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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.…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
Inspired by remarkable true events. "It's built for us, isn't it? The Spitfire. Built for women…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West. The Lake District is England's largest national park and a…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure at BounceFest, where your kids are in for a non-stop 90…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 261
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
Keswick
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the town center, Derwentwater and Theatre by the Lake.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
455 reviewsKESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter.
Starting with a run, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna (relaxation) and a non caffeinated drink.
The run…
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
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.
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
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
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
1602 reviewsBorrowdale, 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
1767 reviewsLake Rd, Keswick
Inspired by remarkable true events.
"It's built for us, isn't it? The Spitfire. Built for women."
New Year's Eve, 1959.
Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The…
Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
Keswick
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim event on Friday night and kids race on Saturday.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviewsKeswick
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…
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
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
Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure at BounceFest, where your kids are in for a non-stop 90 minutes of pure, energetic thrill! From bouncing babies to high-flying toddlers and all the way up to the dynamic 12-year-olds, our inflatables and…
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