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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.
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria's premier cinematic event, bringing the best in international and…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and…
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 290
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Keswick
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
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…
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
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
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.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. The Red North and South loops put the mountain back into biking and have been built for experienced riders with good off-road skills and a higher level…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Keswick
The Good Hotel Guide "Best Hotel in North of England 2024"
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Keswick
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to muster all your courage and agility to make it through this amazing course.
Keswick
Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46
Elgar - Chanson de Matin
Fauré - Après un Rêve
Saint-Saëns - The Swan
Bruch - Kol Nidrei
Williams - Elegy and Theme from Schindler's List
Nadia Boulanger - Deux Pièces
Piazzolla - Oblivion
From St Paul's…
Portinscale
Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering comfortable and versatile accommodation for families or groups that's perfectly positioned to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding fells.
Keswick
Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft sessions at Keswick Museum! Create a beautiful bunch of fresh cut spring flowers using all the resources of our craft cupboard. Perfect for an Easter…
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
St John's St, Keswick
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and independent cinema from across the world for those who love films and the beautiful setting of the Lake District.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals. It calls us to embrace balance, love, and the beauty of…
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