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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.
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Walk Yourself Happy: The Lakes – One-Day Walking & Wellness Events Discover the Power of Walking…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
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,…
Keswick
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in four acres of landscaped gardens. The perfect base for a relaxing break exploring the town and further afield, the hotel offers…
Troutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a 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!
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
Keswick
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church from April 16 – 26 as it continues its tour around the country, having begun touring back in 2008.
The innovative exhibition that brings biblical…
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.
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…
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Braithwaite
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite apartments, and an old village shop & tea room on the ground floor. Our aim is to pay homage to village life and keep it alive here in Braithwaite; whilst also…
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
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…
Near Cockermouth
Join Breast Cancer Now's new fundraising adventure Night in the Wild and help change the lives of people with breast cancer. Gather your friends or colleagues, and join like-minded people on Saturday 7 June, on the breathtaking shores of Buttermere…
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!
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
Adventurous Ink, the book subscription that helps readers reconnect, are inviting lovers of good books and the great outdoors to join them for a unique springtime event at Seatoller Farm in the Lake District's Borrowdale.
Over the weekend of 29th &…
KESWICK
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and tranquillity, it can be traced back to the mid 16th century, although it was substantially refurbished in the 1840s.
Braithwaite, Keswick
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity's impact on the planet.
Force Cragg Mine was…
Keswick
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West.
The Lake District is England's largest national park and a world-class swimming destination, the Great Lake District Swim Challenge West is to swim all the swim-able Lakes in the Lake District. This trip…
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