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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.
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 101 to 120.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race
Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District! Starting from Honister Slate Mine, participants will race through 1km of underground tunnels before climbing Fleetwith Pike and Grey Knotts, taking in…
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Cumbria
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable Crag), owes its existence to a colourful quarryman known as Moses Rigg.
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,…
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
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
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,…
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At 19k long and rising to over 500m, the Altura Trail puts the mountain back into biking
Keswick
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes of Catbells in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, close to the village of Grange and approximately five miles from the market town of Keswick.
The…
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter.
Starting with a run, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna (relaxation) and a non caffeinated drink.
The run…
Keswick
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
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…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage.
When it comes to the subject of marriage, headstrong Lizzy Bennet is determined to resist the mounting pressures and expectations from society. But can she resist love,…
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.
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