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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.
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the…
Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned…
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District.…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 282
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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.
Cumbria
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path known as the Corridor Route. It climbs a rough but steady route from Sty Head to Lingmell Col from where it is a simple climb up the summit screes to…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals. It calls us to embrace balance, love, and the beauty of…
Manesty, Borrowdale
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a rural location.
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 loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Buttermere
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake District. Buttermere itself is a stunning place to swim and the water is crystal clear, with that typical slate blue tint we know and love. The walking…
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
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.
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.
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
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
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
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
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
COCKERMOUTH
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
A half-mile level walk from Lanthwaite Wood car park is one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes. The woodland (a haven for red squirrels) suddenly opens up with a view right down Crummock…
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
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