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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.
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
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…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Keswick
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in an exquisite Afternoon Tea experience. Indulge in delectable treats and savoury bites as you sit back and relax among friends.
Buttermere
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in an idyllic location on the banks of Buttermere, the festival offers loads of activities and attractions on-site, plus the opportunity to explore the…
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is handcrafted in our Keswick workshop. Our beautiful surroundings are a constant source of inspiration and influence in our work.
Cockermouth
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Cockermouth
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…
Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
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.
Keswick
At Keswick Convention 2025, as we celebrate 150 years of Keswick Ministries, we will be exploring the truths of the Bible through our theme Transformed:
We are transformed: Christ, crucified for us, became our sin, delivered us from darkness to…
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025?
Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won't disappoint those who love the Lakes. These are…
-Keswick
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger in just 48 hours.
APEX is the UK's foremost endurance hiking challenge, where a vibrant community of adventurers seeks to push their limits and…
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
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.
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