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![]() | Day Admission to The Lake District Wildlife Park |
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.
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 141 to 160.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world is at rest, our dreams for the year ahead are beginning to form in readiness for the return of the sun at the upcoming winter solstice,…
Keswick
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
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
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
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
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…
Keswick
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the…
Keswick
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this triathlon-style team challenge. Combining biking, hiking, and paddling, teams of two or four will race from dawn to dusk, pushing their limits across…
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
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.
Cumbria
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of the best routes up the mountain. To get to it you have to deal with the intervening corries and hills and this is what makes it special. They provide…
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…
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.
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
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