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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.
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4,…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around…
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 252
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Keswick
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but also a wide selection of quality kids toys to play, learn and discover.
Keswick
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a wet decent of a Lakeland mountain stream, We are based just twenty minutes walk away from the top of the ghyll which means the only thing getting soaked…
From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
171 reviewsKeswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
Cumbria
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get onto the ridge the walk along its craggy and boulder strewn crest is superb. The setting is magnificent with wide ranging views across Ennerdale to…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a walk to the inspiring viewpoint at Broomhill Point.
Keswick
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to enjoy the countryside.
Central Lakes
Big abseils/ziplines down waterfalls, sliding down natural water shoots and scrambling down the gorge . A fantastic day out if you want to test yourself and have an active/adventurous time too! Adults only and you must be fit and comfortable with…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1051 reviewsLake Rd, Keswick
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a guided walk along the accessible path on the Derwent Water shore.
Join ranger Roy as he guides you along Derwent Water, taking in the views across the…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust for the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit the processing mill at Force Crag Mine. To make this event more inclusive, we would like to offer transport for those who may have…
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1707 reviewsKeswick
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4, having lounge, kitchen, bath/shower room, double, king-size (2 with en suite) and twin bedrooms. Fine fell views and private parking.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
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