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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.
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
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
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
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,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
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…
Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Taster sessions are the perfect opportunity to 'dip your toe' into the world of landscape photography, exploring different elements and techniques.
£25 per person. Booking…
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Come and join The Conscious Self at the Woodland Reset for some grounding, conscious, connecting & mindful time in nature to reconnect and rewild yourself!
Join in at Whinlatter Forest for a day of nature, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Explore the…
Keswick
Mikron Theatre company return with another of their humorous, entertaining and educational musical dramas. This time we invite you to enter a world of secrets, songs and cyphers as we get to know the heroes of Hut 3 at Bletchley Park where the code…
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
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
Borrowdale, Keswick
For one week only this October, Honister Slate Mine invites you underground to hear spine-tingling tales inspired by real lives, loss and legends that linger in the dark. Guided by your storyteller’s lantern, you’ll walk through pitch-black tunnels…
Loweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
Keswick
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the Corkscrew? Do you want to get soaked from head to toe? Then Ghyll Scrambling is the activity for you!
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
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