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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 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
This is a practical course aimed at beginners, although more experienced students are welcome. Over…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
1st January 2025 12pm-4pm £42 for 3-courses Start the new year with a sumptuous feast in the…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviewsB5289, Keswick
26th December 12pm-2.30pm
£35 for 3-courses
Indulge in the ultimate post-Christmas tradition with our Boxing Day roast at the Borrowdale Hotel, where every succulent bite promises warmth and festive flavours.
To book, please call 017687 77224
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Keswick
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and Latrigg.
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
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
Cumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
Troutbeck, Penrith
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
543 reviewsKeswick
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
79 reviewsCockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get in the festive spirit with our fun Whinlatter Welly Walk!
Suitable for all the family, our jolly rangers will lead you on a fun filled walk around the forest. Expect festive songs, a bit of festive decorating and an all round great time! Let…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Cumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
897 reviewsFrom the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1765 reviewsKeswick
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim event on Friday night and kids race on Saturday.
Braithwaite, Keswick
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice.
Celebrating the release of the dark and return of the sun as from now on each new day grows longer.
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