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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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Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
3 The Heads, Keswick
A half day massage training experience for you to learn a soothing, effective, deep tissue back massage. Enjoy practising and receiving massage to equip you with a powerful home treatment routine. Suitable for individuals or friends. This takes…
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
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
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in an exquisite Afternoon Tea experience. Indulge in delectable treats and savoury bites as you sit back and relax among friends.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
150 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.…
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviewsB5289, Keswick
Thursday 5th December
Entertainment from DJ Ryan
Non-stop dancefloor fillers
3-course meal
Tea, coffee & mince pies
Disco & dancing
£42 per person
Experience the ultimate party night at Borrowdale Hotel, where the sensational sounds of DJ Ryan…
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping 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 reviewsTrelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
214 reviewsB5289, Keswick
1st January 2025 12pm-4pm
£42 for 3-courses
Start the new year with a sumptuous feast in the Borrowdale Hotel's elegant restaurant as we host a decadent New Year's Day roast. Tuck into a selection of succulent roasts with all the trimmings served…
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
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale Hotel’s Restaurant will be the most memorable reservation you have made yet.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
150 reviewsKeswick
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.
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…
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
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