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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.
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying…
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love. Catherine…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4,…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests…
Keswick Convention is a unique Christian event. Christians from all over the UK and from around the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 257
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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
809 reviewsThirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.
Keswick
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying uninterrupted views across the Derwent Valley towards Skiddaw and Latrigg. We are only 2 miles from Keswick.
Peaceful Buttermere, a valley of lakes and high mountains offering superb opportunities for quiet enjoyment in the heart of the Lake District.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Borrowdale.
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
564 reviewsSt Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the branches of a tree. All very different in character, these sub-valleys are interesting places to explore and can conveniently be used as thoroughfares for…
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love.
Catherine Morland knows little of the world, but who needs real-life experience when you have novels to guide you? Catherine seizes her chance to escape her…
Keswick
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.
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
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
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…
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.
Keswick
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4, having lounge, kitchen, bath/shower room, double, king-size (2 with en suite) and twin bedrooms. Fine fell views and private parking.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviewsStunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Keswick
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Lake Rd, Keswick
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a guided walk along the accessible path on the Derwent Water shore.
Join ranger Roy as he guides you along Derwent Water, taking in the views across the…
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
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