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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.
A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Dine in our elegant restaurant and indulge yourself surrounded by luxury this Easter Sunday! Check…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 254
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
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.
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors, at Whinlatter Forest for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails, and weather permitting, stop for some amazing star gazing opportunities. As an amateur astronomer Jo can help you have…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Keswick
The Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to spend Mother's Day; share quality moments and delicious treats with the special women in your life during an afternoon tea this Mother's Day.
Express your gratitude and affection by booking this…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
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
557 reviewsBorrowdale, 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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
806 reviewsKeswick
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
148 reviewsKeswick
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
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
525 reviewsCumbria
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…
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