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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.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice. Celebrating the…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It 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…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that combines the power of nature, ancient…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
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: 258
, currently showing 221 to 240.
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 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
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…
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
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
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
COCKERMOUTH
2 electric bike charging points, located at Bassenthwaite Lake Station Cafe. Charging facility is provided free to paying customers only, in exchange for a donation to a chosen charity which will change each year.
KESWICK
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 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
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 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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