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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.
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is…
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, The Old Barn and Farm House…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Join our crafty team in the Visitor Centre for free drop in craft activities. A great way to finish…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn.…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
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: 264
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Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal session to round off the evening.
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 reviewsCumbria
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…
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Keswick
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that combines the power of nature, ancient rituals, and sisterhood bonding?
Keswick
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
Keswick
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Crow Park Road, Keswick
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around Derwentwater with an extra loop into the Newlands valley.
Organised by Keswick Rugby Club
Keswick
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale Hotel’s Restaurant will be the most memorable reservation you have made yet.
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149 reviewsKeswick
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to enjoy the countryside.
Borrowdale, 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…
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1715 reviewsKeswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
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565 reviewsKeswick
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.…
Keswick
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
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.
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!
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528 reviewsCentral Lakes
Big abseils/ziplines down waterfalls, sliding down natural water shoots and scrambling down the gorge . A fantastic day out if you want to test yourself and have an active/adventurous time too! Adults only and you must be fit and comfortable with…
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1055 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
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