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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.
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 257
, currently showing 221 to 240.
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
Cockermouth
This is a popular route (1.25km each way) for walkers leading to the shore of Crummock Water. The views over the lake to Mellbreak and surrounding fells are breathtaking.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 18 spaces. Charges apply every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
Pay & Display car park with 50 spaces.
The Buttermere National Trust car park lies a few hundred metres to the north of the village of Buttermere, which itself nestles between the two lakes of Buttermere (to the south) and Crummock (to the north).
Keswick
Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…
Keswick
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…
Keswick
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Keswick
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) – please pay on exit.
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Blencathra boasts two of the Lake District's finest ridges, Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell Ridge. Sharp Edge is the more technical of the two and is usually viewed with mixed emotions; its lofty position and fine sculpted crest have the capacity to…
Nr Keswick
Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
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