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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.
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 279
, currently showing 221 to 240.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of year, preparing for the winter months ahead. This is the time to welcome the darker months of the year, an opportunity for introspection and self…
Keswick
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie movies, and live-streamed theatre, ballet and music.
Keswick
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Keswick
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and Latrigg.
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…
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
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
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
Pay & Display car park with 50 spaces.
The Buttermere National Trust car park lies a few hundred metres to the north of the village of Buttermere, which itself nestles between the two lakes of Buttermere (to the south) and Crummock (to the north).
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Nr Keswick
Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…
KESWICK
A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.
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