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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.
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
1st January | 11am-2pm £67 Welcome drink 90-minute all-you-can-eat slot Eastern & Western…
Paddleboarding is quickly gaining popularity as a new paddle sport in the UK, and there’s no better…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District.…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 278
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Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
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…
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…
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…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Keswick
Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure at BounceFest, where your kids are in for a non-stop 90 minutes of pure, energetic thrill! From bouncing babies to high-flying toddlers and all the way up to the dynamic 12-year-olds, our inflatables and…
Keswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
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…
Sundue Cottage, Keswick
Popular annual candlelit Festival of Christmas Music with guest pupils from Keswick School
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Lake Rd, Keswick
Open the season of goodwill at the 'Cumbrian Christmas Cracker'
A nostalgic evening of seasonal readings, poems, dialect and music. Author Alan Cleaver, Countrystride producer David Felton and special guests unpack a stocking of seasonal gifts…
Keswick
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor leisure activity in the UK for centuries, enjoyed by both peasants and kings? And guess what? We’ve got you covered with different sized bows to fit…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
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.
Cumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
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