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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.
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and…
Keswick Convention is a unique Christian event. Christians from all over the UK and from around the…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 256
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Keswick
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes from the town centre. All rooms are very well furnished with ensuite facilities.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
434 reviewsKeswick
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4, having lounge, kitchen, bath/shower room, double, king-size (2 with en suite) and twin bedrooms. Fine fell views and private parking.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviewsKeswick
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
563 reviewsLoweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Keswick
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes of Catbells in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, close to the village of Grange and approximately five miles from the market town of Keswick.
The…
Crow Park Road, Keswick
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around Derwentwater with an extra loop into the Newlands valley.
Organised by Keswick Rugby Club
Keswick
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a wet decent of a Lakeland mountain stream, We are based just twenty minutes walk away from the top of the ghyll which means the only thing getting soaked…
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 Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Lake Rd, Keswick
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a guided walk along the accessible path on the Derwent Water shore.
Join ranger Roy as he guides you along Derwent Water, taking in the views across the…
Keswick
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
12-14 Main St, Keswick
A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down alleyways and along country footpaths to explore Keswick and uncover its secrets.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
171 reviewsKeswick
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the warmest of welcomes and leisure facilities that provide the opportunity to unwind after a long day.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1708 reviewsKeswick
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
120 reviewsVarious 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.
Keswick
Ladies from West Cumbria - join Jo from JAG Outdoors for this special free Dark Skies Walk at Ennerdale!
A chance to get outside, explore the local area, and experience the the forest at night.
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