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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.
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a…
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the…
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Welcoming guest house overlooking Fitz Park serving an extensive breakfast using locally sourced…
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 259
, currently showing 241 to 259.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wheatsheaf pub.
A 50p charge applies for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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Blencathra boasts two of the Lake District's finest ridges, Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell Ridge. Sharp Edge is the more technical of the two and is usually viewed with mixed emotions; its lofty position and fine sculpted crest have the capacity to…
Keswick
An all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter is now available for hire at the Theatre by the Lake, on the shores of Derwentwater.
The Tramper allows those with limited mobility to join these walks and explore the stunning scenery of the Lake District.…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 22 spaces.
Kettlewell is a small and popular pay-and-display car park on the shores of Derwent Water. A great place for water-sports, bring your canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, unload and set off for the islands.…
KESWICK
A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at Lorton Village Shop.
A Donation to Mountain Rescue is requested for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
COCKERMOUTH
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
A half-mile level walk from Lanthwaite Wood car park is one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes. The woodland (a haven for red squirrels) suddenly opens up with a view right down Crummock…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 40 spaces.
At 350m altitude, this is a good place to gain height before heading for the summits or to start a downhill walk and catch the bus back up.
The car park is off the B5289 at the summit of Honister Pass between…
Keswick
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 60 spaces.
A large car park (approximately 60 spaces) with an access-for-all footpath to the quirky Bowder Stone, and a short stroll down to the river Derwent, good for wildlife watching.
Bowder Stone car park is 4¾…
Bassnthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
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