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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.
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Join our experienced, knowledgeable Ranger as they lead you around our amazing WOW Trail! The Wow…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
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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.
Keswick
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but also a wide selection of quality kids toys to play, learn and discover.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new.
Loweswater is a small hamlet situated between Loweswater and Crummock waters. It is home to The Kirkstile Inn which has been providing food and shelter for some 400 hundred years, and now has it's very own brewery.
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is handcrafted in our Keswick workshop. Our beautiful surroundings are a constant source of inspiration and influence in our work.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviewsKeswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
Keswick
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come along on our intermediate navigation course to find out how.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is our last push to get everything in order, before we head within for the winter months. Connecting with our intuition it is an opportunity for deep self…
Cumbria
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells. They are gentler and run off in great sweeps to an area of high moors and rolling hills known collectively as the 'Back o' Skidda'. The only features…
Loweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
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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
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides to bring you this fantastic opportunity. A chance to sign up for the challenge of a lifetime and raise funds for your local Hospice at Home charity. We…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Art in the forest!
Painting from nature. This session is designed for slightly older children who have an interest in drawing and painting. It's a chance to spend time outdoors concentrating on observing and sketching the forest world through a…
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest. At the shortest day, we take our lead from Mother Nature; slowing down our bodies and minds to the rhythm of the forest.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Keswick
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
123 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
Walk with our Ranger and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the forest!
Whinlatter is a red squirrel reserve and we like to make sure our fantastic reds have lots of food to munch on to keep them strong and healthy. This Wild Wednesday you can…
Keswick
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and heal. But why jump when you can walk across it..?
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
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