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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.
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…
An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and…
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
Discover the work of acclaimed artist Julian Cooper at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria,…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
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: 303
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Keswick
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for people with disabilities. Set in the heart of the stunning Lake District, the centre offers fully accessible accommodation and…
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
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.
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting two high ropes…
Cumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
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…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
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…
Cumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally acclaimed theatre, made with passion, in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
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…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Cockermouth
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite offers a heartfelt Cumbrian welcome that has stood the test of time for over two centuries.
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
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