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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.
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West. The Lake District is England's largest national park and a…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
26th December 12pm-2.30pm £35 for 3-courses Indulge in the ultimate post-Christmas tradition with…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 238
, currently showing 201 to 220.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
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
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 60 spaces.
A large car park (approximately 60 spaces) with an access-for-all footpath to the quirky Bowder Stone, and a short stroll down to the river Derwent, good for wildlife watching.
Bowder Stone car park is 4¾…
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.
Cockermouth
This is a popular route (1.25km each way) for walkers leading to the shore of Crummock Water. The views over the lake to Mellbreak and surrounding fells are breathtaking.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
COCKERMOUTH
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
A half-mile level walk from Lanthwaite Wood car park is one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes. The woodland (a haven for red squirrels) suddenly opens up with a view right down Crummock…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
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 18 spaces. Charges apply every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
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
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
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
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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Blencathra boasts two of the Lake District's finest ridges, Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell Ridge. Sharp Edge is the more technical of the two and is usually viewed with mixed emotions; its lofty position and fine sculpted crest have the capacity to…
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).
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