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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.
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
The Plant Fair is back this year! This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May, 10am to 4pm. …
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
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…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Taster sessions are the…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 270
, currently showing 241 to 260.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 40 spaces.
At 350m altitude, this is a good place to gain height before heading for the summits or to start a downhill walk and catch the bus back up.
The car park is off the B5289 at the summit of Honister Pass between…
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
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…
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 and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
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 & 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
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.
Pay & Display car park with 32 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…
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the 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
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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
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
Café Bar 26 is a fantastic eatery offering a 100% plant-based menu in the centre of Keswick.
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
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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