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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.
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
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…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
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…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
, currently showing 241 to 260.
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 & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 18 spaces. Charges apply every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
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 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
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…
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the 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…
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 the car park.
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
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…
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).
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