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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.
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Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
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Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
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Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
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APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
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…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
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…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District!…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
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.
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.
Threlkeld, Keswick
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. Expect to find a wide range of annuals, perennials, vegetable seedlings, herbs, grasses, shrubs, house plants and more, all grown by local gardeners and at…
Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
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,…
Cumbria
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells. They are gentler and run off in great sweeps to an area of high moors and rolling hills known collectively as the 'Back o' Skidda'. The only features…
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Lake Rd, Keswick
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring theatre company desperately trying to maintain their composure and regain any shred of credibility.
From their frantic last-minute rehearsals in…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Keswick
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
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.
KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
Keswick
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack at Alpkit Keswick.
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
Cumbria
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Full day workshops are designed for those looking to take their photography to the next level and learn how to get the most out of your photography equipment, be that an iPad or…
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,…
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