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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.
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that combines the power of nature, ancient…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
Situated in the heart of Borrowdale Valley just off the main road which goes to Buttermere, The…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
The full Buck moon aligns with the potent & virile energy of the young buck, bringing strength,…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
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Keswick
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing escape near Derwentwater. It's interior offers a perfect mix of tradition and modern designs, preserving the hotel's historic character.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1523 reviewsHendersons Yard, Keswick
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works. Enjoy a sophisticated café culture serving local artisan coffee by Carvetti, speciality teas, handmade chocolates by Huttons of Windermere and some of…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviewsCockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
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
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a walk to the inspiring viewpoint at Broomhill Point.
Crow Park Road, Keswick
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Lake Rd, Keswick
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a guided walk along the accessible path on the Derwent Water shore.
Join ranger Roy as he guides you along Derwent Water, taking in the views across the…
Keswick
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.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Cockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
Vale of Lorton - a bucolic landscape of verdant pastures, riverside hay meadows, fellside woods and hidden farmhouses.
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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…
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new. Join an instructor-led session to learn the basics of paddleboarding before enjoying the freedom to explore more of Derwent…
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…
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Keswick
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides to bring you this fantastic opportunity. A chance to sign up for the challenge of a lifetime and raise funds for your local Hospice at Home charity. We…
Keswick
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private gardens and access straight on to the fells.
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal session to round off the evening.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust for Geo Week. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit the processing mill at Force Crag Mine. To make this event more inclusive, we would like to offer transport for those who may have difficulty getting…
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