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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.
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
Welcoming guest house overlooking Fitz Park serving an extensive breakfast using locally sourced…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
A high-flying adventure for all the family… Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice. Celebrating the…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
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Cumbria
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…
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
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.
Lake Rd, Keswick
A high-flying adventure for all the family…
Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends his boyhood days running wild with his wolf friends and hunting with the pack.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from traditional stone barns, our cottages are spacious, comfortable and well equipped.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
102 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest.
Each loop is approximately 4.16 miles long (replicating the distance of a Backyard Ultra). You can run continuously, to clock up as many miles as you can, or complete 1…
Keswick
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
2337 reviewsA superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Art in the forest!
Painting from nature. This session is designed for slightly older children who have an interest in drawing and painting. It's a chance to spend time outdoors concentrating on observing and sketching the forest world through a…
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
528 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
The full Buck moon aligns with the potent & virile energy of the young buck, bringing strength, ambition & abundance, fuelled by the long days and balmy nights!
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to celebrate and connect…
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
870 reviewsKeswick
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes from the town centre. All rooms are very well furnished with ensuite facilities.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
435 reviewsCumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to explore.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
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
565 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL