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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.
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love. Catherine…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but…
"Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The world's most famous detective gets a hilarious makeover in this spectacularly theatrical…
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, The Old Barn and Farm House…
A high-flying adventure for all the family… Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends…
The full Buck moon aligns with the potent & virile energy of the young buck, bringing strength,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 259
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Threlkeld, Keswick
Cockermouth Mechanics' Band is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout North West Cumbria. It is one of the oldest brass bands in the world, with roots traceable back to 1825, which is thought to make them the second oldest…
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a challenging guided walk through Great Wood.
Keswick
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into England's only mountain forest (Whinlatter) and into beautiful remote trails in this amazing national park. A challenging but very rewarding early summer…
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Cumbria
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange from part way down Honister Pass and nips behind the craggy ramparts of Castle Crag. It's a great descent on a mountain bike with a consistent…
Keswick
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
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
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Keswick
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private gardens and access straight on to the fells.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest.
Each loop is approximately 4.16 miles long (replicating the distance of a Backyard Ultra). You can run continuously, to clock up as many miles as you can, or complete 1…
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
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
1713 reviewsCumbria
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable Crag), owes its existence to a colourful quarryman known as Moses Rigg.
Grange, Keswick
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1332 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
809 reviewsKeswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Cumbria
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of the best routes up the mountain. To get to it you have to deal with the intervening corries and hills and this is what makes it special. They provide…
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