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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.
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District.…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley.…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
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…
Loweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's quieter and safer. Until one extraordinary day, a surprise visitor turns his lonely life upside down.
Told by a very special performer, with a…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
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.
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most northerly of the lakes and is also one of the largest.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
Keswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Keswick
Our annual Craft Fair is back! As before, lots of locally made quality items will be on sale. Entrance is FREE! Stalls will be in the Village Hall and the nearby School Hall. Open 10am to 4pm. Why not include lunch at the Village Hall Coffee…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Back in the 80s, Di, Viv and Rose are university housemates. Energetic and idealistic, they become friends – but where will life take them after that?
Filled with the iconic culture, fashion and music of the 80s, 90s and Noughties, Di and Viv and…
Borrowdale, Keswick
The Lakeland Trial Vintage Car Rally returns to Honister for a spectacular day of classic motors, dramatic scenery, and mountain action.
See an incredible line-up of vintage sports cars tackle the steep climb of Honister Pass – one of the most…
Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
Arrive at dusk on Halloween evening to be met by a fiendish gaggle of witches, wizards and glowing skeletons. The whole site is transformed into a den of wizardry so beware if you are faint-hearted – even the food has a ghoulish theme. Every…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for something unique to do this October half term with your Tribe? How about some outdoor activities packed with fresh air and adventure? Whether you're a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with…
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