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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.
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
A busy weekly Market each Thursday from Mid February to end December.. A wide range of food, fresh…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night. The walk will cover up 5 - 7 miles…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Cosy up for a Christmassy crafting experience in our snug yurt and create your own handmade…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 238
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Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
589 reviewsKeswick
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
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 reviewsCumbria
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path known as the Corridor Route. It climbs a rough but steady route from Sty Head to Lingmell Col from where it is a simple climb up the summit screes to…
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.
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Keswick
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2374 reviewsKeswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025?
Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won't disappoint those who love the Lakes. These are…
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
156 reviewsKeswick
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes of Catbells in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, close to the village of Grange and approximately five miles from the market town of Keswick.
The…
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Borrowdale, Keswick
This Christmas, take your family on a magical journey through the heart of the Lake District mountains to discover Santa's Secret Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister, hidden deep inside the slate mine! Far from your ordinary grotto, this unique adventure…
Keswick
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover up 5 - 7 miles in the forest and out on to the fell tops just outside the forest bounds, depending on the weather and conditions.
This is a more challenging…
Keswick
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding fells. Spacious, cosy and with an abundance of walks from the doorstep. Garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking for 3 cars.…
Peaceful Buttermere, a valley of lakes and high mountains offering superb opportunities for quiet enjoyment in the heart of the Lake District.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
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