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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.
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing…
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes…
Brought to you by the National Trust for the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for a rare…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Saturday 22nd June 2024 Distance: 26km / 16.1 miles Fell walking Challenge fundraising in aid of…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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…
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.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Downtown on Skid Row, weedy flower shop assistant Seymour is down on his luck until he stumbles across a mysterious new plant with killer potential. Fame and fortune follow but will this win the attention of the girl of his dreams, or will the…
Keswick
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, large lounge, open fire, garden room, large kitchen/dining room, utility, CH, double-glazing and cycle storage.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviewsCockermouth
Join us for celestial exploration of flavour for one night only, Saturday 4th May 2024.
To celebrate the launch of Galáxia, you are invited to join us at the distillery for an evening of stargazing and whisky tasting. Co-hosted by local…
Keswick
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private gardens and access straight on to the fells.
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
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
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of energy of the solstice married with the love, joy & magic of the Strawberry full moon!
In this magical ritual I share my own personal practice with you,…
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Keswick
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides to bring you this fantastic opportunity. A chance to sign up for the challenge of a lifetime and raise funds for your local Hospice at Home charity. We…
Keswick
The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in a quiet corner of the Borrowdale valley and offers a relaxing escape near Derwentwater. It's interior offers a perfect mix of tradition and modern designs, preserving the hotel's historic character.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1523 reviewsKeswick
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes from the town centre. All rooms are very well furnished with ensuite facilities.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
435 reviewsKeswick
Brought to you by the National Trust for the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit the processing mill at Force Crag Mine. To make this event more inclusive, we would like to offer transport for those who may have…
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.
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Cumbria
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable Crag), owes its existence to a colourful quarryman known as Moses Rigg.
Cumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
Keswick
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie movies, and live-streamed theatre, ballet and music.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
291 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL