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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.
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest! The walk will cover up to 4 miles…
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 237
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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…
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest!
The walk will cover up to 4 miles and hope for some crisp clear skies and lots of stars to explore at various points along the route. If the stars don't appear, you will still enjoy a…
Keswick
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the length of Derwentwater.
Keswick
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Borrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
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.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to four people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
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.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
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
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
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
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.
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.
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