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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
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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 & 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…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 22 spaces.
Kettlewell is a small and popular pay-and-display car park on the shores of Derwent Water. A great place for water-sports, bring your canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, unload and set off for the islands.…
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 car park.
Keswick
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
Keswick
Café Bar 26 is a fantastic eatery offering a 100% plant-based menu in the centre of Keswick.
Keswick
Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.
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
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
Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made with local produce to ensure a great taste.
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.
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
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
Lake Road Brunch is a popular spot in the centre of Keswick for breakfast, brunch, lunch and cocktails.
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