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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…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night. The walk will cover up 5 - 7 miles…
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 238
, currently showing 221 to 238.
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
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
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 to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…
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
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 18 spaces. Charges apply every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
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.
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Bassenthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
Keswick
Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.
Keswick
Set beautiful hope park, in the exclusive pods you will be served a classic afternoon tea that is perfect for any occasion, available 7 days a week.
Keswick
CA family friendly venue (that includes the dog). Serving coffees, cakes, breakfast and lunch, alongside beautiful gardens and games.
Keswick
From breads, pies and pasties, to cakes, biscuits and sandwiches, this family-owned business has been producing quality produce on the same site in the heart of Keswick for 70 years.
Keswick
The Lake District's Specialist Cheese, Fine Foods, Wine and Gift Shop
Keswick
Cumbria's 1st Lo and No bar. Brunch and amazing coffee by day, tapas and AF cocktails by night - both served with no regrets.
Keswick
Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made with local produce to ensure a great taste.
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