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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.
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Looking for things to do this May half term in Keswick? Head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest near…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
On the anniversary of Tracy's passing (09.05.26), a group of friends and family will be walking…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Join us for our fantastic Calvert Stables Open Day and experience the yard like never before. This…
Join our volunteer ranger and bird enthusiast on a gentle stroll through the forest. Suitable for…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 319
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KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
Portinscale, Keswick
"Time to connect with yourself and nature"
IKEBANA -Japanese Flower Art/Arrangement- is one of the finest ways to connect with oneself and nature.
A journey through the beautiful estate to gather seasonal treasures. We will wander, discover hidden…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Cumbria
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get onto the ridge the walk along its craggy and boulder strewn crest is superb. The setting is magnificent with wide ranging views across Ennerdale to…
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
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
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Portinscale
Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned at the front of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. The elegant sitting room enjoys sweeping views across the main lawn towards Swinside…
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!
Keswick
Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft sessions at Keswick Museum! Create a beautiful bunch of fresh cut spring flowers using all the resources of our craft cupboard. Perfect for an Easter…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Keswick
The Good Hotel Guide "Best Hotel in North of England 2024"
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District scenery, with miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Create your own adventure or follow one of our waymarked routes, with a wide range of…
Braithwaite, Keswick
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest!
Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays at Whinlatter with the return of Wild Things Adventure Club. The club offers lots of brilliant forest activities that is sure to keep you're little…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most northerly of the lakes and is also one of the largest.
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…
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.
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…
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