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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.
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46 Elgar - Chanson de Matin Fauré - Après un Rêve Saint-Saëns -…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Free event to celebrate International Women's Day and the Women's Institute. Tea and cake and…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
A comic radio play presented live on stage – with the help of the audience! Mad but fun! What is…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 274
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KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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
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
Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.
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
CA family friendly venue (that includes the dog). Serving coffees, cakes, breakfast and lunch, alongside beautiful gardens and games.
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
Café Bar 26 is a fantastic eatery offering a 100% plant-based menu in the centre of Keswick.
Keswick
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
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.
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
Lake Road Brunch is a popular spot in the centre of Keswick for breakfast, brunch, lunch and cocktails.
Keswick
Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made with local produce to ensure a great taste.
Keswick
The Lake District's Specialist Cheese, Fine Foods, Wine and Gift Shop
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