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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 fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain! Ho-Ho-Honister is…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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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 20 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…
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to 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 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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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…
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
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
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…
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