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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 Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4,…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Not only is the Scafell Hotel in one of the most stunning locations in the Lake District, but great…
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into…
At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 256
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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
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
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
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4, having lounge, kitchen, bath/shower room, double, king-size (2 with en suite) and twin bedrooms. Fine fell views and private parking.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviewsGrange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1329 reviewsBassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Keswick
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing escape near Derwentwater. It's interior offers a perfect mix of tradition and modern designs, preserving the hotel's historic character.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1522 reviewsBassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest. At the shortest day, we take our lead from Mother Nature; slowing down our bodies and minds to the rhythm of the forest.
Keswick
Not only is the Scafell Hotel in one of the most stunning locations in the Lake District, but great food, great wine, great beer and of course great service makes our 2 AA Rosette restaurant an eating destination.
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!
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1709 reviewsCumbria
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
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Keswick
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private gardens and access straight on to the fells.
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.
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