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![]() | Forage and Nibble with Alpkit in Keswick |
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 newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The "Not to be missed" Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition will be hosted by Keswick Methodist Church…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 270
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Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
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…
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.
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…
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,…
Keswick
Adventurous Ink, the book subscription that helps readers reconnect, are inviting lovers of good books and the great outdoors to join them for a unique springtime event at Seatoller Farm in the Lake District's Borrowdale.
Over the weekend of 29th &…
Lake Rd, Keswick
We're not in Keswick anymore…
From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her old life in London. But as she climbs out of the window to run away, a storm whisks her up, and she gets far more than she bargained for.
How do you…
Keswick
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for Springtime", Mendelssohn, Vaughan Williams, and others. With Nikki Martin, Jonny Hill. Accompanist: David T Shingler. Conductor: Ian Hare
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.
Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At 19k long and rising to over 500m, the Altura Trail puts the mountain back into biking
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
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!
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Loweswater is a small hamlet situated between Loweswater and Crummock waters. It is home to The Kirkstile Inn which has been providing food and shelter for some 400 hundred years, and now has it's very own brewery.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
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