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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.
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
The world's most famous detective gets a hilarious makeover in this spectacularly theatrical…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
You’ve never experienced anything like this… Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect…
Keswick Convention is a unique Christian event. Christians from all over the UK and from around the…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
The main ridge of the Scafell Pike massif is traversed on its northwest flank by a spectacular path…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
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.
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Lake Rd, Keswick
The world's most famous detective gets a hilarious makeover in this spectacularly theatrical comedy
A terrible murder, a terrifying family curse, a killer on the loose and a gigantic beast on the moor; this sounds like a case for Sherlock Holmes!…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this rugged corner of the lake district over 450 million years ago – its legacy today is honister green slate. With quality unique and bespoke gifts that last…
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1708 reviewsKeswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new. Join an instructor-led session to learn the basics of paddleboarding before enjoying the freedom to explore more of Derwent…
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is handcrafted in our Keswick workshop. Our beautiful surroundings are a constant source of inspiration and influence in our work.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviewsKeswick
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale Hotel’s Restaurant will be the most memorable reservation you have made yet.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
149 reviewsCumbria
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…
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
256 reviewsKeswick
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
This…
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.
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Keswick
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides to bring you this fantastic opportunity. A chance to sign up for the challenge of a lifetime and raise funds for your local Hospice at Home charity. We…
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…
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
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