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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 in the celebrations in Keswick on Friday 15th November for their annual Christmas Light Switch…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
26th December 12pm-2.30pm £35 for 3-courses Indulge in the ultimate post-Christmas tradition with…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
Join fantastic astronomers from the Cockermouth Astronomical Society. We'll have telescopes set…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Cosy up for a Christmassy crafting experience in our snug yurt and create your own handmade…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 252
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KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
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
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 and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 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
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.
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
CA family friendly venue (that includes the dog). Serving coffees, cakes, breakfast and lunch, alongside beautiful gardens and games.
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
The Lake District's Specialist Cheese, Fine Foods, Wine and Gift Shop
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