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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.
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the…
On the anniversary of Tracy's passing (09.05.26), a group of friends and family will be walking…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house and steeped in history,…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and…
Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46 Elgar - Chanson de Matin Fauré - Après un Rêve Saint-Saëns -…
At Keswick Bridge, you will find a mixture of 1-3 bed lodges. We can cater for up to 8 guests (sofa…
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores…
Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 319
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The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Full day workshops are designed for those looking to take their photography to the next level and learn how to get the most out of your photography equipment, be that an iPad or…
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…
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
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and warm hospitality meet in a relaxed lakeside setting. From comforting classics to Sunday roasts, every meal is crafted with care.
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…
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…
Keswick
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the
ordinary and head to Go Ape Whinlatter, set in the heart of Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and…
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Swaledale Garth was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to six people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
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.
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
This is a memory. It's also a story. The story of a girl called Laura.
Surrounded by golden fields and tinkling brooks, time trickles in the hamlet of Lark Rise. A home for Laura and her loving family, in their snug, thatched cottage. But, with…
Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL