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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.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Keswick
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) – please pay on exit.
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 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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).
Keswick
From breads, pies and pasties, to cakes, biscuits and sandwiches, this family-owned business has been producing quality produce on the same site in the heart of Keswick for 70 years.
Keswick
Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.
Bassenthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
Keswick
Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made with local produce to ensure a great taste.
Keswick
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
Keswick
Cumbria's 1st Lo and No bar. Brunch and amazing coffee by day, tapas and AF cocktails by night - both served with no regrets.
Keswick
CA family friendly venue (that includes the dog). Serving coffees, cakes, breakfast and lunch, alongside beautiful gardens and games.
Keswick
Café Bar 26 is a fantastic eatery offering a 100% plant-based menu in the centre of Keswick.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Swimming in the lakes is good for the mind, body and soul. Be at one with nature and join us for a swimming adventure with a coach and safety provision.
Keswick
Our multi-award winning Social Enterprise Alpacaly Ever After are delighted to offer alpaca walks through the stunning private grounds of the Lingholm Estate.
Keswick
The Lake District's Specialist Cheese, Fine Foods, Wine and Gift Shop
Keswick
Set beautiful hope park, in the exclusive pods you will be served a classic afternoon tea that is perfect for any occasion, available 7 days a week.
Keswick
Lake Road Brunch is a popular spot in the centre of Keswick for breakfast, brunch, lunch and cocktails.
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