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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…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars.…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
, currently showing 241 to 260.
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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…
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
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) – please pay on exit.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 40 spaces.
At 350m altitude, this is a good place to gain height before heading for the summits or to start a downhill walk and catch the bus back up.
The car park is off the B5289 at the summit of Honister Pass between…
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…
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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…
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the 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…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
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
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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…
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…
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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…
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