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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.
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Ladies, if you have a love for the outdoors, enjoy riding a bike but feel daunted by the thought of…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice. Celebrating the…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
A high-flying adventure for all the family… Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Brought to you by the National Trust for the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for a rare…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 264
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Keswick
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding fells. Spacious, cosy and with an abundance of walks from the doorstep. Garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking for 3 cars.…
Cockermouth
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery nights really are like no other. Seated on our stunning steam train and surrounded by 1930’s decor, you will be transported to an era gone by whilst the…
Keswick
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
This…
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
Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
565 reviewsKeswick
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the warmest of welcomes and leisure facilities that provide the opportunity to unwind after a long day.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
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.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a walk to the inspiring viewpoint at Broomhill Point.
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 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 reviewsCumbria
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.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Crow Park Road, Keswick
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
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 reviewsNewlands Valley
Saturday 22nd June 2024
Distance: 26km / 16.1 miles
Fell walking Challenge fundraising in aid of The MS Society. Start/Finish: Swinside Inn, Newlands Valley. The Family 5in5 Challenge will be held on Saturday 22nd Jude 2024 along side our Annual…
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…
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