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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.
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Saturday 7th December Eat, drink and be merry at this lively party night as we take you through…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West. The Lake District is England's largest national park and a…
Thursday 5th December Entertainment from DJ Ryan Non-stop dancefloor fillers 3-course meal Tea,…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 239
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
261 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new dimension to trail running: it is both wild and peaceful at the same time.
Your senses become razor sharp and you become aware of your heartbeat pounding…
Keswick
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Cumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
B5289, 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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night and be part of the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival!
Covering 3-4 miles of trails, and weather permitting, stopping for some amazing star gazing opportunities. As an amateur astronomer Jo can …
Cumbria
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…
Keswick
Join in the celebrations in Keswick on Friday 15th November for their annual Christmas Light Switch on complete with lights and live music.
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
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 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…
Cockermouth
This is a practical course aimed at beginners, although more experienced students are welcome. Over four days, you will master the art of traditional water and oil gilding. Using skilled processes, you will prepare a picture frame, decorative…
Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
72 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…
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
543 reviewsKeswick
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a beginners course in beautiful Lakeland settings.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
5 reviewsKeswick
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in four acres of landscaped gardens. The perfect base for a relaxing break exploring the town and further afield, the hotel offers…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2374 reviewsKeswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
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