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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.
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Keepers Cottage was lovingly rebuilt in 2016 and now offers stylish four-bedroom accommodation with…
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars.…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Keswick
The Good Hotel Guide "Best Hotel in North of England 2024"
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
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.
KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
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?
Keswick
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering life-changing Bible teaching, worship and fellowship, with fantastic Kids & Youth programme for 3-18 year olds, in the heart of the beautiful Lake…
Keswick
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of Borrowdale, to enjoy prolonged dips in the delightful pools of Langstrath and Stonethwaite Beck. The highlight of the day is a swim in the fabled Black…
Keswick
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Keswick
Discover the work of acclaimed artist Julian Cooper at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria, where landscape, light and place are explored through striking and thought-provoking artwork.
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this exhibition…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Wythburn
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western bank of Thirlmere. Take the footpath that ascends through woodland from the back of the car park.
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Cumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
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…
Keswick
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully prepared food, elegant interiors, and service that gives you time to savour it all.
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