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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.
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Keswick Convention is a unique Christian event. Christians from all over the UK and from around the…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery…
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
This small and friendly guest house is located a short walk from the town centre and many of the…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
171 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.
Loweswater is a small hamlet situated between Loweswater and Crummock waters. It is home to The Kirkstile Inn which has been providing food and shelter for some 400 hundred years, and now has it's very own brewery.
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…
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 reviewsCumbria
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange from part way down Honister Pass and nips behind the craggy ramparts of Castle Crag. It's a great descent on a mountain bike with a consistent…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
154 reviewsKeswick
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to enjoy the countryside.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a challenging guided walk through Great Wood.
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.
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Keswick
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come along on our intermediate navigation course to find out how.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsKeswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
123 reviewsBorrowdale, 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
1715 reviewsKeswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Keswick
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK. In addition to outdoor sports, people can enjoy activities, live music, inspirational speakers, and an incredible array of outdoor brands, plus…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join our experienced, knowledgeable Ranger as they lead you around our amazing WOW Trail!
The Wow trail is a 4.5-mile walking trail showcasing the wonders of Whinlatter, England's only true mountain forest.
Be prepared to enjoy fantastic views,…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Keswick
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into England's only mountain forest (Whinlatter) and into beautiful remote trails in this amazing national park. A challenging but very rewarding early summer…
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
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