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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.
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
Big abseils/ziplines down waterfalls, sliding down natural water shoots and scrambling down the…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days. Come and join us for a rare…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 257
, currently showing 241 to 257.
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
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Non-hired bikes can be charged for half an hour if they have been PAT tested and display the sticker at Cyclewise bike shop.
Electric Bike Charging Point, located at Cyclewise, Whinlatter Forest
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
KESWICK
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wild Strawberry, Keswick.
A £1 donation to Another way environmental charity is requested for use of this facility.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 60 spaces.
A large car park (approximately 60 spaces) with an access-for-all footpath to the quirky Bowder Stone, and a short stroll down to the river Derwent, good for wildlife watching.
Bowder Stone car park is 4¾…
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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