To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
Added: | |
---|---|
![]() | Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa |
You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Keswick
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.
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.
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 279
, currently showing 181 to 200.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Taster sessions are the perfect opportunity to 'dip your toe' into the world of landscape photography, exploring different elements and techniques.
£25 per person. Booking…
Cumbria
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path known as the Corridor Route. It climbs a rough but steady route from Sty Head to Lingmell Col from where it is a simple climb up the summit screes to…
KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
Cockermouth
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired feast at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months ahead. It is a reminder for us to do the same physically and mentally, aligning to the rhythm of the season. It invites us to embrace stability,…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
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…
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Keswick
'Life was never better on a swing, the higher the better!'
Brought to you by the National Trust and All or Nothing, join us for a special celebration marking the 100 year anniversary of Crow Park. Expect the unexpected with aerialist performances…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months ahead. It is a reminder for us to do the same physically and mentally, aligning to the rhythm of the season. It invites us to embrace stability,…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
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,…
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.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the strawberries begin to ripen, how can you create more lusciousness and juiciness in your life? It encourages us to embrace freedom, adventure, and the limitless…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL
We are now retrieving your search results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds
Supporting the Destination
Quality Guarantee
We are now retrieving real time availability results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds.