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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.
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but…
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Geo Week. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
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.…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4,…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Cockermouth Mechanics' Band is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
Saturday 22nd June 2024 Distance: 26km / 16.1 miles Fell walking Challenge fundraising in aid of…
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 252
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Keswick
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private gardens and access straight on to the fells.
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Keswick
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into England's only mountain forest (Whinlatter) and into beautiful remote trails in this amazing national park. A challenging but very rewarding early summer…
Braithwaite, Keswick
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice.
Celebrating the release of the dark and return of the sun as from now on each new day grows longer.
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
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.…
Keswick
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the…
Keswick
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that combines the power of nature, ancient rituals, and sisterhood bonding?
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1707 reviewsBassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa.
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping 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 reviewsKeswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a walk to the inspiring viewpoint at Broomhill Point.
Lake Rd, Keswick
The world's most famous detective gets a hilarious makeover in this spectacularly theatrical comedy
A terrible murder, a terrifying family curse, a killer on the loose and a gigantic beast on the moor; this sounds like a case for Sherlock Holmes!…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest.
Each loop is approximately 4.16 miles long (replicating the distance of a Backyard Ultra). You can run continuously, to clock up as many miles as you can, or complete 1…
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This beautiful super moon illuminates our own personal harvest as we approach the Autumn Equinox, a time of balance and reflection.
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At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes of a fairly uniform nature which when compared with the likes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on the other, eastern side, certainly lack that…
Keswick
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying uninterrupted views across the Derwent Valley towards Skiddaw and Latrigg. We are only 2 miles from Keswick.
Keswick
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
958 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
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