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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.
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days. Come and join us for a rare…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Join our experienced, knowledgeable Ranger as they lead you around our amazing WOW Trail! The Wow…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
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Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is our last push to get everything in order, before we head within for the winter months. Connecting with our intuition it is an opportunity for deep self…
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
149 reviewsKeswick
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!
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.
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a short guided taster walk suitable for off-road mobility equipment.
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
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.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
809 reviewsPenrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
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…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Keswick
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying uninterrupted views across the Derwent Valley towards Skiddaw and Latrigg. We are only 2 miles from Keswick.
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This beautiful super moon illuminates our own personal harvest as we approach the Autumn Equinox, a time of balance and reflection.
Keswick
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
565 reviewsLake Rd, Keswick
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love.
Catherine Morland knows little of the world, but who needs real-life experience when you have novels to guide you? Catherine seizes her chance to escape her…
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