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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.
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night and be part of the Cumbria Dark Skies…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 238
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Troutbeck, Penrith
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
542 reviewsLake Rd, Keswick
A high-flying adventure for all the family…
Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends his boyhood days running wild with his wolf friends and hunting with the pack.
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Keswick
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2374 reviewsCumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
B5289, Keswick
Enjoy the delightful flavours of Christmas with our festive-inspired Afternoon Tea. Indulge in scones, cakes, and finger sandwiches, all served with freshly brewed tea in the cosy ambiance of the conservatory, offering stunning views of the…
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
260 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
822 reviewsCumbria
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
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
165 reviewsPenrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
589 reviewsThe loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
B5289, Keswick
Celebrate the life of bard Robbie Burns with us at the Borrowdale Hotel on Friday 17th January 2025. We are hosting a special Burns Night Supper to mark the occasion.
Evening includes:
welcome canapes
4-course Scottish inspired meal - see website…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
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