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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.
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
The Full Grain Moon in Aquarius invites us to celebrate the harvest of our personal growth and…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 277
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Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Keswick
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
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.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
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.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race
Experience one of the most unique fell races in the Lake District! Starting from Honister Slate Mine, participants will race through 1km of underground tunnels before climbing Fleetwith Pike and Grey Knotts, taking in…
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…
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals. It calls us to embrace balance, love, and the beauty of…
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
Keswick
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale Hotel’s Restaurant will be the most memorable reservation you have made yet.
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…
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
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding fells. Spacious, cosy and with an abundance of walks from the doorstep. Garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking for 3 cars.…
Keswick
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
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
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.
Cumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
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