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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.
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
A comic radio play presented live on stage – with the help of the audience! Mad but fun! What is…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Braithwaite, Keswick
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest.
Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife in the forest and experience the wonders of the night sky. Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around a campfire.
Please bring a…
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
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
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.
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
Vintage acoustic jazz music from 1920's New York and sophisticated 1930's Swing. Plus the sound of the king of gypsy swing Django Reinhardt, the blues guitars of Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson, and the syncopated Latin rhythms of Argentinean Oscar…
Keswick
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with giant bouncy castles, thrilling slides, obstacle courses, interactive games and a dedicated toddler area for little adventurers. Families book timed…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon in Libra 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. It calls us to embrace balance, love, and the beauty of…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
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…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
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…
B5289, Keswick
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a little well-deserved you time during the Easter holidays.
Fabio has selected five exceptional British cheeses, each thoughtfully paired with a carefully…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply.
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a 3-hour guided forest bathing experience with Hannah, inspired by Shinrin-yoku – the Japanese practice of restoring wellbeing through mindful connection…
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
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
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