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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.
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 258
, currently showing 241 to 258.
Pay & Display car park with 50 spaces.
The Buttermere National Trust car park lies a few hundred metres to the north of the village of Buttermere, which itself nestles between the two lakes of Buttermere (to the south) and Crummock (to the north).
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…
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wheatsheaf pub.
A 50p charge applies for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
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.
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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
Non-hired bikes can be charged for half an hour if they have been PAT tested and display the sticker at Cyclewise bike shop.
Electric Bike Charging Point, located at Cyclewise, Whinlatter Forest
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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
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 approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
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…
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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