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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.
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.
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
APEX have created a truly unique challenge, guaranteed to make you physically and mentally stronger…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
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…
Cockermouth
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Keswick
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with immediate access to superb walks and forest trails. Located on a lower slope of Skiddaw mountain.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Inspired by remarkable true events.
"It's built for us, isn't it? The Spitfire. Built for women."
New Year's Eve, 1959.
Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The…
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Come and join The Conscious Self for some cold & hot exposure in the heart of The Lake District!
Using the beautiful Comb Beck that runs through the heart of Whinlatter, surrounded by nature and in our beautiful woodlands!
Here are just some…
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!
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…
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Keswick
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Keswick
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack at Alpkit Keswick.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
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