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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.
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
"Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Situated in the heart of Borrowdale Valley just off the main road which goes to Buttermere, The…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 257
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Borrowdale Valley just off the main road which goes to Buttermere, The Scafell Hotel was formerly a coaching inn, frequented by travellers making the journey over Honister Pass from Keswick to Cockermouth.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals.
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to…
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
564 reviewsKeswick
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Cumbria
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells. They are gentler and run off in great sweeps to an area of high moors and rolling hills known collectively as the 'Back o' Skidda'. The only features…
Keswick
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2335 reviews-
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes of a fairly uniform nature which when compared with the likes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on the other, eastern side, certainly lack that…
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Borrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1710 reviewsCentral 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
1053 reviewsCockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Cumbria
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its giant west face it's a complex range of deep cut gills and valleys ringed by high crags and fine grassy ridges.
Keswick
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
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.
Keswick
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, large lounge, open fire, garden room, large kitchen/dining room, utility, CH, double-glazing and cycle storage.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL