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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.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
This hilarious battle of cons will keep you laughing, humming, and guessing to the end! Lawrence…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Considering its unsighted most of the way, the approach to Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
This hilarious battle of cons will keep you laughing, humming, and guessing to the end! Lawrence…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 278
, currently showing 201 to 220.
Cumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
Threlkeld, Keswick
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. Expect to find a wide range of annuals, perennials, vegetable seedlings, herbs, grasses, shrubs, house plants and more, all grown by local gardeners and at…
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from traditional stone barns, our cottages are spacious, comfortable and well equipped.
Cockermouth
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired feast at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Cumbria
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange from part way down Honister Pass and nips behind the craggy ramparts of Castle Crag. It's a great descent on a mountain bike with a consistent…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of struggling up hills then now is your chance to try cycling with a difference.
This Breeze ride in the Forest is a women only "E-BIKE" ride,…
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
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.
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.
Keswick
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Keswick
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in four acres of landscaped gardens. The perfect base for a relaxing break exploring the town and further afield, the hotel offers…
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
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
St. Johns Street, Keswick
The 25th Anniversary of the Keswick Film Festival takes place at the Alhambra Cinema, Theatre by the Lake and Rheged.
Over 30 of the best independent and world cinema films, programmes of short films plus the 50th Anniversary screening of Tommy.
Peaceful Buttermere, a valley of lakes and high mountains offering superb opportunities for quiet enjoyment in the heart of the Lake District.
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
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
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