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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.
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
A wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy that takes you behind the curtain of a chaotic touring…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 221 to 240.
Peaceful Buttermere, a valley of lakes and high mountains offering superb opportunities for quiet enjoyment in the heart of the Lake District.
Keswick
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 22 spaces.
Kettlewell is a small and popular pay-and-display car park on the shores of Derwent Water. A great place for water-sports, bring your canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, unload and set off for the islands.…
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
Keswick
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.
KESWICK
A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
Pay & Display car park with 50 spaces.
The Buttermere National Trust car park lies a few hundred metres to the north of the village of Buttermere, which itself nestles between the two lakes of Buttermere (to the south) and Crummock (to the north).
Keswick
Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
Nr Keswick
Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…
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