accessible accommodation and…
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply.
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a 3-hour guided forest bathing experience with Hannah, inspired by Shinrin-yoku – the Japanese practice of restoring wellbeing through mindful connection…
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Keswick
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through the stunning landscapes. Whether you're up for adventure or simply want to unwind, a canoe adventure offers the perfect chance to connect with the…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…
Portinscale
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm Estate, offering comfort, privacy, and plenty of room to unwind. Designed with togetherness in mind, The Lodge is perfect for large families or groups of…
Keswick
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with giant bouncy castles, thrilling slides, obstacle courses, interactive games and a dedicated toddler area for little adventurers. Families book timed…
Cockermouth
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite offers a heartfelt Cumbrian welcome that has stood the test of time for over two centuries.
Keswick
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the Corkscrew? Do you want to get soaked from head to toe? Then Ghyll Scrambling is the activity for you!
B5289, Keswick
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a little well-deserved you time during the Easter holidays.
Fabio has selected five exceptional British cheeses, each thoughtfully paired with a carefully…
Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
To celebrate 50 years of the Lake District Calvert Trust, we're holding a golden anniversary Open Day!
Locals, guests, visitors and supporters are invited to our unique site at Little Crosthwaite to explore the Calvert Lakes activity centre and talk…
Keswick
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the
ordinary and head to Go Ape Whinlatter, set in the heart of Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and…
Borrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
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