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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.
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice. Celebrating the…
A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of…
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
For a fine dining experience which includes enticing menus and attentive service, the Borrowdale…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days. Come and join us for a rare…
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in…
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting,…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in four acres of landscaped gardens. The perfect base for a relaxing break exploring the town and further afield, the hotel offers…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2335 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
808 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice.
Celebrating the release of the dark and return of the sun as from now on each new day grows longer.
12-14 Main St, Keswick
A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down alleyways and along country footpaths to explore Keswick and uncover its secrets.
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.
Keswick
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest. At the shortest day, we take our lead from Mother Nature; slowing down our bodies and minds to the rhythm of the forest.
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
149 reviewsBraithwaite, 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.
Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Keswick
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes of Catbells in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, close to the village of Grange and approximately five miles from the market town of Keswick.
The…
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is handcrafted in our Keswick workshop. Our beautiful surroundings are a constant source of inspiration and influence in our work.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviewsKeswick
Sun, Wind or Rain this is the favourite activity for visitors to Newlands. Ghyll Scrambling is a wet decent of a Lakeland mountain stream, We are based just twenty minutes walk away from the top of the ghyll which means the only thing getting soaked…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days.
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…
Keswick
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in an exquisite Afternoon Tea experience. Indulge in delectable treats and savoury bites as you sit back and relax among friends.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
149 reviewsTroutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a 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!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
526 reviewsKeswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
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