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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.
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Walk with our Ranger and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the forest! Whinlatter is a red…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4,…
"Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
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Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Cockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
Braithwaite, 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…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
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.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
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At first glance the western side of the Helvellyn range may seem a little dull. They display slopes of a fairly uniform nature which when compared with the likes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on the other, eastern side, certainly lack that…
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsCockermouth
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.
Cumbria
Some of Britain’s most famous landscapes lie to the south of Keswick.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
12-14 Main St, Keswick
A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down alleyways and along country footpaths to explore Keswick and uncover its secrets.
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join our crafty team in the Visitor Centre for free drop in craft activities. A great way to finish off your day in the forest with a simple but creative memento to take away!
Free event. Drop in between 11am and 3pm.
Keswick
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won't disappoint those who love the Lakes. The runs are mainly on…
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Keswick
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
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