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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.
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
At Keswick Convention 2025, as we celebrate 150 years of Keswick Ministries, we will be exploring…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
Buttermere
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in an idyllic location on the banks of Buttermere, the festival offers loads of activities and attractions on-site, plus the opportunity to explore the…
Cumbria
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get onto the ridge the walk along its craggy and boulder strewn crest is superb. The setting is magnificent with wide ranging views across Ennerdale to…
Braithwaite, Keswick
A beautiful cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Ostara, the spring equinox. Join us this Ostara (Spring Equinox) for a sacred cacao ceremony deep in the forest, where the energies of balance, renewal, and growth align with the heart-opening power…
Keswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
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,…
Keswick
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this triathlon-style team challenge. Combining biking, hiking, and paddling, teams of two or four will race from dawn to dusk, pushing their limits across…
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails, and weather permitting, stop for some amazing star gazing opportunities. As an amateur astronomer Jo from JAG Outdoors can…
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Full day workshops are designed for those looking to take their photography to the next level and learn how to get the most out of your photography equipment, be that an iPad or…
Keswick
'Life was never better on a swing, the higher the better!'
Brought to you by the National Trust and All or Nothing, join us for a special celebration marking the 100 year anniversary of Crow Park. Expect the unexpected with aerialist performances…
Cumbria
Viewed from the west Grasmoor looks like a simple pyramidal peak but this is deceiving. Behind its giant west face it's a complex range of deep cut gills and valleys ringed by high crags and fine grassy ridges.
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Braithwaite, Keswick
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity's impact on the planet. Before closing in…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male deer begin to grow their new antlers, an indication of growth, potential and virility. It calls us to step into our power, take responsibility for our…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
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