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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.
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Borrowdale is quite a complex valley its head is split into a series of off-shoots like the…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
The climb onto the main ridge of the High Stile Range is a bit on the stiff side but once you get…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 258
, currently showing 241 to 258.
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
KESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wheatsheaf pub.
A 50p charge applies for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wild Strawberry, Keswick.
A £1 donation to Another way environmental charity is requested for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.
Keswick
An all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter is now available for hire at the Theatre by the Lake, on the shores of Derwentwater.
The Tramper allows those with limited mobility to join these walks and explore the stunning scenery of the Lake District.…
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Non-hired bikes can be charged for half an hour if they have been PAT tested and display the sticker at Cyclewise bike shop.
Electric Bike Charging Point, located at Cyclewise, Whinlatter Forest
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 40 spaces.
At 350m altitude, this is a good place to gain height before heading for the summits or to start a downhill walk and catch the bus back up.
The car park is off the B5289 at the summit of Honister Pass between…
Bassnthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
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