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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.
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Christmas Day Lunch at the Salutation Inn from 12-3pm. £60 per person for 3 courses Christmas Day…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 238
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Keswick
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a wet decent of a Lakeland mountain stream, We are based just twenty minutes walk away from the top of the ghyll which means the only thing getting soaked…
Cumbria
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells. They are gentler and run off in great sweeps to an area of high moors and rolling hills known collectively as the 'Back o' Skidda'. The only features…
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.
Keswick
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world is at rest, our dreams for the year ahead are beginning to form in readiness for the return of the sun at the upcoming winter solstice.
Loweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
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
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West.
The Lake District is England's largest national park and a world-class swimming destination, the Great Lake District Swim Challenge West is to swim all the swim-able Lakes in the Lake District. This trip…
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
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822 reviewsTroutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a 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 reviewsHendersons Yard, Keswick
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works. Enjoy a sophisticated café culture serving local artisan coffee by Carvetti, speciality teas, handmade chocolates by Huttons of Windermere and some of…
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30 reviewsBorrowdale, Keswick
The slate mine tours at Honister Slate Mine offer an exciting experience suitable for all ages come rain or shine. Set in a picturesque part of the Lake District at the top of Honister Pass, visitors can adventure deep into the belly of Fleetwith…
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1760 reviewsKeswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
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5 reviewsKeswick
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…
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
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…
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
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