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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.
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love. Catherine…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 258
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Keswick
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale Hotel’s Restaurant will be the most memorable reservation you have made yet.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
149 reviewsLake Rd, Keswick
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love.
Catherine Morland knows little of the world, but who needs real-life experience when you have novels to guide you? Catherine seizes her chance to escape her…
Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1712 reviewsKeswick
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK. In addition to outdoor sports, people can enjoy activities, live music, inspirational speakers, and an incredible array of outdoor brands, plus…
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
564 reviewsKeswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
Grange, Keswick
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1331 reviewsBassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
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
121 reviewsLoweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
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.
12-14 Main St, Keswick
A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down alleyways and along country footpaths to explore Keswick and uncover its secrets.
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
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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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals.
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
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