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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.
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
1st January | 11am-2pm £67 Welcome drink 90-minute all-you-can-eat slot Eastern & Western…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
The Lake District is known for being the home of Rock Climbing, so why not try your hand at this…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Braithwaite, Keswick
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new dimension to trail running: it is both wild and peaceful at the same time.
Your senses become razor sharp and you become aware of your heartbeat pounding…
Keswick
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been…
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
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
Come along to the Alhambra for a unique opportunity to watch the film and enjoy a post-screening Q&A with local artist Dorothy Ramsay herself.
This insightful 47-minute film delves into the vibrant life and evocative work of Dorothy Ramsay, a Lake…
Cumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
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.
Keswick
The Good Hotel Guide "Best Hotel in North of England 2024"
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover up 5 - 7 miles in the forest and out on to the fell tops just outside the forest bounds, depending on the weather and conditions.
This is a more challenging event…
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
Cockermouth
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.
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…
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
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Keswick
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
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