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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.
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is…
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
565 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and symbolises fertility, growth and change; blossoming into your fullest potential!
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to celebrate…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to the Earth, and symbolises the beginning of our personal harvest as the season begins to slow.
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred…
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
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Keswick
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a short guided taster walk suitable for off-road mobility equipment.
Keswick
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Cumbria
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…
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 reviewsCumbria
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…
KESWICK
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and tranquillity, it can be traced back to the mid 16th century, although it was substantially refurbished in the 1840s.
Keswick
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in four acres of landscaped gardens. The perfect base for a relaxing break exploring the town and further afield, the hotel offers…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2337 reviewsBassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
Crow Park Road, Keswick
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around Derwentwater with an extra loop into the Newlands valley.
Organised by Keswick Rugby Club
Keswick
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
This…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
809 reviewsKeswick
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.
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