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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.
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 241 to 260.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
COCKERMOUTH
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
A half-mile level walk from Lanthwaite Wood car park is one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes. The woodland (a haven for red squirrels) suddenly opens up with a view right down Crummock…
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 22 spaces.
Kettlewell is a small and popular pay-and-display car park on the shores of Derwent Water. A great place for water-sports, bring your canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, unload and set off for the islands.…
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
Keswick
Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
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
Pay and display car park with 45 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 to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…
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…
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 18 spaces. Charges apply every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
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