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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.
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and…
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 319
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Portinscale
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale apartment is full of character and atmosphere. Framed by the house’s striking chimneys, this unique space comfortably sleeps four across two inviting…
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…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly half day workshop.
Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment is a perfect setting in which to 'dip your toe' into the world of landscape photography.
You'll explore different elements and…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join our experienced, knowledgeable ranger as they lead you around our amazing forest and show you just how much grows under the trees!
Our ranger will help you to spot what forest food you can eat and foods you should not along the way.
Please…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Keswick
Free event to celebrate International Women's Day and the Women's Institute. Tea and cake and opportunity to meet other ladies
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Keswick
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
Keswick
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
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…
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
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…
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At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes of a fairly uniform nature which when compared with the likes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on the other, eastern side, certainly lack that…
Peaceful Buttermere, a valley of lakes and high mountains offering superb opportunities for quiet enjoyment in the heart of the Lake District.
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…
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.
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
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
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