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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 country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Tartini - Violin Sonata in G minor 'Devil's Trill' Walton - Sonata for violin and piano Saint-Saëns…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Braithwaite, Keswick
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day
Come and join The Conscious Self for a wellness day like no other! Deep in the heart of the forest we will connect to nature and community!
Step into the woods and let your system exhale…
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Portinscale
Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned at the front of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. The elegant sitting room enjoys sweeping views across the main lawn towards Swinside…
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
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
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.
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Keswick
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the length of Derwentwater.
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
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.
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Keswick
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of Borrowdale, to enjoy prolonged dips in the delightful pools of Langstrath and Stonethwaite Beck. The highlight of the day is a swim in the fabled Black…
Keswick
The song of the curlew is one of the iconic harbingers of spring, but the numbers of breeding curlews in UK have halved over the last 25 years. There is real concern that, if no action is taken, curlews will disappear within a few years, and curlew…
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…
B5289, Keswick
Celebrate the launch of our first All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery at The Borrowdale Hotel.
Enjoy comforting starters, unlimited plates of Cumbrian beef, Lakeland chicken and classic Sunday trimmings, then finish with a traditional pudding.
2…
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…
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
Get Crafty!
Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great way to finish off your day in the forest with a simple but creative memento to take away!
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…
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
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