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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.
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells,…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick,…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, The Old Barn and Farm House…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
"Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Brought to you by the National Trust for Geo Week. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 257
, currently showing 241 to 257.
Pay & Display car park with 50 spaces.
The Buttermere National Trust car park lies a few hundred metres to the north of the village of Buttermere, which itself nestles between the two lakes of Buttermere (to the south) and Crummock (to the north).
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 60 spaces.
A large car park (approximately 60 spaces) with an access-for-all footpath to the quirky Bowder Stone, and a short stroll down to the river Derwent, good for wildlife watching.
Bowder Stone car park is 4¾…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 18 spaces. Charges apply every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
Keswick
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 20 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Electric bike charging point, located at The Chalet Tearoom, Portinscale, Keswick.
A £1 charge applies for use of this facility.
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