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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.
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better…
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Swaledale Garth was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Keswick
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. The Red North and South loops put the mountain back into biking and have been built for experienced riders with good off-road skills and a higher level…
Keswick
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and challenging peaks in the area. Our expert team will not only show you the way, but also teach you valuable map reading skills and share fascinating…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather permitting there will hopefully also be able to stop for some amazing…
Keswick
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack at Alpkit Keswick.
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
2-night residential stay at Calvert Lakes (twin or family ensuite rooms). Full board and lots of starry themed activities including accessible star-gazing with Cockermouth Astronomical Society; indoor climbing; hydrotherapy pool & sauna; stomp…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to four people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather permitting there…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months ahead. It is a reminder for us to do the same physically and mentally, aligning to the rhythm of the season. It invites us to embrace stability,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched!
Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
This series…
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