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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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This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Join Breast Cancer Now's new fundraising adventure Night in the Wild and help change the lives of…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 277
, currently showing 101 to 120.
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.
Cockermouth
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired feast at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter.
Starting with a run, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna (relaxation) and a non caffeinated drink.
The run…
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.
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
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!
Lake Rd, Keswick
A gripping tale of friendship and hope.
Lennie and George are unlikely best friends, two drifters bound together by a shared faith and the ambition to live the great American dream. Landing a job on a Californian ranch during the Great Depression,…
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
-Keswick
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger in just 48 hours.
APEX is the UK's foremost endurance hiking challenge, where a vibrant community of adventurers seeks to push their limits and…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male deer begin to grow their new antlers, an indication of growth, potential and virility. It calls us to step into our power, take responsibility for our…
From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
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…
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. Before closing in…
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
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie movies, and live-streamed theatre, ballet and music.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
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