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![]() | Forage and Nibble near Keswick |
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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 loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its…
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power.…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Braithwaite
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite apartments, and an old village shop & tea room on the ground floor. Our aim is to pay homage to village life and keep it alive here in Braithwaite; whilst also…
Cumbria
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path known as the Corridor Route. It climbs a rough but steady route from Sty Head to Lingmell Col from where it is a simple climb up the summit screes to…
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Keswick
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West.
The Lake District is England's largest national park and a world-class swimming destination, the Great Lake District Swim Challenge West is to swim all the swim-able Lakes in the Lake District. This trip…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and symbolises fertility, growth and change; blossoming into your fullest potential! It brings an invitation to transform, heal, and empower ourselves…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
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…
Borrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
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
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…
Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
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…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
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…
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